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Depart from Aix-en-Provence for a full-day private wine tour through one of France's most prestigious appellations. Your expert English-speaking guide picks you up directly from your accommodation and takes you deep into the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region — exploring the village, its history, and its exceptional wines across two private tasting sessions at carefully selected estates.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape holds a unique place in French wine history. One of the first appellations to receive AOC status in France, its vineyards trace back to the Roman era and reached international prominence in the 14th century under the Avignon popes. It was Pope Clement V who first recognized the exceptional quality of this terroir, and his successor Pope John XXII who developed viticulture here to a level of renown that spread far beyond the borders of the Comtat Venaissin.
On arrival in the village, your guide leads you through the ancient streets to the ruins of the papal castle, the former summer residence of the Avignon popes, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the Rhône Valley and the surrounding vineyards.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated above all for its powerful, complex reds, built primarily on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre — the dominant varieties of the southern Rhône. The appellation also produces richly perfumed whites from varieties including Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, some of the most characterful indigenous grapes in France.
Your morning tasting takes place at a selected local estate, where you are introduced to the appellation's wines in depth. Free time in the village follows, giving you the opportunity to explore the old 14th-century papal cellars and, if you wish, visit additional producers at your own pace. Your guide can recommend further estates based on your preferences.
A lunch break is built into the itinerary at a local restaurant in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Your guide can pre-book a table on your behalf, giving you the chance to pair the cuisine of the region with a glass — or two — of the appellation's wines.
The afternoon takes you to a second carefully chosen estate for a guided cellar visit and tasting. You explore the domain's history, production facilities, and winemaking philosophy, and taste a selection of wines that illustrates the breadth of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — from entry-level blends to prestige cuvées. Your guide explains the blending decisions, the role of each grape variety, and the influence of the iconic galet stones on the wines in your glass.
Your guide drives you back to Aix-en-Provence at the close of the afternoon, returning you to your hotel or accommodation. Because this is a fully private tour, the return time can be adjusted slightly to suit the pace of your day.
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