Visit the most beautiful and world famous wine estates in the beautiful hamlet and region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is both a darling, medieval village (“ the Pope’s new castle”) as well as a famous, fine wine appellation in the sun-baked southern part of the Rhône Valley. In the 14th century, the Popes came to Avignon from Rome to establish the papacy there and Châteauneuf-du-Pape was built as the summer palace for Pope Jean XXII. The church and wine have been intertwined for millennia and indeed, vines were planted here commercially as far back as the 1300s to serve the church and nobility.
Over the centuries and until today, the village and area have retained their reputation as a source of super-high status, full-bodied wines. In 1935 the vineyards here were officially classified under the “appellation d’origine contrôlée” system. The majority of the production is “spicy” red wine, made with up to 13 permitted grape varietals (but dominated by Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre). Quality whites are surprisingly also made here, which you will taste today, mainly with Roussanne and Grenache Blanc.
On this full-day private, chauffeured excursion from Avignon (or other villages and towns in the region like Orange, Carpentras, etc), you will learn all about the history of the area, and the organic winemaking philosophy. You will see the famous “Galets Roulés” (round stones dating back to the ice age, sprinkled all throughout the vineyard floor) literally everywhere. You’ll learn about how these stones, along with the Mistral winds, and sunshine attribute to the quality of the wines. And of course, you will taste some of the best wines made here, at some of the most enchanting and highly awarded estates including Guigal’s Château de Nalys, the extraordinarily beautiful Château La Nerthe, and the atmospheric, family-run cellar at Caves Saint Charles.
If you are interested in reserving this exclusive, private Mercedes chauffeured wine tasting excursion in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, contact us for more information.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tours Highlights:
- Exclusive Wine Tastings at 3 Premium Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine estates
- Private lunch at wine estate
- Private Chauffeured Excursion and VIP service
Below is a suggested Itinerary for your private Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tours
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Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Sample Luxury Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour Itinerary
Château la Nerthe - None
- Private wine estate lunch with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
9:30 a.m. This morning, your charming driver-guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel or accommodation and sweep you away to the wine country. Get ready for a wonderful day with memorable wines!
10 a.m. Your first stop is at Château de Nalys, a prestigious property making wines since the 16th century and currently owned by the Guigal family, veritable wine celebrities. The wine estate is located in the most picturesque setting possible with views of the castle- crowned, stone hamlet, and Mont Ventoux on the horizon. You will enjoy a private guided tour of the winery and their neat little wine museum, as well as their pretty barrique cellars dating back to the 1700s. Château de Nalys is unusual in the region in that they do still grow and blend the 13 permitted grape varietals, and you will learn about their winemaking techniques. Complete your delightful visit here with a private tasting of their full range, including their Grand Vins, both red and white.
12 Noon An exceptional experience is in store for you next- a private wine tasting and lunch at Les Caves Saint Charles. This unique venue could not be more romantic- a 14th-century wine cellar where the Pope later used for his own wines. While the patrimony is just incredible, what makes this place so distinctive is the effervescent host- Guy Bremond. Guy is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Tasting Ambassador” and a certified master sommelier. You will indulge in a selection of wines in the candlelit cellar and feel like you are on a movie set! Conclude the visit here with a delicious, Mediterranean style lunch prepared just for you on their sunny terrace.
After lunch, enjoy a digestive stroll around the hamlet of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There are nice photo ops here, also some fun shopping ideas like an artisan chocolatier, and of course, plenty of wine shopping possibilities.
3:30 p.m. We have saved the best for last. A private, exclusive winery visit is next at the splendid Château La Nerthe. This property is truly breathtaking with a Provencal style 18th-century Château, fascinating 16th-century cellars, and a mature, shady park with various viewpoints. Apart from the wonderful place itself, Château La Nerthe is also one of France’s most respected wineries. You will take a private tour of the majestic Château and cellars and end your day tasting their emblematic red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, Château La Nerthe, Cuvée Les Cadettes, and Clos de Beauvenir.
5:30 p.m. Arrive back at your hotel after a wonderful day out in the wine country. We hope you had a stellar time today!
