Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
On this full-day private, chauffeured excursion from Avignon or elsewhere in the region, you will learn all about the history and wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with private tastings and a Provençal lunch arranged for your party. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is both a darling medieval village (“the Pope’s new castle”) and a famous fine-wine appellation in the sun-baked southern Rhône Valley. In the 14th century, the papacy established itself in Avignon, and under Jean XXII the village became a summer residence of the papacy. The church and wine have been intertwined here for centuries.
Over the centuries, and to this day, the village and area have retained their reputation as a source of super-high-status, full-bodied wines. In 1936, Châteauneuf-du-Pape became France’s first wine AOC. Most production is red, using the appellation’s 13 permitted grape varieties, usually led by Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre as important partners. Producers also make quality whites, and you will taste examples during the day.
You will see the famous “Galets Roulés” (round stones dating back to the Ice Age) across many of the vineyards. You’ll learn how these stones, along with the Mistral winds and sunshine, shape the wines. And of course, you will taste some of the best wines from Guigal’s Château de Nalys, the extraordinarily beautiful Château La Nerthe, and the atmospheric, family-run cellar at Les Caves Saint Charles.
As featured in
Signature journey
Highlights include private Mercedes transportation, private winery visits and tastings, and a Provençal lunch with wine pairings.
Day 1Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Château la Nerthe
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!
Your first stop is Château de Nalys, a prestigious property that has been making wine since the 16th century and is currently owned by the Guigal family, veritable wine celebrities. The estate sits in a picturesque setting, with views of the castle-crowned stone hamlet and Mont Ventoux on the horizon. Enjoy a private guided tour of the winery, its neat little wine museum, and its pretty 18th-century barrique cellars. Château de Nalys is unusual in the region in that they 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, red and white.
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 historic vaulted cellar in the village. While the patrimony is incredible, the effervescent host, Guy Brémond, makes this place so distinctive. Guy is a Maître Sommelier and founder of Les Caves Saint Charles. 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 Provençal lunch with wine pairings on their terrace.
Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy a digestive stroll around the hamlet of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy excellent photo ops, fun shopping ideas like an artisan chocolatier, and plenty of wine-shopping options.
We have saved the best for last. Next is a private winery visit 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. Beyond the beautiful setting, 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 des Cadettes, and Clos de Beauvenir.
Late afternoon: Return to your hotel after a wonderful day in wine country. We hope you had a stellar time today!
Genevieve has spent more than 20 years creating private food and wine journeys across Spain, Portugal and France. She regularly visits the regions featured in these collections, meeting with winery, hotel, guide, and restaurant partners and exploring new experiences. She also reviews feedback from Cellar Tours guests. Her role is to help travelers choose the wine region, itinerary style, and pace that best match their interests—not simply the destination with the most famous name.
Anything not listed in your proposal—such as additional meals, wine purchases, gratuities and personal expenses—is not included.
All wine visits and tastings are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt transport, lunch arrangements and winery visits wherever possible.
