Are you seeking the perfect place to experience an unforgettable summer holiday in the south of France? Look no further than Winalist’s perfect Provence travel guide – your best way to visit Provence vineyards and plan the perfect Provence wine trip.
Here, you will be mesmerized by magnificent scenery that is unlike any other! The blissful sunrays, crystal-clear oceans, coupled with exquisite wines will make this vacation one for the books. What more could a wine enthusiast ask for from their ideal getaway spot?
Located in the south-east of France near its border with Italy, Provence is a stunning region bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. During summertime, locals bathe to refresh from the sweltering heat.
With varied terrain and lavender fields that fill the air with alluring aromas, picturesque vineyards rolling over hillsides and olive groves providing an unparalleled taste for their oil; Provence stands as a symbol of natural beauty—a place where many come to revel in awe.
So many novices, amateurs and wine professionals visit this region for the beauty it exudes, but also for its wine-growing lands. The Provence vineyard extends from the south of Avignon to Nice and produces red, rosé and white wines. The average yield per hectare is around 55 hectoliters and we find 9 wine appellations AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). Among them:
- Bandol
- Bellet
- Cassis,
- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
- Coteaux Varois-en-Provence
- Côtes de Provence
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Palette
- Pierrevert
For you to taste Provence wines, whether red, white or rosé, and to visit Provence vineyards during your holidays, we have come up with a list of 10 Provence wine estates in the region offering exceptional wine tourism experiences.
Provence travel guide tip #1: Château de Sannes
First up in our travel guided is the Château de Sannes in Sannes, which was built in the 17th century and has an architecture sculpted in ocher Aixoise stone. The 17th-century Château de Sannes is renowned for its exquisite ocher Aixoise architecture, lush gardens and ponds that lend it a whimsical charm.
Adding to the allure of this stunning estate are a tranquil lake and lovely mill. The winegrowers at Château de Sannes blend five unique grape varieties – Syrah, Grenache Noir, Ugni Blanc, Grenache and Vermentino – to produce their vintages.
To further enhance your experience here you can indulge in delightful activities such as yoga classes amidst the vineyards or guided tours followed by tastings!
Provence wine trip #2: Château la Martinette
You will find Château la Martinette in Lorgues, in the heart of Var-en-Provence. It is one of the oldest wine estates in the region and has 45 hectares of vines in organic farming. Surrounded by 350 hectares of forest, lavender, olive trees and terraces, the estate has all the characteristics of a Provençal castle. A sublime restaurant is located on the premises so that you can taste the specialties of the region.
Château la Martinette offers discovery visits, emotional visits or even nature visits, all three of which include a tasting of 6 wines. You will find the different grape varieties used by the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Carignan and Vermontino.
#3: Provence vineyards of Château de l’Escarelle
The Château de l’Escarelle is ideally located in La Celle, in the heart of Provence. There are 100 hectares of vines planted in unspoiled nature. This estate is an HVE (High Environmental Value) labeled farm and is in full organic conversion.
The Château de l’Escarelle offers an amazing tour of its cellars followed by a tasting where 5 grape varieties will be on display: cabernet-sauvignon, syrah, grenache, cinsaut and mourvèdre.
#4: Provence’s Château Canadel
Near Bandol and next up on our must-see Provence vineyards is Château Canadel, located in a small village called Le Castellet.
If you’re looking for an adventure, visit the family estate of 15 hectares owned by Laure and Vianney BENOIST.
This paradise uses organic farming as well as organic dynamic practices to cultivate its grapes- Grenache Noir, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino Cinsaut and Mourvèdre varieties.
Stop by the cellar they built in 2014 to vinify their own wines! Explore Canadel with them or just enjoy a winegrower’s aperitif if that’s what tickles your fancy!
5. Commanderie de Peyrassol
The Commanderie de Peyrassol is located in Flassans-sur-Issole. Founded in the 13th century by the Order of the Templars, it extends over more than 800 hectares of land where there are oaks and olive trees.
This Provence vineyard and incredible suggested stop in our Provence travel guide is run by Alban Cacaret and his uncle who have made the Commanderie de Peyrassol one of the most popular vineyards in Provence.
When you come, several activities will be offered to you, in particular a visit to the Estate and the Sculpture Park in a horse-drawn carriage or even a wine discovery supplemented by a tasting.
6. Domaine de la Font des Pères
The Domaine de la Font des Pères is located in Beausset, near Bandol, and hides a fabulous history. According to accounts, Observant monks settled on this site in the middle of the 13th century.
This exceptional 14-hectare estate offers 4 villas where guests can stay to fully enjoy their wine tourism stay.
For temporary passengers, a gourmet visit is offered to discover the wine-making processes of the Domaine de la Font des Pères and to taste 6 distinct wines.
7. Domaine de la Navicelle
In the heart of Provence, find the Domaine de la Navicelle with an area of 20 hectares of vines. The winegrowers work in organic farming and respect the principles of biodynamics in order to exploit at best the terroir and thus offer you exceptional wines. Several grape varieties are treated there, such as Grenache, Syrah, Tibouren, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Rolle, Clairette and Muscat.
Discover the estate with a fun wine tour or take part in a wine experience where all the secrets of the estate will be revealed to you: vat room, barrel cellar, bottling… you will observe all the processes of good winemaking.
8. Château Les Valentines
Spread over 50 hectares of shale, this pretty rock with a laminated structure, Château Les Valentines awaits you to discover its wine world. Located between Toulon and Saint-Tropez on the Côte d’Azur, the climate allows the vines to flourish and produce an exceptional wine.
Château les Valentines offers you a guided walking tour of the vineyards to tell you about the history of the estate and introduce you to the incredible work of the winegrowers on its land. A tasting will be offered at the end of the visit.
9. Château de la Clapière
The Château de la Clapière is located in Hyères-les-Palmiers, a very beautiful French town in the Var department. It is a historic property of 55 hectares, including 35 hectares of classified growth since 1955. This vineyard benefits from a microclimate which allows it an exceptional yield for sumptuous wines. The Château is made up of a shop offering the wines of the estate but also more than 300 references of great wines from France as well as alcohols from friendly winegrowers.
We recommend that you do the activity “In the footsteps of Victoria” where the owner of the premises will take you to the Victoria Museum and present his collection of objects, porcelain and jewelry. He will tell you the story of Queen Victoria during her visit to Hyères. Also perform a princely tasting of 4 different wines produced at the estate.
10. La Cavale
To end on a high note, we present La Cavale which is located in the heart of the Luberon Regional Park, in Cucuron. Its 65-meter-long freestone wall and its magnificent cellar will bewitch you during your visit.
The winegrowers of the estate will offer you an introduction to tasting or a visit to the cellars followed by a tasting for the most curious.
So many other wine tourism experiences to enjoy in Provence are offered to you by our partner hosts, don’t wait to discover them!
We wish you a very nice and memorable Provence Wine Trip with Winalist!
FAQ & Useful resources
Where to take walks in Provence?
– The Etang du Can
– The Mines trail in Gréasque
– Hiking on the Blue Coast
– The Puyloubier winegrowers trail
– Path from La Palunette to the Marais de Vigueirat.
How long to plan for a wine tasting?
It depends on the ones you choose to book, it usually is specified on the domains’ description. In any case, plan a minimum of an hour each, time flies and it’s better when you don’t rush experiences but enjoy each discovery!
How many wineries should I visit in one day?
Our suggestion is to plan visiting about four to five in one day – but the total amount of course depends on the experiences you will choose. The best combo is to vary your senses between walks, guided tours, tastings and relaxation moments.
Where is Provence?
Provence is a geographical region of southeastern France, which extends from the lower Rhône to the west to the Italian border to the east, and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Wine Tastings and Wine Tours in Provence
When selecting your wine tasting destination in Provence, also consider how far you want to drive from your base and whether you want to visit historic villages inland, lavender fields, or explore the Mediterranean coast.
