The picturesque town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies at the base of its surviving fortress and is incredible destination for tourists visiting France. Most succinctly defined by its vineyards and renowned cellars, you’d be remiss to not add a visit to your itinerary! Come along with us on an exploratory journey into this lively Rhone Valley village as we uncover all there is to know about Chateauneuf du Pape wine, culture and stunning vineyards.
Hop on this trip to the Rhone Valley vineyard with us to discover all about Chateauneuf du Pape wine, village and Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards.
Where is Chateauneuf du Pape located?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a small village located in the Vaucluse region of France between Avignon and Orange. This quaint town is surrounded by vineyards, offering beautiful scenery and providing an ideal environment for producing some of the best wine in the world.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is home to numerous wineries that are popular tourist destinations, where visitors can sample some of the region’s finest wines and learn more about the area’s culture and history. There are also plenty of activities nearby, such as hiking and biking, making this picturesque French destination an unforgettable experience.
How to correctly write and pronunciate Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
French language is not an easy one to learn for foreigners, and we all know how French pronunciation is tricky for non-French travelers! So here is our little guide to write and pronunciation one of France’s most prestigious wine appellation like a true French connoisseur.
We have done it all, whether for appellation or wine regions, it’s not always easy to spell names the right way. From chateaunneuf, chataeuneuf, chateunef, to chateuxneuf or chauteneuf, we know where the problem is.
In case you were note aware of it, it might help you to know that Château means “castle” in French, and neuf means “new”. As a result, if you keep in mind “new castle” and spell one word after the other and there you go.
As a tip to make a good impression on your pronunciation, here’s what you can keep in mind to sound a little bit French: “shat-toe-nouf due pap”.
Discover the village of Châteauneuf du Pape
You can know visit beautiful Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards and village to explore and discover one of France’s most well-know wine appellations!
The remains of the Popes’ castle
At the top stand the remains, a wall, a tower and the lower room of the castle built by the popes in the 14th century as a summer residence to escape the summer heat of Avignon. Behind the castle, an “educational” vineyard allows you to discover many grape varieties and offers a beautiful view of the castle and the valley.
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (12th century). In Provençal Romanesque style, it houses the statue of Blessed Pierre de Luxembourg, patron saint of the city and protected by Clement VII.
The oil mill
Continuing your walk, you will walk in small winding streets punctuated with beautiful fountains (including the 14th century Souspiron fountain), you will be able to discover the old bread oven and the oil mill, you will walk to the castle of the Popes built by John XXII from 1316 to 1333.
The square of the fountain
The Place de la Fontaine with its café terraces and restaurants invites you to take a break before embarking on the discovery or rediscovery of its wines
The Brotte Wine Museum
At the exit of the village, you will find the museum of winegrowers’ tools, which is installed in Father Anselme’s cellar. It contains an important collection of tools used in the work of the vine and the wine dating for some of the XVI°. Among which a press, barrels and corkscrews. Located in the heart of a wine estate, a wine tasting is offered to you as well as a visit to the cellar.
The Blachere distillery
The Distillerie Blachère is located next to the chocolate factory. It is one of the oldest distilleries in Provence. It produces Vieux Marcs de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, liqueurs and syrups including the famous Pac Citron.
The Castelain chocolate factory
Finally, one last address to visit, the “Chocolaterie Castelain”, where wine is perfectly combined with chocolate. Two cute sins for a pure moment of pleasure and ecstasy. We advise you to treat yourself to the specialty “Le Palet des Papes”, it’s a real treat.
Gastronomy in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Mereville jam
- Candied fruits from Avignon
- Provencal stew
- The headset
- The white nougat
Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards
There is no doubt that have heard of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine appellation or village, but do you really know what makes this appellation so special?
About Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region
Between powerful reds and whites that are often under-rated, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is above all the first AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) to see the light of day in the world in 1923.
- Soil: sandy soil gives birth to Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines, a typical kind of soil for the Rhone Valle region.
- Climate: while the region benefits from Mediterranean climate, Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines are part of the driest area of Rhone vineyards.
- Grape varieties: Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines comes from the blend of the appellation’s premium grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine tourism and events
Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine tour and more
Are you up for an amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine tour? We got you covered!
Our host A La Française Provence is happy to take you to a guided tour on their mini-bus to discover the Rhone Valley vineyards through villages that are part of Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
The Tour includes a tasting of 2 Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines of course!
Discover all wine experiences in Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards!
Events in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also available, throughout the year, in meetings and festive, gourmet and cultural events. A date to remember, that of the Fête de la Véraison, the first weekend of August. This is an opportunity to meet the winegrowers of the Rhône Valley, taste the wines and local products, all in a festive and medieval atmosphere.
Now that you know all essentials about Chateauneuf du Pape wine, you can share your wine knowledge with your friends while enjoying a terrific Chateauneuf du Pape bottle!
FAQ & Useful resources
What to see in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Gardine Castle
Brotte Wine Museum
A. Blachere Distillery
Castelain chocolate factory
Where to sleep in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
When it comes to accommodation in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, there are quite a few choices available to you. As you have surely guessed, Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a destination for decompressing and resting.
What kind of wine is Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is based on a blend, of which Grenache grape dominates, together with Syrah and Mourvèdre grape.
What is special about Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a world famous appellation, mostly know for powerful red wines – and it owes its fame to its historical heritage: it was the first wine region in France to have an Appellation Controlée status.
Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape a Burgundy wine?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a village in the Rhone Valley region, south of France, but also one of the most famous French wine appellation. Therefore, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are not Burgundy wines.
Is Chateauneuf-du-Pape a red wine?
You can find both red and white Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. however, most well-know Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines are red wines, this is because the appellation’s production of white grape is only up to 7% of the vineyard.
