Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vineyards (Southern Rhône Valley)

Visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape Region

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a small town nestled in the heart of Provence in Southern France. Located just 16km north of Avignon, the town was once the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, and you can still see the ruins of their medieval castle.

Today, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is world-renowned for its full-bodied wines. And we can really thank the Popes for it – they were the ones who truly elevated the wines’ reputation by serving them at their state banquets. As a result, many ambassadors of foreign courts were introduced to the wines, and their popularity began to spread throughout Europe and eventually overseas.

Powerful red wines rule the town, with interesting blends crafted from varietals such as Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM). These pair wonderfully with starters of varying ingredients, red meats, and of course, local cheeses. 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the best day trips from Avignon, especially if you love wine! Go on reading to know more about the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards and some great Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries to visit.

Table of contents:

• About Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines
• Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wineries
• Wine Tours in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

About Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is considered to be one of the most prestigious AOC’s (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in France. One of the 9 crus of the Southern Rhône Valley, Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC is also one of the first AOCs in France (since 1933) and continues to produce wines of the highest quality to this day.

It’s also important to talk about the terroir of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards and the surrounding area, as this plays a significant role in the final product in the bottle. You will find rather unique growing conditions in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with round pebbles known as “galets” covering the vineyards. These stones absorb heat during the day and release it at night, which ensures the vineyards receive a steady stream of warmth. This ultimately helps the grapes reach full phenolic ripeness.

Another interesting fact about Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines is that 13 different grape varieties are used, in proportions that vary from winery to winery. While Grenache is the predominant varietal in red wines, you can also find  Syrah, Mouvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin, and Vaccarèse, while the white varieties include Picpoul, Clairette, Roussane, Picardan, and Bourboulenc.

Red wines are known for their power and depth, with flavors of red and black fruits as well as some subtle spicy white pepper notes. The whites, although less common, are equally notable. Expect full-bodied wines with both roundness and acidity, with notes of almonds, fennel, anise, honey, and delicate peach.

Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wineries

Now comes the fun part – wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.

Unfortunately, public transport options are either very limited or non-existent, so hiring a car in Avignon is by far your best option. One of the best and most reliable car rental companies is DiscoverCars, with plenty of options and competitive prices. If this is your first time driving in France, check out my best tips for renting a car in France.

Click here to rent your car in Avignon

Another very important thing to note is that you need to make a reservation for wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I’d recommend booking at least a few days in advance, if not longer, to ensure you get in. If it’s a busier period of the year, then I’d book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Best Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wineries

Here are some suggestions for great Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries to visit. Most of these Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries also produce other AOCs, such as Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages.

• Domaine Galevan – Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery tours and tastings, and wine tastings
• Château Fortia – Wine tastings
• Clos du Caillou – Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery visit and tastings, and wine tastings
• Clos du Calvaire – Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery tours and tastings, and wine tastings
• Château Gigognan – Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery visit and tastings, wine tastings, and other wine-related activities
• Domaine Moulin Tacussel – Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery tours and tastings, and wine tastings

Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery tours include a tour of the facilities followed by a tasting of their wines. This usually takes about 2 hours, depending on how quickly you move through things. Due to these time constraints, you can usually fit in about 3 – 4 winery tours in a day. I wouldn’t recommend any more!

If there’s a bottle you particularly like, buy it on site, as you won’t find it cheaper anywhere else. You will also find a wider variety than in the wine stores, even in Paris. Most wineries can send the bottles you purchased home.

Sleep among the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vineyards

For the ultimate wine experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, I’d recommend booking at the Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches.

One of the most incredible vineyard stays in France, the Hostellerie du Château is located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards and offers charming rooms, a great restaurant, and other unique wine-related activities.

It’s the perfect base to explore the surrounding region and makes for an unforgettable stay! – Click here to book your stay at the Hostellerie du Châreau des Fines Roches

Wine Tours in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Lastly, cars and wine are not friends – period. So, booking one of the wine tours in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with transportation is a good idea. Hop on a tour because it’s always safety first and foremost.

All these Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tours are consistently top-rated and include a quick photo stop in the ruins of the medieval castle. There are also Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tours from Aix-en-Provence. These are usually full-day wine tours because distances from Aix are much longer.

Best Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tours

This full-day Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour is by far the most complete wine tour in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Led by an expert guide with a sommelier diploma, it includes a visit to 4 wineries of different sizes and characteristics and free time for lunch.

Here are other tour options from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence:

• Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: this half-day wine tasting tour from Avignon visits two of the most famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tour: this half-day wine tour from Avignon visits two Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries and includes a photo stop to admire the medieval château
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tour from Aix-en-Provence: this is a full-day tour which visits two Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries. It includes a lunch break at the village with enough time for sightseeing and shopping.

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