Rhône wine tours
Wine Tour Chauffeur: Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône
Wine tasting is better when you don't have to drive afterwards. You choose the estates, we take care of the road: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Tavel.
- Half day (4 h): on request
- Full day (8 h): on request
Which wine areas can you visit from Avignon?
The southern Rhône Valley offers several very different appellations, all within an hour's drive of Avignon. Here are the main ones to help you choose.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: the best known, about 25 minutes from Avignon. Powerful reds and some whites, grown on soils covered in large rounded stones that hold the day's heat. Thirteen grape varieties are permitted.
- Gigondas: structured reds at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, with a hilltop village and wide views over the plain.
- Vacqueyras: next door to Gigondas, generous reds plus a few whites and rosés.
- Beaumes-de-Venise: famous for its sweet Muscat, a fortified wine often served as an aperitif or with dessert, as well as red wines.
- Tavel: across the Rhône in the Gard, an appellation devoted entirely to rosé, deeper in colour and fuller than typical Provence rosé.
- Lirac, Rasteau and Cairanne: less famous names that often turn out to be the highlight of the day.
How do you plan a wine tasting day in the Rhône Valley?
Build the day around one area rather than criss-crossing the whole valley.
The Dentelles de Montmirail loop
Gigondas in the morning, lunch in a village around the Dentelles, then Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise in the afternoon to finish with a glass of Muscat. The roads around the Dentelles are some of the prettiest in the region.
The right bank
Tavel in the morning, Lirac in late morning, then back via Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. A short loop that works well as a half day.
Châteauneuf and the Côtes du Rhône villages
Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the morning, then Rasteau and Cairanne in the afternoon, with an optional stop in Orange or Vaison-la-Romaine.
A few tips:
- Book tastings in advance directly with the estates, especially on Sundays and out of season.
- Plan a proper lunch between visits, and keep water in the car.
- Feel free to spit: it is perfectly normal and lets you taste more.
When is the best time for a Rhône wine tour?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. September is harvest time: the vineyards are buzzing, but some winemakers have less time for visitors. In summer, favour morning visits and cool cellars in the afternoon. In winter, many estates remain open, with a quieter atmosphere and more time to talk.
Who is a wine tour chauffeur for?
- Couples and friends who all want to taste, with no designated driver.
- Groups in a 7-seat van, for a stag or hen weekend, a birthday or a team outing.
- Business travellers who want to meet producers and still catch their train: we can end the day at Avignon TGV station.
- Serious buyers taking home cases: the boot carries your purchases within the space available.
For an introduction to the village and its cellars, see our Châteauneuf-du-Pape page. Tell us your favourite appellations and how many of you are travelling, and we will send a fixed price per vehicle, not per person.
