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The Best Wine Experiences in the South of France

A visit to one of our luxury villas in the South of France wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the Continent’s most celebrated export – wine. Whether your preference is red, white or sparkling (or perhaps a sampling of all three, if you don’t mind a fuzzy head in the morning) there’s an almost limitless number of wine experiences in the South of France to improve your knowledge, explore some vineyards and taste some truly classic vintages at festivals, chateaux and tasting events, this is the time when you can have a sommelier certification, make yourself a wine expert now.

We’ve been sipping and sampling some of the best wine experiences the South of France has to offer to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re looking to delve into the rich and fascinating history of winemaking, live like a true connoisseur or just stock up on a few quality bottles to take back home, our wine experiences guide has all the info you need.

Wine Festivals in the South of France

Salon Vins Gastronomie in Marseille

Provence is the setting for this huge food and wine festival, which attracts over 400 wine producers and champions the most delicious tastes of the Mediterranean.

Salon Vin et Terriors in Toulouse

Though there are some 200 or so wineries that’ll be offering their wares in this southwestern festival, make sure you leave some room for the food, which showcases some of the region’s finest delicacies.

Duras Fête son Vins in Duras

Now this is wine tasting with a difference! Make sure you’ve got a head for heights, as this Dordogne festival involves the flight of hundreds of hot air balloons, with wine tasting only after you’ve landed.

Top Picks for Vineyards in the South of France

  Domaine Les Cascades , Languedoc

Domaine Les Cascades stands out for a couple of reasons – it’s a relatively small vineyard comprising of only six acres, and all the wine is organic, fertilised with the help of the owners’ pets donkey and sheep!

Domaine Treloar , Roussillon

With an impressive range of wines to choose from that changes year-on-year, the wines produced by British vintner Jonathan Hesford are found on the tables of Michelin-star restaurants throughout the world and are reputedly the best in the region.

Chateau de Beaucastel , Provence

Chateauneuf-de-Pape is a name that will forever be associated with fine wines, and Chateau de Beaucastel is one of the must-visit wineries in the region. You can taste 10 of their Grand Vin wines, but don’t just rock up with a glass – tastings are by appointment only.

Chateau la Canorgue , Provence

Now run by the fifth generation of the same family, Chateau la Canorgue forbids any form of chemical in the production of their wines, making them completely organic. You might recognise the chateau itself too – it was used in the 2006 Russel Crowe film A Good Year .

Chateau de Valflaunès , near Montpellier

With 13 hectares of vines that are in pretty much constant use, it’s no wonder that winemaker Fabien Rouboul has won several awards for his range of wines. Each grape is harvested manually too, and you can really taste the care and dedication in the final product!

Chateau la Canorgue, Provence

Top wine tasting and tours – for families too!

Cycle through the vines , Bordeaux

If you’re in Bordeaux at the end of May, there’s the opportunity to enjoy a wine tour with a bit of a difference! You can take in all the sights of the local vineyards by bike, meaning you’ll not only be enjoying some beautiful views of the countryside, you’ll be getting a little exercise to justify that big glass at the end of the day.

Chateau Bardins , near Bordeaux

Not only is this charming winery a handy fifteen minutes from Bordeaux, they run workshops where kids are welcome – meaning parents can enjoy the experience of wine tasting without worrying about bored kids making a fuss.

Chateau d’Agassac , near Bordeaux

Also close to Bordeaux, Chateau d’Agassac offers kids a unique tour in which they’re challenged to rescue a princess from one of the chateau’s towers, while adults can broaden their knowledge of wine and winemaking and indulge in some tasting. There’s even a tasting that pairs wine with chocolate – the perfect indulgence!

Chateau Bardins, Bordeaux

And taking wine tourism beyond the tasting!

  Chateau Feely , Saussignac 

If you’re an old hand at touring vineyards and tasting classic vintages, you could always take your wine experience to the next level with a spot of winemaking! This course at Chateau Feely costs €150.00 per person (minimum two people) and includes an introduction to winemaking and tasting, but better yet you get the chance to blend and bottle your very own wine to take home with you! It might be a couple of years before it’s in tip-top condition to drink, but it’s definitely more personal than buying a bottle from the shop on the way out.

The B-Winemaker Tour , Bordeaux

The B-Winemaker Tour also offers guests the opportunity to taste some delicious single vintage wines, and once you’ve discovered your favourites you’ll be given the chance to blend them and create your own bottle – you can even design your own label

B-Winemaker – Make Your Own Wine!

And before you go…

And if you want to brush up on the basics before you head off, you won’t find a better place than Wine Folly. They’ve got a great beginner’s guide to wine , and if you’re a bit more seasoned when it comes to sniffing and sipping your Sauvignon, there’ll be plenty more on the site to get your palette excited. It’s well worth a look!

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Shore excursions, private tours, corporate events, discover the best wine tours in provence, all our south of france wine tours.

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Your reviews, a highlight of our trip.

My husband and I were very happy with our wine tour experience! It was so nice to be in a small group where we could ask lots of questions and get a more personal experience. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and shared so much information about the wine, the area, and the culture. The wineries we went to, were absolute gorgeous–beautiful views and delicious wine. What more could you ask for? We came with very little background knowledge of the wine making process so it was so fascinating to hear all about it. This tour was one of our favorite excursions and I would definitely recommend it, as it is fun, informative, and an amazing value! Katie F. 

“I just want to say how much we loved our tour with Provence Wine Tours. Our guide looked after our every need and was incredibly knowledgeable of the wine making process. All three wineries offered a different experience and all were friendly and welcoming. Cassis is a quaint seaside village as you promised and the overlook was outstanding-so glad our guide took us to the top! Thanks again for your services. We would highly recommend your company to anyone inquiring” –  Brad Yungblut

“Loved our wine tour around Sainte Victoire mount – the limestone mountains were incredible. Fantastic host, knowledgeable, friendly and loves to have a laugh. Wineries were superb and a great representation of the area. 10/10 – I only wish we could’ve stayed longer!! » –   Brendan Garlick

“Fantastic team at Provence Wine tours; I’ve been seven times and cannot rate it enough. Always a destination of choice when I have friends who haven’t visited the South of France before. I’ve been lucky enough to have Stephane on many of my trips and he’s always impressed with his ease of manner, knowledge and ability to make the hours fly by.  I look forward to many more trips. » –  Thomas knapp

“Nothing short of amazing! From the first communication with the team. They were so quick to respond and provide different options for tours. To our wonderful tour guide. We can not say enough about him. He was so knowledgeable, and took the time to explain the different wines to us and showed us around the vineyards. We loved our stop at le Castelet such a great little village tucked away with cute stores. And lunch in Cassis was delicious. Probably the best meal we had on our entire vacation! Such an enjoyable day all around. »  –  Joseph Esoff

Amazing trip!

Our guide was amazing, and the crew was fun! We learned a lot and got to escape the city for a day! We visited 3 vineyards and enjoyed every minute. Donald D

Perfect wine tour!

We had an amazing time on this tour! My fiancé and I have been on several wine tours in the United States and were interested to learn more about French wines, in particular wines from Provence. This tour was exactly what we hoped for! Our guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. He provided helpful background information about classification of French wines and then introduced us to wine making in Provence. We went to 3 vineyards – all were excellent and different!!! We really enjoyed the variety, and we were able to taste white, rosé, and red wines at each site (and Peter kindly showed us how to taste the wines properly). The town we stopped in for lunch was also enjoyable with multiple food options across different price ranges. Overall, we had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this tour to others looking for a more intimate introduction to the wines of Provence . Ptwice24 .

An experience not to be missed.

We did a private full day wine tour of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region. We were a group of 12, and had an absolutely brilliant day. The tour was well organised, guides were delightful & informative. They were very flexible too in letting us have input in certain vineyards that members of our group wanted to visit. The transport was comfortable, and a plus was that they could arrange delivery of the wine back to our home countries. Highly recommend and a tour not to be missed if you are in the region! Aveens

For many years now, we have been doing our utmost to offer you the best of Provence by an immersion into the world of wine and by helping discover our most beautiful appellations : Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Châteauneuf du Pape, Luberon, Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire, Bandol, Cassis, Côtes de Provence, Baux de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence,Bellet …

In small groups or on tailor-made private tours from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Toulon, Avignon, Nice or Cannes … we offer a wine tour experience in some of the most emblematic and authentic vineyards of Provence .

Powerful and full-bodied reds, delicate and aromatic whites or lively and fruity iconic rosés, you will taste some of the best Wines of Provence that we have selected for you. A delight for both of your senses and tastebuds!

Your wine expert guide will share his passion and knowledge for Provence wines and  guide you around small, family-owned or more emblematic wineries of the Region. With your guide , learn about the grape varieties and the different terroirs .

Meet passionate winemakers , engaged in sustainable or organic viticulture . Visit the amazing cellars while learning about the wine making process and aging-potential wines in a relaxing and educative atmosphere .

Enjoy going along paths and roads bordered by magnificent Provençal landscapes : vineyards as far as the eye can see, fields of lavender, the mythical Mount Sainte Victoire, the Luberon, sun-bathed picturesque villages, fountains, the song of cicadas and a glass of rosé…

Join us for a local unique experience off the beaten tracks , enjoy the Provence lifestyle and discover our wine treasures .

You will bring back home some of the wine secrets of Provence and unforgettable memories!

For many years now, we have been doing our utmost to offer you the best of Provence by an immersion into the world of wine and by helping discover our most beautiful appellations : Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Châteauneuf du Pape, AOP Luberon Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire, Bandol, Cassis, Côtes de Provence, Bellet …

In small groups or on tailor-made private tours from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, Nice or Cannes … we offer a wine tour experience in some of the most emblematic and authentic vineyards of Provence .

Your wine expert guide will share their passion and knowledge for Provence wines and  guide you around small, family-owned or more emblematic wineries of the Region. With your guide , learn about the grape varieties and the different terroirs .

Meet passionate winemakers , engaged in s ustainable or organic viticulture . Visit the amazing cellars while learning about the wine making process and aging-potential wines in a relaxing and educative atmosphere .

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The Rosy Road to Provence: A Wine Tour in the South of France

Guy Hibbert discovers great domaines and delightful destinations.

Flights to Nice: check. Passports: check. Hire car: check. Allons-y! Sporting our rosé tinted shades, let’s enjoy some quintessential French pleasures – the esprit of an open road, the charm of historic towns and villages and the taste of sunshine in a glass.

Rosé sales are on the up and Provence has laid claim to the premium end of the market. I spoke to Elizabeth Gabay , pink wine expert and author of the Buyers Guide to the Rosés of Southern France . “With an emphasis on quality, everyone is looking more at rosés which reflect their terroir and rosés which age well,” she said. “For good rosés it will no longer be the case of finishing the rosé in autumn and racing for the new vintage in the new year.”

The village of Carcès in Provence, as seen across vineyards © Shutterstock

A Rosé by Any Other Name…

In this mini-tour we are focusing on the wines you are most likely to come across – the Côtes de Provence AOC (Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée). This AOC produces the vast majority of Provence’s rosé – around 116 million bottles. Nestled amid the 50,000 acres of vineyards, there are around 350 producers and five geographical sub-regions which are worth getting to know because they each have their unique characteristics: Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, Côtes de Provence Fréjus, Côtes de Provence La Londe Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu, and Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges. It can take a couple of hours to drive from one side of this region to the other but there is no need to race off on the autoroute just yet because the vibrant city of Nice is the surprising first port of call on our wine trail.

Pause to take in the beauties of Nice’s Vieille Ville, enjoy some shopping in the Cours Saleya markets and be ready next day for an easy drive into the hills behind Nice. This is what is known as the Arrière-pays niçois, and it contains a wine appellation favoured by locals and connoisseurs, but one that is hardly known elsewhere. Just an arrow flight from the DIY superstores on the outskirts of western Nice lies the hilltop AOC Bellet vineyards. South- and west- facing, sunny, cooled by winds that come down the Var valley or refreshed with salty sea air, the sloping terroir, with its sand-lime pebbly soil, produces white, red and rosé wines of high quality and original flavours. Here, for their rosés they use a local grape varietal called Braquet, a fragrant black grape. It is nothing like classic Provence rosé made with Cinsault and Grenache, and it’s not the cheapest rosé either, but it is unique and if you’re interested in unusual wines it makes for a fascinating detour.

There are nine domaines on the steep hillsides overlooking Nice and towards Cap d’Antibes. For a glamorous dégustation try Château Crémat. Once a 1920s Gatsby-esque party villa, it has been painstakingly restored and its historic links with Coco Chanel brought to life in the sumptuous interiors. By contrast, nearby Domaine de la Source is a small, family affair where the welcome is friendly and the wines equally rewarding.

Rosé comes in many shades, from deep, almost red hues to vibrant salmon to the palest of pinks. Peach, Melon, Mango, Pomelo, Mandarin and Redcurrant are the official names of the six main colours of the rosé wines made in Provence © Alamy

Heading Inland

Leaving Nice behind, we head west until the ochre- and rose-coloured Esterel massif dominates the skyline. Unlike the predominately limestone geology of much of Provence, this area has volcanic origins and is a lovely spot for hiking if you have the time to stop. Near the seaside resort of Fréjus, we enter the first of the classic Côtes de Provence regions. But first I’d recommend a worthwhile detour inland which will take you to the doors of the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence in Les Arcs sur Argens. This boutique acts as an ambassador for the local wines: take a course, try a free tasting, and find out what makes these wines so special – English, Dutch, French and German are all spoken. And you can buy from a selection of more than 800 wines from 270 producers – all at estate prices.

Vineyards in the Massif des Maures © Shutterstock

Alternative Riviera

Our dégustations begin at nearby Château des Demoiselles where you can sample their delicate, pale salmon-coloured rosé which is proudly organic and vegan. Its sister vineyard is Château Sainte-Roseline, which produces some fine cru classé wines including a rosé on behalf of Kylie Minogue Wines. For an equally star-studded dégustation you cannot beat Château d’Esclans, the creamy yellow Tuscan-style château which produces no fewer than six rosés for all occasions. D’Esclans is the home of the legendary Whispering Angel rosé , the number one French wine import into the USA, which is raved about by critics and consumers alike.

Château de Crémat plays up its Coco Chanel heritage for a dose of glamour © Château de Crémat

Saint-Tropez’s international reputation for super- yachts and sun-kissed celebrities was established many decades ago. But for a very different experience, visit out of season and make sure you walk around the quaint historic quarter known as La Ponche. If you find yourself there in high season and it becomes too much, you can leave the crowds behind and get away from it all at any one of some 30 Côtes de Provence vineyards nearby. On this sunny headland, the vines benefit from sea breezes and Argile soils that create fresh, fruity rosés. Top of the tree is the ubiquitous Château Minuty, which has belonged to the Matton-Farnet family for more than 80 years and produces an exquisite prestige rosé as well as more affordable bottles for everyday drinking.

The Mediterranean coast near Saint-Tropez, with vineyards in foreground and the Alps in background © Shutterstock

Just a 20-minute drive from the hedonism of Saint-Tropez is the Massif des Maures, an inland plateau dotted with some of the finest Provence winemakers. For example, there’s Château Saint-Maur, one of only 22 in the region awarded cru classé status. These are rosés that can happily feature on the cartes des vins of the very top Paris restaurants. Château de Chausse, now in American hands, is one domaine where you can sample two uniquely different rosés, one a typical pale pink made with Cinsault and Grenache, the other a coral tint made from Syrah and Rolle grapes. There are dégustations galore in this area so you might want to stop over at the beautiful Château Saint-Roux, which offers a wide range of wine-tourism activities.

Château Sainte-Roseline produces some fine cru classé wines © Shutterstock

Clifftop Beauties

Now return to the coast road and head from Rayol- Canadel-sur-Mer to Le Lavandou for a clifftop drive with stunning vistas. Stop for lunch and a stroll around the charming hilltop town of Bormes-les-Mimosas, one of France’s celebrated floral villages (and, of course, the host of a Mimosa festival each February).

This is the Côtes de Provence La Londe region. For a wine tasting with a magnificent view of the Île du Levant and Port-Cros (and a picturesque château) head for Château de Brégancon. If you fancy a glass of rosé with soft sand between your toes, or a cooling dip in the Med, stop for lunch at Château Léoube (owned by British brand Daylesford Organics), which has a beach-side café a few metres from the vineyards. Or for a wine-free dip, a short drive along the coast will bring you to the turquoise waters and sandy, pine-fringed bay of the Plage de l’Argentière.

From this point, you find yourself in the original (and, some would say, best) French Riviera. Hyères and the Giens Peninsula were popular over a century ago with British aristocracy and a smattering of famous European writers, but since those days it has been largely the secret of the French holidaymaker. The town of Hyères itself is a pleasure to discover, or head out to the island of Porquerolles where you can stay at the Auberge des Glycines and visit the island’s top winery, Domaine de la Courtade.

Take some time out to relax in fragrant Bormes-les-Mimosa © Alamy

Back on terra firma, it’s time to head north inland to the Côtes de Provence terroir known as Pierrefeu. An exceptional dégustation awaits you at Château Sainte-Marguerite, cru classé since 1955. Their Symphonie rosé is highly regarded and the 2019 vintage received 97 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2020, which is remarkable for a wine costing around €20. There is plenty to see in this area so you might want to book an overnight stay at a vineyard. The chambres d’hôtes rooms at La Commanderie de Peyrassol offer a stylish rustic Provençal vibe. Eating at the Chez Jeanette restaurant gives you the chance to sample the palest pink Peyrassol rosé, followed by a stroll or perhaps a calèche (carriage) tour around an impressive sculpture garden.

Hyères is another fabulous destination in this part of France © Shutterstock

Green Interior

In the final part of our tour, we head further inland to Provence Verte, the green heart of Provence. The lovely old town of Lorgues is a worthwhile stopping point, as are the nearby hilltop villages of Tourtour and Flayosc. There are 14 wine domaines to visit around Lorgues, but the highlight would have to be Château de Berne . Why not treat yourself to some end-of-trip indulgence? Set in no less than 2,500 acres of grounds, it is a Relais et Châteaux hotel with a spa, pool and restaurants. A top-notch wine estate completes the picture: in their famous square bottles, the Berne rosés are much admired. The nearby village of Cotignac is charming and has an impressive cliffside walk with troglodyte dwellings. For a more affordable accommodation option in this area, you could try Clos de l’Ours, a family-run vineyard whose L’Accent wine is enjoying great reviews.

Soak up the atmosphere in the lovely old town of Lorgues © Shutterstock

Provence rosé is in good hands. Vineyard owners are largely committed to producing high-quality organic wines which respect local terroir and traditions. And not surprisingly, wine tourism is flourishing: as head of communications at CIVP (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence) Carole Guinchard told me: “ The wines of Provence are already a brand.”

If, like me, you are still getting to know this brand, then a tour of this beautiful region is the best way to discover more. Santé and bonne route !

From France Today Magazine

Lead photo credit : Touring the vineyards of Provence is a wonderful way to get to know the wines and the countryside itself © Alamy

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Guy Hibbert is Editor-in-Chief of France Today and an author of short stories and novels set in France.

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The Best Places to Visit in Southern France for Wine Lovers

By barbara mazz, contributing writer.

Near the borders of Spain, Italy, and along the Mediterranean Sea is the beautiful South of France.  Lovingly referred to by the locals as le Midi, The South of France is one of the top tourist destinations for wine lovers—and for a good reason.

Both red and white wine lovers travel to the South of France to wet their whistles. Because of the enjoyable warm climate, the South of France grows plump, beautiful grapes that turn into bold, delectable wines. And, from these grapes dry white blends and bold reds become the flavor profiles of choice.

If you are planning a trip to the South of France soon, then lucky you! You are going to have the time of your life sauntering from region to region, enjoying some of the best tasting wines on the planet.  So, get your glass ready and gear up to go with this list we have created the best places to visit in Southern France for wine lovers.

1. St Tropez

Yes, St. Tropez is really as breathtaking as it sounds. A part of the French Riviera , this Mediterranean peninsula is home to some of the best beaches and nightlife in the South of France.  If you are planning on making St. Tropez part of your Southern France wine tour vacation, you should prepare yourself to see plenty of socialites and celebrities sunning themselves on local beaches or setting sail off the coast in their yachts. Especially if you visit Pampelonne Beach or Places de Lices.

As far as wine is concerned, of course, there is plenty to go around in St. Tropez. The most popular and delicious blend you will want to get your hands on is Cotes de Provence. A sweet, subtle, drinkable Rose, this wine shouts sunny days on the beach lounging under an umbrella. This wine is so delicious and delicate you are going to want to take a few bottles home with you to give to friends and family…or keep for yourself!

Right on the Rhone River in Southeastern France is the city of Avignon.  With a name that sounds like it came from a storybook, Avignon is certainly a city you wouldn’t want to miss visiting on your trip to Southern France. Built during the Medieval period, Avignon boasts beautiful stone castles, extravagant bridges, and towering cathedrals. During the 1300s, Avignon was the papal seat of the Catholic Church. While you are in town you are going to want to visit the Avignon Cathedral to soak up some of that rich history.

But, let’s be honest. When you go to Avignon you are really going for the wine, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the bottle of choice.  A bold, spicy, red wine Châteauneuf-du-Pape is most comparable to the common Syrah, but with much, much more flavor. Deep cherry, bold spice, olive, raspberry, and garrigue all come through making this the perfect red to sit out and enjoy under the stars on a warm summer evening. And, luckily while you are visiting Avignon you will be able to find a glass (or bottle) or this famous wine at nearly every bistro, corner market, or vineyard.

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9 Languedoc Wineries to Visit in the South of France

If you want to plan a wine trip to the South of France, the lesser-visited Languedoc region offers inexpensive but charming accommodations, picturesque villages , beaches, and hundreds of Languedoc wineries to choose from — but I’m going to share a few that really stand out!

U.S.-based French wine lovers will be familiar with the wine regions of Bordeaux , Burgundy , the Rhone, Alsace, Loire, Provence, and of course, Champagne. But not as many Languedoc wineries are sold in the restaurants and wine shops of the United States. This is because for years the Roussillon-Languedoc region was known for quantity over quality, but that has changed.

Wine Tasting in Languedoc in the South of France 

There are over 21,000 wine-growing estates in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, representing a range of great wines over 36 controlled-origin appellations, producing most of the wines of France and five percent of the world’s wine. The primary white varietals include sparkling Crémant de Limoux and my newfound favorite, the Picpoul de Pinet white. 

The region is certainly giving Provence a run for its money with delicious and affordable rosé. But Languedoc wineries are still most known for its red blends that include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, and well as the Muscat de St-Jean de Minervois. What makes the flavor profile unique is the influence of garrigue, which are wild herbs including rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, and juniper, that is typical of the region.

Languedoc Wineries Worth a Visit

My husband and I love wine travel and have enjoyed exploring the wine regions of Tuscany and Piemonte , so we decided was time to give a lesser-known region in France a try. Before our trip, we did some research on our own and got recommendations from our local wine shop on which vineyards might offer wine tastings in English and produce fine wines.

We also took Languedoc wine tours with both  Taste du Languedoc  and  Montpellier Wine Tours  for full-day wine experiences. I later returned to the region with a friend on a Canal du Midi barge cruise and got to experience even more of the region’s wines.

Of the wineries we visited, these were our favorites:

Chateau Ricardelle

Chateau Ricardelle near Narbonne has been owned by an Italian man, Bruno Pellegrini, since 1990. The vineyard suffered a powerful hailstorm that hit on Friday, June 13, 2014, which destroyed many of the vines. To show their resilience and the spirit of community that allowed them to survive, one of the red wines is named Vendredi XIII for Friday the 13th. My favorites from Chateau Ricardelle were the Les Dames de Ricardelle Viognier and the rosé.  And, they also offer self-catering accommodations.

Chateau Ricardelle is located at Route de Gruissan, 11 100 Narbonne, France

Sarrat de Goundy

Also located in the Le Clape region near Narbonne, not far from Chateau Ricardelle,  Sarrat de Goundy  offers a fun-tasting environment, especially if you go while the pop-up restaurant is open or a special event is going on. There is a covered, outdoor area with a wood-burning oven and a large bar/event space inside. Otherwise, when making an appointment make sure to request an English-speaking host unless you speak French. 

Sarrat de Goundy is located at 46 avenue de Narbonne, F-11110, Armissan

Chateau Massamier La Mignarde

Named the best French red wine in all categories at the International Wine Challenge in 2005,  Chateau Massamier La Mignarde  is a hidden gem. Instead of an elaborate tasting room, you will get a personalized tasting service in one of the old barns on the property – complete with the adorable barn kitten. Just make sure you call ahead for an appointment. Winegrower meals and vineyard tours are also available at the property located 30 km from Carcassonne and 40 km from Narbonne. After your visit, plan to have lunch at the nearby Les Meulieres and sample a few more local wines with your meal. 

Chateau Massamier La Mignarde is located at 11700 Pépieux, France

Clos du Gravillas 

St-Jean de Minervois is known for its sweet Muscadet, but when Nicole and John purchased land in this tiny village to form  Clos du Gravillas , they were determined to show that other varietals and quality wine can be made here. Nicole, the winemaker, is originally from Narbonne, and her husband John that helps run the winery hails from Kentucky so having an English-led tasting is not a problem – but reservations are required. This small vineyard only ships a limited amount of wine to the United States, like the Sur la Lune which is 50% carignan and 50% syrah, but be sure to taste some of those that can only be found locally. 

Clos du Gravillas is located at 15 route de Bize, 34360 Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, France

Mas du Novi

Located on the grounds of an 11th-century estate owned by an Abbey,  Mas du Novi  has a deep winemaking history. Today, this estate near Montpellier is open to the public for tasting and tours. The wines reflect the strong winds and sea spray, leveraging the power of the soil to create great drinkability. The Chardonnay du Monde is a three-time Gold Medal winner.

Mas du Novi is located at Route de Villeveyrac, D5, 34530 Montagnac, France

Chateau St Pierre Serjac

Chateau St Pierre Serjac  is a working wine estate with a luxury hotel and self-catering properties. You can really make a day of your visit with a trip to the spa, lunch on the terrace overlooking the infinity pool and vineyards, and a personalized wine tasting or vineyard tour.  Be sure to make reservations in advance.

Chateau St Pierre Serjac is located at D30 between Pouzolles and Magalas, 34480 Puissalicon

Chateau L’Hospitalet 

If you are looking for a California-style tasting experience at a large wine producer that you can find at home,  Chateau L’Hospitalet  by Gerard Bertrand fits the bill. You will need to book tickets in advance for a wine tour through the vineyards, followed by a tasting in their expansive wine shop and tasting room. The property also includes a 3-star hotel and Restaurant L’art de vivre – but we wouldn’t recommend the jazz dinner.

Chateau L’Hospitalet is located at Route de Narbonne-Plage, 11100 Narbonne, France

Chateau Paraza

Chateau Paraza is located near the charming town of Le Somail in the Minervois region. This family-run winery features a luxury chateau that runs as a bed and breakfast. With gorgeous grounds, this is a popular spot for events and weddings, but the winery also has a large tasting room. They offer a wide range of wines including rosés, and white and red blends.

Chateau Paraza is located at 1 Rue du Viala, 11200 Paraza, France

Noilly Prat

If you are tired of the local wines, you can also visited a French Vermouth winery at Noilly Prat in the lovely seaside town of Marseillan for a guided tour and tasting. Vermouth is a fortified wine and Noilly Prat is one of the leading Vermouth producers with a nearly 200 year history. After learning about the production process, which I found quite fascinating, especially seeing the hundreds of barrels left out in the sun, you get to taste their four different styles of vermouth, including one which is only sold locally.

Noilly Prat is located at 1 Rue Noilly 34340 Marseillan, France

Where to Stay in Languedoc

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Of course, when you visit Languedoc in the South of France, there is so much more to do besides drink wine. There are charming villages and towns to explore, beautiful beaches to relax at, and luxurious chateaus to rest your head. 

We spent our first few days at a stylish bed and breakfast in the town of Montreal, near Carcassonne. Unfortunately, they were selling the property, or I would highly recommend it for couples visiting the region. Splitting up our week in Languedoc between two locations allowed us to cover more ground without endless hours in the car. Another fun way to explore the area without all the driving is via a barge cruise on the Canal du Midi.

Chateau Les Carrasses

The last five days of our stay were at  Chateau Les Carrasses  near Capestang. This four-star, luxury chateau offered everything we were looking for – a stunning chateau set within a vineyard at affordable prices. There are rooms in the main chateau, or the property also offers apartments or villas (some with private pools) to rent. 

The Chateau offers a full-service restaurant, a kids’ club for families, and a beautiful infinity pool that we enjoyed during that broiling heat wave. There are also tennis and volleyball courts on site, and you can borrow bikes to ride into town, through the vineyards, or along the nearby Canal du Midi.

If you are looking for even more luxury, its five-star sister property,  Chateau St. Pierre de Serjac , also offers a gourmet restaurant and on-site spa. We actually popped over there for dinner and a spa treatment one afternoon.

Tips for Wine Tasting in the South of France

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a wine-tasting trip to the Languedoc region:

• Appointments are required. The wine tourism industry is quite nascent in this area and you won’t find the crowds of people in tasting rooms that you will see in the United States. 
• Be careful driving. Roads are narrow and can be windy. Speeds are closely monitored by traffic cameras and police and they are not tolerant of drinking and driving. So plan your days accordingly or book a wine tour!
• Make a plan. You may want to arrange your plan of attack to explore one AOC region at a time so you can really get a sense of the varietals that area is known for and distinguish between different producers.
• You won’t cover it all! There are 36 appellations so you may want to start with 3-5 to cover in a week such as Limoux, Minervois, Le Clape, etc.
• Think beyond wineries. In addition to visiting wineries, you can also stop into the many Caveau in this region, which will typically represent a number of winemakers that are partners in the Caveau.
• Make time to explore more than just the wineries. Here are my recommendations for the towns and villages you shouldn’t miss!

Interested in Wine Travel?

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• Planning a wine country girls’ trip

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

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THE 10 BEST France Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in france.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting

2. Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux

3. Montmartre Hill French Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour

4. Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour

5. Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims and Winery from Paris

6. Paris Ultimate Food Tour

7. Medoc or St-Emilion Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour from Bordeaux

8. Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains

9. Wine pairing in Paris

10. Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux

11. Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Nice

12. Paris Seine River Champagne Tasting Cruise

13. Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune

14. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

15. Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley

16. The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours

17. Alsace 4 Wonders Small-Group Day Trip from Colmar

18. Unusual wine tasting in DARWIN (Bordeaux)!

19. Reims afternoon tour Champagne and family growers

20. Saint-Emilion Afternoon Tour - 2 Wineries, tastings & delicacies

21. Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting

22. Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice

23. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

24. Bordeaux Food and Wine Tour

25. Small Group - Half Day Champagne Tour - Visit of 2 Small Producers/Growers

26. Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon

27. Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence

28. Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour from Lyon

29. Beaujolais half day

30. Provence Cru Wine Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon

What travelers are saying.

• Tsz Man C 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great The tour was great for seeing the amazing view by bike. The wine touring is good and the tour guide Valentino was so nice and knowledgeable. We defo learnt a lot for wine. The first wine house is big, cool and historic. The second one was traditional, small. Good to experience two different style. Read more Review of: Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune Written April 24, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• +44 (0)20 8877 4940

Wine Tours France

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Featured trips

Bordeaux Luxury Château Experience

Bordeaux Wine Tour: Saint-Émilion

Luxury Château Champagne Experience

French Wine Collection: Loire to Bordeaux

French Wine Collection: Champagne & Chablis

Luxury Dom Perignon Champagne Experience

We provide wine tasting weekends, vineyard experiences and romantic breaks. From a weekend in Bordeaux to a grand ten-day wine tour across the South of France – a French wine tasting holiday from SmoothRed is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Whether it’s the food, culture or iconic landscapes, France is the ultimate location for gourmet lovers. From the fairytale châteaux of the Loire Valley,  the illustrious wine estates of the Médoc or the lavender fields of Provence and the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France has it all!

The tours featured on our website are intended to give you inspiration for what’s possible. We don’t do off-the-shelf here at SmoothRed. We specialise in bespoke wine travel.

Our France Wine Tour Destinations

Brittany and Normandy

Provence & Rhone Valley

Loire Valley

Languedoc-Roussillon

French Riviera

At SmoothRed, we are passionate about wine and providing our clients with luxury holidays and wine tours, as well as experiences across the most famous wine-growing regions in France.

France produces some of the finest wines and wine tasting in France is a lavish experience. Each of our tours will see you visit some of the most luxurious vineyards and wineries in the world. Discover new flavours at private wine tastings in Bordeaux, Rhône or Champagne whilst enjoying delicious gourmet cuisine in beautiful châteaux.

Why take a wine tour in France?

France is synonymous with many things, including romance and art, but for many, France is about sensational food and world-beating wines. There are many quantitative metrics that tell us France leads the way when it comes to wine:

• In 2017, France exported wine worth more than $10bn, 50% more than Italy who came in second
• France is rarely out of the top two in terms of global wine production
• The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold (a cool $558,000) was French

However, mere numbers cannot accurately portray the important role wine plays in French accomplishment, nor the significance of French wine to the rest of the world. Wine is a driving force in day-to-day French culture. In terms of the global outlook, few would disagree that France produces the best, most sought-after wines.

Many European nations, from Italy to England and Switzerland to Spain, produce great wines, but at the very top end, it’s hard to argue that one could better France’s top wines from Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Of course, this isn’t a competition and, in truth, it is impossible – not to mention rather pointless – to compare “French wine” and “Italian wine”. There is simply so much variety within the wines produced by both countries, not to mention other producing nations, in terms of grape varieties, terroir, style, price range and so on.

There is, indeed, so much variety even within France itself, in large part due to the country’s size. At more than 550,000 square kilometres, mainland France is larger than Italy and the UK combined and it is easily the biggest country in Western Europe.

The relatively cool climate and chalky, limestone soil of Champagne helps produce very different wine to the endless sun and warmth of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south. France boasts so much variety in terms of terroir, weather and topography that it is able to produce many different styles of wine, and indeed this is a large part of the appeal for many oenophiles.

The Key Wine Regions of France

You could spend months touring France and barely scratch the surface of its many treasures. There are well over 300 different Appellations d’Origine Protégée (AOP) wine areas within France but it is easier instead to consider the major regions.

The city of Bordeaux lies on the Garonne River and the region is situated in the west of France on the Atlantic. Bordeaux is most famous – from a wine perspective – for its big, powerful reds which are great food wines, although it also produces other styles, including probably the most famous sweet wine in the world, Sauternes .

Champagne is a much smaller region than Bordeaux and is situated about 100 miles east of Paris. The acidity and body of the wine that is a byword for celebration and luxury, make it a surprisingly good match with food, especially for those fortunate enough to stretch to a bottle of vintage Champagne. To see our Champagne tasting tours, click here .

Burgundy has a greater number of individual AOPs than any other region in the country and these span both red and white wines, making this a great option for a wine holiday in France. Best known for Pinot-Noir-based reds, it is certainly worth sampling the also fantastic white Burgundies, which often utilise Chardonnay grapes. Wines such as Chablis, Pouilly-Fuisse and Meursault are elegant, refined choices that showcase the versatility of Chardonnay.

Languedoc-Roussillon is the most southerly region in France and boarders Spain and the Mediterranean Sea. With well over 700,000 acres of vines, it is three times the size of Bordeaux in terms of the area of planted vines and it produces rich, ripe reds thanks to its over 300 days of sun each year.

Alsace is a region in east France near the Swiss and German borders and is one of the smaller French wine regions. The Alsace region produces almost exclusively white wines, although a small quantity of pale red and rosé is also made. Those looking for excellent value fizz will find Crémant d’Alsace a real treat, whilst the whites tend to be aromatic and subtly satisfying.

  The Loire Valley is around 170 miles in length, stretching down the central part of the river of the same name. Located in northern, central France, this wine region produces some of the greatest white wines around. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are fantastic ways for lovers of New World Sauvignon Blancs to glide across to French wine. Made from the same grape, these Loire Valley wines are less grassy but offer greater minerality, and they pair superbly with seafood.

Provence and the Rhône

Provence is on the south coast of France and includes Marseille and Toulon. Famed for its sun, lavender and unparalleled rosé wine, Provence is one of France’s most popular wine holiday destinations. Producing reds and whites too, the region has much to offer and that’s before we even consider the Rhône.

North of Provence, the Rhône is actually a large area. It produces Syrah- and Grenache-based reds of great richness that go brilliantly with food, such as the globally famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Wine has been grown here since 600 BC, and in more than 2500 years of winemaking, superb whites have been produced too, utilising Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.

How to plan a wine holiday in France

Choose which region you would like to visit, the wines that suit your palate, how you would like to travel and the type of accommodation that would suit you.

• You could unwind in a boutique hotel in Bordeaux or a private château in the Languedoc!
• Maybe you would prefer a  self-drive wine holiday, combining two regions, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux for example, or Burgundy and Champagne?
• Or a luxury Eurostar escape discovering the charm of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a magical French wine tour in the Rhône Valley.
• Do you prefer a Pinot Noir with silky tannins and complex favours from Burgundy, or the boldest and most tannic of Bordeaux   wines with Cabernet Sauvignons from the Médoc?

Speak to the team today to create your perfect wine tour around France!

Our Customers Rate Our France Tours

Our recent reviews.

SmoothRed planned a truly fabulous trip from Paris through Brittany to Normandy and back to Paris. Every part of the trip was wonderful and seamlessly executed. It was a trip of a lifetime! Without any hesitation or qualifications, we heartily recommend SmoothRed. They customized an extraordinary family trip.

Dorothy Weinstein

Very well organised trip to Tuscany, getting in 2 wine regions. Lovely hotel with amazing view. The best part was our guide Paula who ensured our wine tasting tours were with smaller wineries which have authenticity and care for the environment. Highly recommend SmoothRed!

Warren De Villiers

To Adam & the SmoothRed Team. Our recent trip to Bordeaux and the Medoc/St Emillion has been a wonderful trip & experience. One I would have no hesitation in saying is top class. I would certainly use SmoothRed & their travel associates in future wine tasting trips. The entire group…

SmoothRed did an outstanding job providing chauffeured driven wine tour through Bourgogne and the Rhone valley (France). The multiple vendors they used were all Courteous, Prompt, and very fluent in English. This 7 day trip went without problems. I would highly recommend SmoothRed.

We came to Bordeaux for part of our honeymoon and took the First Growth Bordeaux tour. SmoothRed worked with us to curate a trip based on our desires. The 8 Chateaux we visited, the 3 delicious lunches, and the hotel were wonderful, but what set the trip apart was our…

Tibita Kaneene

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A Wine Lover\’s Guide To Avignon: The Best Wineries To Visit

A Wine Lover\'s Guide to Avignon: The Best Wineries to Visit Avignon, a city in the south of France, is renowned for its wines. It is an ideal destination for wine lovers who want to experience

Avignon, a city in the south of France, is renowned for its wines. It is an ideal destination for wine lovers who want to experience excellent wine-tasting tours while on vacation. With numerous wineries scattered around the city, it can be challenging to choose which winery to visit first.

To help you plan your wine tour itinerary, we have compiled a list of the best wineries to visit in Avignon. Our recommendations are based on the quality of the wines, the expertise of the winemakers, and the overall experience.

One of the top wineries in Avignon is Château des Fines Roches. This winery has a rich history and is well known for its red and white wines. The property itself boasts stunning views of the Rhone Valley, making it a must-see destination for tourists.

Another winery worth visiting is Domaine de la Janasse. Here, you can find a wide range of wines, from Grenache to Syrah. The vineyard is also environmentally friendly, making it the ideal location for wine lovers who want to support sustainable winemaking practices.

A third winery on our list is Domaine de Marcoux, which produces some of the finest wines in the region. The owners pride themselves on their family\’s long-standing tradition of winemaking and have been producing wines since the 14th century.

If rosé is your preferred wine, then you don\’t want to miss out on Château de Pampelonne. The winery specializes in rosés, and you\’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the best rosé wines in the world. The winery also has a lovely terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the beautiful scenery.

If you\’re looking for something unique, then make sure to add Château La Nerthe to your list. This winery is famous for its Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a rich and fruity blend of several grape varieties. You\’ll have the opportunity to explore the vineyard, learn about winemaking, and of course, taste their exquisite wines.

Don\’t forget to visit Domaine du Pegau, which is one of the oldest wineries in the region. The winery has been around for over 300 years and produces high-quality wines. Their Cuvée Reserve is a must-try wine that is widely recognized as one of the best wines in the region.

To make the most of your wine-tasting tour in Avignon, make sure to book in advance. Some wineries require reservations, and you don\’t want to miss out on the opportunity to visit your favourite winery. Also, be prepared to spend a bit of money. Wine-tasting tours can be costly, but the experience is worth every penny.

The Best Time to Visit Avignon for Wine Lovers

The best time to visit Avignon for wine lovers is during the harvest season, which usually takes place between September and October.

During this time, wineries allow visitors to participate in the harvest, and you\’ll have the opportunity to pick grapes, hop on a tractor with the winemakers, and of course, taste wine straight from the barrel. Harvest season is undoubtedly the most exciting time to visit the wineries and experience the unique winemaking process hands-on.

However, visiting outside of the harvest season can still be an enjoyable experience. You can still take tours of the vineyards, hear stories about the family-owned wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and taste some of the best wines the region has to offer.

The bottom line is, it\’s always a good time to visit Avignon if you\’re a wine lover.

Wine Tasting Etiquette in Avignon

When visiting wineries in Avignon, it\’s important to keep in mind some basic wine-tasting etiquette.

Firstly, make sure to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing perfumes or colognes as they can interfere with your sense of smell, which is essential when tasting wine. Wear comfortable shoes as you\’ll be walking around the vineyards and caves.

When tasting wine, hold the glass by the stem to prevent the wine from warming up in your hands. Swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas, and take a small sip. Don\’t drink the entire glass, as you\’ll be tasting several wines.

If you\’re not familiar with wine-tasting terms, don\’t be afraid to ask the winemaker to explain. They love sharing their knowledge and will be happy to guide you through the wine-tasting process.

Most importantly, enjoy the experience. Wine is about savouring the moment, and wine-tasting tours are a great way to create unforgettable memories.

The Benefits of Wine Tours in Avignon

Wine tours in Avignon provide a unique opportunity to explore the wineries in the region, taste some of the best wines in the world, and learn about the winemaking process. But there are other benefits to taking a wine tour in Avignon.

Firstly, it\’s an excellent way to make new friends. Wine-tasting tours are often group events, and it\’s an opportunity to meet other wine enthusiasts from all over the world.

Wine tours also offer a chance to experience the culture and history of the region. Many wineries have been around for centuries and have fascinating stories to tell. You\’ll learn about the traditions, customs and history of the winemaking industry in Avignon.

Finally, wine tours are an excellent way to support local winemakers. By buying and tasting their wines, you\’re supporting the local economy and helping to preserve the region\’s heritage.

Avoiding Common Mistakes on Wine Tours in Avignon

While wine tours in Avignon can be an enjoyable experience, there are some common mistakes to avoid.

Firstly, don\’t overdo it. Wine-tasting tours can be overwhelming, and it\’s easy to get carried away. Pace yourself and don\’t consume too much wine, or you won\’t be able to appreciate the taste and aromas fully.

Secondly, don\’t be afraid to ask questions. Winemakers love to share their knowledge and passion for winemaking but can sometimes use technical terms that you might not understand. If you\’re confused, ask for a simpler explanation.

Finally, don\’t rush through the experience. Take your time to savour each glass of wine and enjoy the ambiance of the vineyards. Wine-tasting tours are about creating unforgettable memories, and you don\’t want to miss out on any part of the experience.

Martin Holms

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Vacation wrap up: South of France wine tour

on life in France · travel

Read on for more on our south of France wine tour !

Tom and I had been anticipating this trip for months because not only was it an overdue vacation, but it was the first time our parents got to meet. We got married last year and our parents knew all about each other and had seen pictures — but had never actually met. We were a little nervous it was going to be a disaster since each set of parents doesn’t speak more than a handful of words in the other’s language, but to our surprise, everything worked out great! So the day after we picked up my parents from the Marseille airport, we headed out as a family of six (and Dagny the dog) to check out the region’s wines.

First up: Mas de Cadenet

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. Gorgeous blue sky welcomed us to the region and a light breeze reminded us that fall was nowhere in sight.

Our day started out when Gaetane of Provence Wine Tours picked us up and brought us to the Mas de Cadenet estate in Trets, France.

The tasting at Mas de Cadenet

After learning about the property and what it produces, we followed Gaetane inside to sample six of the wines, two of each color. My favorites were the whites and roses from the Mas de Cadenet Sainte Victoire Tradition.

And like the good visitors we were, we stocked up on several bottles of our favorites to sample with dinner later that week and a few to save for a special occasion (or five).

Our second stop: Domaine de Saint Ser

The tasting at Domaine de Saint Ser

After walking around the property and sampling delicious grapes outside, we headed inside to learn more about the wine making process. We got to sample several of Domaine de Saint Ser’s wines, and once again, the whites and roses were my favorites.

Final thoughts on our wine tour

This was our second wine tour (the first being with Cathy and Nigel of Le Tasting Room in the Loire Valley, who are awesome by the way), and I think it’s a great way to experience a region that you may not be familiar with. On a south of France wine tour, you get to learn about the region and how the wine is made, tour the vineyards and sample the wines. The best part is that you don’t have to drive yourself which comes in handy if you really indulge or just aren’t good with maps. The stops on our tour were both well-known vineyards and we enjoyed having a guide who knew everything there was to know. If you ever find yourself in France, I absolutely recommend taking a wine tour with a reputable company. There’s no better way to see and sample some of the best wines in the world!

Have you been on a south of France wine tour?

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November 7, 2012 at 6:23 pm

As I play catch up on your site, I noticed that you went to Puyloubier. This vignoble is literally right down the road (with a few turns) from my aunt’s house. Some of my favorite parts of France!

November 7, 2012 at 7:50 pm

Small world. 😉 If I had known, I would have stopped in to say hi!

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Embark on Enchanting Wine Tours in the South of France

• Author: Joss Quance
• August 31, 2023

The South of France is a wine lover’s paradise , a region where lush vineyards, centuries-old winemaking traditions, and breathtaking landscapes converge to create an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. From the sun-kissed hills of Provence to the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, the South of France offers a diverse range of wine tours catering to connoisseurs and those simply eager to explore the world of wine. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most enchanting wine tours in the region.

Bordeaux: The Heart of Wine Country 

Bordeaux is a name synonymous with exceptional wines. With its prestigious châteaux and sprawling vineyards, a wine tour here is an immersion into the world of grand crus and timeless winemaking traditions. Explore the famed Bordeaux Wine Route, meandering through charming villages and iconic estates. Guided tours often include tastings of renowned reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship that has earned Bordeaux its esteemed reputation.

Champagne: Bubbles and Beyond  

The Champagne region isn’t just about celebrations; it’s about the art of crafting exquisite sparkling wines. Take a tour through the sprawling vineyards and explore the cellars of renowned Champagne houses. Learn about the intricate process of producing these effervescent delights and enjoy tastings of elegant brut and rosé varieties. Reims and Épernay are prime destinations, offering a glimpse into the history and passion that go into creating every bottle of Champagne.

Provence: Where Wine Meets Romance 

Provence is not only famous for its lavender fields but also its delicate rosé wines. Embark on a wine tour through the picturesque landscapes of Provence, where vineyards thrive under the Mediterranean sun. Explore family-owned wineries that produce some of the world’s finest rosés, and savor the region’s flavors. The wine tours here often emphasize the harmonious blend of wine, culture, and breathtaking surroundings.

Languedoc-Roussillon: A Hidden Gem 

For a more off-the-beaten-path wine tour, Languedoc-Roussillon offers a unique experience. This region boasts an array of wineries producing a diverse range of wines, from robust reds to crisp whites. Explore the charming countryside, visit historic castles turned wineries, and indulge in tastings that showcase the region’s rich viticultural heritage. The relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality make Languedoc-Roussillon a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts.

Côtes du Rhône: A Tapestry of Flavors 

The Côtes du Rhône region is a tapestry of vineyards that produce an array of wines known for their bold character and depth of flavor. Take a wine tour through this breathtaking landscape, where you’ll encounter a blend of renowned wineries and boutique producers. Discover the secrets behind the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, famous for their complex taste and rich history.

Rhone Valley: A Tapestry of Taste

The Rhone Valley is a canvas upon which flavors are painted boldly. On a wine tour here, you’ll encounter the rugged beauty of Côte-Rôtie, where the steep slopes give birth to intense Syrahs. Journey to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you can explore the storied cellars that hold the secrets of complex Grenache blends. The Rhone Valley is a symphony of aromas and tastes that will resonate with your palate.

Embarking on a wine tour in the South of France is not just about tasting exceptional wines; it’s a journey into the heart and soul of a region steeped in winemaking traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a novice enthusiast, these wine tours offer an opportunity to learn, savor, and immerse yourself in the passion that goes into each bottle. So raise your glass to the South of France’s intoxicating blend of terroir, heritage, and the art of winemaking. Let your senses be captivated by the flavors, aromas, and stories that make this region a wine lover’s haven.

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Srn member links, 10 glorious southern french wines up to 92 points.

Chardonnay, sparkling rosé and more feature in these new reviews of impressive wines from France's Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhône Valley and beyond, most priced less than $30

• Kristen Bieler

With a wide swath of vineyards, southern France remains the source of some of the tastiest wine values on the planet. Leading the way here is Languedoc-Roussillon, France’s largest winemaking region, which encompasses more than 740,000 acres of planted vines stretching from areas like Costières de Nîmes and Pic St.-Loup to the Spanish border in the southwest. Because land is relatively inexpensive and winemaking regulations are less strict than in, say, Burgundy, the Languedoc is home to many young and creative producers who have the freedom to craft wines from a vast array of grapes in a range of styles. But these diverse wines do tend to share one characteristic: affordability.

With 17 estates, Gérard Bertrand is one of the most prolific winegrowers in Languedoc, credited with helping the world see the enormous potential of this once-underappreciated region. His Domaine de l’Aigle Chardonnay from the Limoux appellation is a rich, opulent version with a lot of vibrant mineral energy. One of my favorites of Bertrand’s wines is his Château L’Hospitalet blanc, a juicy and stylish blend of the Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Vermentino grapes.

Jean-Claude Mas is another son of Languedoc who is pushing quality higher. He’s a big believer in quality sparkling wines from this sunny Mediterranean region, and his Côte Mas brut and rosé crémants from Limoux are creamy, fruit-forward and refreshing, all at terrific prices.

This lineup includes the top scorer, Gérard Bertrand's La Clape White Château L'Hospitalet 2022, a dense wine with juicy peach and candied lemon peel notes. Read on and get our score and full tasting note for this Southern French wine and nine others!

Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent ratings—including scores and full tasting notes—to WineSpectator.com members.

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How to reach wine tasting experiences in france.

Wine tasting tours in France are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the best option to reach wine tastings and tours in Champagne.
• Paris Orly (ORY) 
• Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)  takes you directly into the heart of the Bordeaux wine region.
• Marseille Airport (MRS) or Nice Airport (NCE) to reach wine tastings and tours in Provence
• Montpellier (MPL)  is where to land to reach the Languedoc – Roussillion wine region and South West France.
• Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is your option to get close to wine tastings and tours in Loire Valley.
• Lyon Saint Éxupéry Airport (LYS) to get to wine tastings and tours in Rhône.
• A89  or  A62 to reach wine tastings and tours in Bordeaux.
• A6, A31  direction Dijon and then Lille or Nancy or A38 towards Besançon or Basel to get to heart of Burgundy.
• A6, A43, A47  or  A89 are all the motorways that lead to wine tastings and tours in Rhône.
• A8  is the best route to drive to discover Provence.
• Porto Vecchio

Looking for a more specific destination?

Design your perfect wine holiday in france.

Personalize your wine experiences with our team of experts

Are you still unsure about your next holiday destination? Take a look at our endless number of wine tastings and tours in France and get inspired for a wine-filled experience. It won't be easy to choose among our selection of wineries scattered around all of the best wine-producing regions of France. The first thing to take into account is what type of wine you prefer - for some delicious red wine go to Bordeaux or Burgundy, for white wine travel to Loire Valley and for some sparkling wine, you already know, Champagne!

Rent a car and start roaming around to experience as many wine tastings and tours in France as possible.

This means that if you are planning to experience wine tastings and tours in France, you will have to carefully choose where to go first and start looking for the best region for you. Take part in a wine tasting and tour in France to go behind the scenes of the production of some of the world’s best wine and witness the meticulous work that winemakers put in their wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, where to taste wine in france, what to wear at wine tastings in france, which is france's most famous wine, what is the most popular white wine in france, how much is a wine tasting in france, which french town is known for wine, what is the best wine area in france, what is the most expensive wine region in france, what travellers says about france wine tours.

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Are you interested in reading more about France? Read our France wine country guide section, or visit our selection of the very best France wineries that you can visit during your stay.

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Wine tasting Tours & Trips in France

Immerse yourself in culture as you sample the finest local wines on a tour of France. With 117 wine tasting adventures ranging from 3 days to 22 days, you'll hop from one winery to another clinking your glasses and sipping premium flavours.

117 Wine tasting tour packages in France with 60 reviews

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Cycle Provence

Overall amazing experience! Met some amazing people and enjoyed some beautiful views. While it was the hottest time of the year, our team had a great support system to ensure everyone was well hydrated. The bikes were nice and sturdy, especially climbing up some of those monstrous hills and the paniers were very handy! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to enjoy the countryside and south of France!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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A cruise in Aquitaine : the great wines of Southern France (port-to-port cruise) (12 destinations)

A cruise with a good combination of cruise and excursion time. A friendly and helpful staff, clean comfortable boat and good value food and drink.

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Cycling Champagne and Burgundy

Great adventure! Safe and well organized! Great Hotels/meals and cultural experiences! Love the arrow system!

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Best Vineyards in the South of France

• Montana Hill
• Category: Life in the South of France

The South of France has much to offer, including vineyards. Here we have compilled a list of the different vineyards we recommend you visit:

Domaine de terrebrune.

This area is famous for their Bandol wines. Domaine de Terrebrune consists of 30 acres of land and is located in Ollioules, a village close to the city of Toulon. This vineyard specializes in red, white and rosé wine. George Delille took over the land in 1963 and turned it into a functioning vineyard that would later be passed on to his son, Reynald Delille. They are well-known for their red Bandol wine, which has a fresh taste that is not too overpowering like most reds.

Château de Bellet

Château de Bellet is located just 20 minutes outside of Nice and their vineyard surrounds a chapel. They age their bottles for an average 30 years and offer wine tours all year long. Château de Bellet uses organic farming methods to make sure that they’re wine is the very best. They have three ranges of wine;  Château de Bellet , La Chapelle , and Agnès . They offer wine made of rare grape varieties such as Rolle, Braquet and Folle Noire. Its unique soil is a result of its placement between the mountains and the sea. Being in the South of France, this vineyard gets plenty of sunlight year round!

Château Thuerry

This vineyard is on property that is 340 acres in total, however vines only make up 40 acres. The rest of the land consists of olive tree, and altogether it stretches throughout the Provence communes Villecroze, Flayosc and Tourtour. Their oldest vine was planted in 1927, and they still use it to produce a certain Rosé! Their three ranges of wines are: Le Château, Les Abeillons and L’Exception.  The soil in this region is made up of limestone, clay and rocks and Château Thuerry use a mix of both traditional and modern methods.

Château de Berne

Château de Berne is a favorite for many people in the South of France. It is also located just outside Lourges in the Provence region, and they produce delicate red, white and rosé wine. Apart from the vineyard, on this stunning property you also have their restaurant, 5-star hotel and spa. It all stretches through a total of 121 acres of breathtaking land and is surrounded by 500 acres of forest. Their winery produces around 750,000 bottles yearly! The cool climate in the Haut-Var allows the grapes to age well and gives their wine a beautiful richness. If you want a full experience that guarantees satisfaction, then this truly is the place for you.

Domaine des Hautes Collines

Domaine des Hautes Collines is located on a hill in Saint-Jeannet, close to Nice. What makes this vineyard unique is that they actually age their wine in glass bottles outside in the sun, as that what how the Romans used to do it on that area! The owner of the vineyard, Georges Rasse, is actually an Artist and puts his artwork on their bottles of wine. At this vineyard, you have a wonderful view of the French Riviera from high up. In 1948, the current owners father planted his first grapes and over 40 years later in 1986 George Rasse took over the vineyard and made it his own, creating finer wines of different varieties!

Chateau Roubine

This fine winery is located above Saint-Tropez in the village of Lorgues. It stretches over 130 acres of land, 72 of which are for Château Roubine’s grape vines. This wonderful property has much history  as it has been around since the 1300s.  It is one of the finest in the region and was actually formally recognized by the decree in 1955. Château Roubine believes in implementing sustainable agriculture practices when producing their bottles of red, white and rosé wines. If both wine and history interest you, we highly suggest you visit this vineyard and learn more about the story behind the finest Château Roubine yourself!

Within our investment sector, Wretman Invest , you are able to invest in many properties in the South of France, including vineyards. If this interests you,take a look at the different properties for sale in the South of France and contact us if you want more info! You can also check out our guide to moving to the French Riviera.

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The South of France Is My Favorite Vacation Destination — Here Are Its 20 Best Places to Visit

The lavender fields, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches have my heart.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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France ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe — of course there are remarkable destinations in the country that gave us boeuf bourguignon , the Eiffel Tower , and Champagne. But with alluring beaches along the Côte d'Azur , magical lavender fields, and the vineyards of the Luberon, the South of France is a superb destination all on its own. I'm a professional travel writer who's been to 45 countries across six continents, and it's my absolute favorite place in the world to visit. If you’re planning on spending even just a few days in le Midi , this list will help you choose which of the region's many, many highlights to include in your itinerary.

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Gordes is one of the most beautiful small towns in the world , with roads and facades that seem to have sprung from the pages of a children's storybook. Unsurprisingly, tourists beeline to this enchanting Luberon village to see — and snap photos of — its cobbled lanes, white stone buildings, and churches.

Saint-Tropez

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A French Riviera hotspot put on the map by Bridget Bardot and other members of the jet-set pack in the 1960s, Saint-Tropez still sizzles. Sun-kissed holiday goers crowd glamorous beach clubs here, moor their mega yachts in the harbor, shop for breezy linens at the boutiques, and traipse around the old fishing quarter.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Just outside the tourist-trodden center of Gordes lies Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a photogenic monastery founded in 1148 by Cistercians monks. Guided tours of the church and cloisters are available throughout the year. When the lavender fields bloom in the summer, this site reaches peak prettiness.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

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Île Sainte-Marguerite floats about half a mile offshore from Cannes. In contrast to its mainland neighbor, the largest of the Lérins Islands is small, slow-paced, and steeped in nature. Expect rocky beaches, turquoise waters, and a eucalyptus forest, as well as a very interesting underwater sculpture museum.

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It’s not hard to find enchanting hilltop towns in Provence. The enduring charm of Mougin that lured Edith Piaf and Christian Dior enamors all who visit. This medieval village has a snail-shaped center with cobbled lanes and flower-clad houses, plus large-scale art sculptures and award-winning restaurants overlooking the leafy countryside.

Oppède le Vieux

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In stark contrast to the Disneyland-like atmosphere of Gordes, Oppède le Vieux is an under-the-radar village that’s built atop rocks and surrounded by overgrown trees. The stone pathways, steps, and structures here are in various degrees of ruin, which imbues a time-worn charm.

Porquerolles

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Escape to Porquerolles, off the coast of Hyères, for a peaceful respite that can include time lazing on near-empty beaches, swimming in placid tides, sipping your way through vineyards, cycling in the countryside, and wandering through old forts.

Plage des Marinières

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Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the French Riviera, crescent-shaped Plage des Marinières in the darling village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the perfect spot for a day of basking in the sun, strolling across golden sand, and splashing in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

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The exclusive commune of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has long attracted the attention of artists and jet setters with deep pockets and a desire for privacy. Exquisite villas are obscured from sight by lush vegetation. Pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a yacht-filled harbor define this desirable destination.

Site Archéologique de Glanum

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Named after the Celtic god Glanis, Site Archéologique de Glanum traces its roots back to 600 BC. It’s at this extensive site just outside the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that visitors can walk through remarkable surviving remains of both Gaulish and Roman settlements.

Le Sentier des Ocres

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The most iconic and unmissable sight in the Luberon village of Roussilian, Le Sentier des Ocres is a former ochre quarry with walking paths through rust-hued hills. The setting certainly provides spellbinding photo ops.

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Nice is a vibrant seaside city with a lovely historic core. If Vieux Nice is on your itinerary, begin with the Promenade des Anglais, then wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the pastel-hued facades and shopping for Niçoise soaps. Experience a Provencale market, grab socca (chickpea pancake) at one of the outdoor cafes, and soak in the views from Colline du Château before you depart.

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The untamed region between the Mediterranean Sea and the two branches of the Rhône River delta, Camargue defies preconceptions with its vastly different landscape. Rather than olive groves and grape vines, expect salt marshes and reed beds inhabited by free-roaming white horses and pink flamingos.

Valensole Plateau Lavender Fields

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Lavender is the emblem of Provence. The fields on the Valensole Plateau that erupt into a fragrant and gorgeous purple bloom each summer are some of the most popular — and photogenic — attractions in the region.

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Fragrance fans are no doubt familiar with Grasse, a French Riviera town in the hills behind Cannes that’s considered the perfume capital of the word. Rare roses and jasmine for designer luxury scent makers grow in this sunny village. It’s also home to many perfumeries.

Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole

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If you’re at all interested in the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, consider a visit to Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole. This is the monastery-turned-psychiatric facility in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where the tortured Dutch artist sought treatment and famously painted “The Starry Night.”

Palais des Papes

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The standout attraction in Avignon, the enormous Palais des Papes served as a pontifical residence in the 14th century. It's also on the shortlist of the most significant medieval Gothic buildings in all of Europe, with ceremonial halls, chapels, a cloister, and frescos.

Mines Bruoux

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Mines Bruoux , near Gargas, gives visitors the chance to tour a maze-like complex of tunnels and galleries in a 19th-century ochre mine. You will learn about the fascinating mining process as you go. The cool underground temperature provides a reprieve from the summer sun, too.

Promenade de la Croisette

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Few places embody French Riviera glamor quite like Promenade de la Croisette. Running along the Mediterranean Sea, the famous palm-fringed thoroughfare is crowned by Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, which hosts the Cannes Film Festival, and you'll find many upmarket hotels, shops, and restaurants here as well.

Carrières de Lumières

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For an unforgettable experience that speaks to Provence’s artistic pedigree, head to Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence. Housed in an old quarry, this contemporary art center hosts multimedia shows that combine larger-than-life projections of famous paintings and music.

This Is France’s Most Underrated Wine Region

I really didn’t know much about France’s Languedoc wine region before I traveled there last October. Now, I can’t open a restaurant’s wine menu without immediately searching for Languedoc wines — maybe because drinking them takes me back to warm, sunny days sipping them in verdant vineyards and sidewalk restaurants, maybe because I just get really excited to see wines from this underrated region increasingly getting their due. 

The Languedoc stretches from Provence to the Pyrenees , and vineyards benefit from Mediterranean sea breezes and soils rich with clay, limestone, schist and granite. Native grape varieties like grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, carignan, cinsault, picpoul, vermentino and viognier are used in abundance. Languedoc has been historically known for producing great value wines, but especially in recent years, that definitely doesn’t mean low-quality — in fact, I have yet to come across a Languedoc wine that I don’t like. 

Whether you’re looking to check an amazing wine destination off your list or are simply craving a holiday in the South of France, here’s everywhere to stay, eat and, of course, drink in Languedoc.

Where to Wine

There are so many excellent Languedoc wineries, so this is only a small list of the vineyards you can visit during a trip. Here they are broken down by town, but during my visit, we never drove more than an hour between estates, and often they are 10 to 20 minutes apart.

Pezénas 

Domaine Monplézy

This winery is located in Pézenas (where we recommend staying during your Languedoc adventure, more on that later), so it’s a must-visit. The Sutra de Germa-Gil family has been making wine for four generations, and you can try their delicious bottlings during a weekday afternoon visit to the tasting room.

Domaine La Croix Gratiot

This winery is situated between the Bassin de Thau (a string of lagoons that stretch along the French coast) and the clay-limestone hills where they grow 30 hectares of grapes. They offer free tours and tastings and often host events like concerts. Try the Le Chant des Dolia, a silky, minerally GSM (grenache, syrah and mourvèdre blend) with notes of red fruits and black pepper.

Domaine de Campaucels

Fans of dry, high-acid whites will love picpoul, and Domaine de Campaucels makes one of our favorite bottles. You can even opt to book a stay at the winery’s 13th century home, which features an outdoor kitchen so you can cook a meal among the century-old pines. Be on the lookout for live music and other events.

Mas Du Novi

This estate has been producing wine since the 11th century, and their 42 hectares of organic vineyards are some of the most picturesque we’ve seen. Mas Du Novi’s cellar is open seven days a week with no appointment necessary, so stop by to taste their excellent wines and explore the grounds (which includes a very old and quaint chapel).

Château Saint-Martin de la Garrigue

A Renaissance château, olive groves and lush grounds accompany more than 50 vineyard plots that grow 18 grape varieties at Château Saint-Martin de la Garrigue. Not only can you visit for a tasting and a bite, you can also book the property for special events.

Clos du Temple

Part of the Gérard Bertrand wine portfolio, Clos du Temple is focused on one thing: making one of the best rosés in the world. The blend of grenache, cinsault, syrah and mourvèdre is aged in new French oak, and the best way to try it is in-person at the verdant hillside vineyard. 

Domaine Allegria

Located about a 10 minute drive from Pézenas, this lovely estate is worth a visit to try Allegria’s  mourvèdre and syrah blends like Tribu du Volcan and La Belle Histoire . You can also book a sunset dinner, featuring a home-cooked meal with wine pairings (oui, s’il vous plait!).

Mas Gabriel  

Also a short drive from Pézenas, this organic vineyard grows 6.5 hectares of vines on basalt and clay-limestone soils. They are open for tastings by appointment Monday to Friday and for walk-ins on Saturday. Don’t miss the Champs des Bleuets , a bright, balanced blend of vermentino, grenache blanc and grenache gris.

Murviel-lès-Béziers

Terre des Dames

Winemaker Lidewij van Wilgen is originally from Amsterdam, but she studied oenology and viticulture in France and has been the owner and winemaker of Terre des Dames since 2002. It’s a family affair, as her three daughters grew up on the estate and are now involved in the business. Her rosés are especially gorgeous, which you can try during their Tuesday summer tastings in English (and Thursdays in Dutch).

Villeveyrac

Abbaye de Valmagne

Not only is this historic monument (it was founded in 1139) one of the most beautiful abbeys in France, it’s also one of the oldest vineyards in Languedoc. Abbey tours and wine tastings are offered year-round, and the on-site restaurant Vigneron features meats and cheeses from local producers and produce from their organic vegetable garden. 

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Where to Eat

A 12-minute drive from Pézenas, this restaurant and guesthouse from Jean-Claude Mas is at the heart of Domaine Mas, which covers 150 hectares of vineyards. The multi-course lunch and wine pairing is the move, and afterwards you can tour the vineyards on horseback or buggy. If you’d rather come for dinner and can’t bear to leave, two lovely guest rooms (with a swimming pool, to boot) are available for rent.

Assiette d’Anatole

Situated on a charming side street in Pézenas, Assiette d’Anatole serves regional French specialties, many of which are cooked on their wood-fired grill. They also have a great list of AOP Languedoc Pézenas wines to pair with the delicious food.

Le Pré Saint Jean

Chef Jean-Michel Sempé leads the team at Le Pré Saint Jean, where beautifully-plated dishes taste as good as they look. Think an artichoke tartlet with foie gras and truffles, and line-caught hake risotto with fennel and aniseed mussel jus — délicieux!

Trinque Fougasse O’Sud

This lively restaurant in Montpellier features a wine tasting bar — simply ask the bartender to sample the wines you want to try, then purchase by the glass or bottle for your table. Order platters of cheese, charcuterie, grilled veggies, meat and seafood, and sweets to pair with your selection.

Located across the street from Montpellier’s Jardin des Plantes, this popular restaurant is known for its bowls, burgers and cocktails. Even a rainy day doesn’t stop locals from gathering under awnings and umbrellas to enjoy the all-day cafe.

Atelier & Co.

Shellfish lovers have to visit this waterfront oyster farm and restaurant, where you can dine on mussels and oysters, fresh from the Bassin de Thau. Don’t forget a glass of the region’s picpoul de pinet, which pairs perfectly with seafood. 

Where to Stay

Courtyard Montpellier

When embarking on your Languedoc trip, you’ll likely have to fly in and out of Montpellier from Paris or elsewhere in Europe. If you decide to stay a night or two in the city (which you should because it’s great), Courtyard Montpellier offers modern rooms with a beautiful pool and nice restaurant (the breakfast is especially lovely). 

Garrigae Distillerie de Pézenas  

Pézenas is an ideal home base for a trip to Languedoc, and this former distillery has been transformed into a charming hotel. Many of the rooms feature kitchens and balconies, which makes it feel like you’re staying in someone’s country home. Breakfast is served in the parlor every morning, and the pool, spa and wine bar are there to help you unwind after a day of tasting. 

Provence: what to do, what to see

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2024, updated on 21 April 2024

Provence can be tranquil or social, wise or wild, unpredictable or calm, stormy or sensible. Seek out secret creeks along the coast, get drunk on the fragrance of lavender or take in a concert in the Roman amphitheatre in Nîmes. The one thing we can promise is that you’ll never be bored. 

Not to miss sights in Provence

• notre-dame-de-la-garde and the mucem in marseille.

Marseille knows how to seduce a vistor. From the top of Notre-Dame de la Garde, she offers her most beautiful profile, a cinematographic panorama of the Frioul islands, the creeks, the Old Port, its many ochre walls that run down to the sea—the crown jewel is the Mucem, draped with a black concrete lace, integrated harmoniously between the Fort Saint-Jean and the Cathedral of the Major.

• The city of Aix-en-Provence

In the 18th century, it was dubbed "the little Versailles" for its elegant architecture. Between the classic mansions, mossy fountains, and Renaissance houses, it's hard not to fall in love. Go up the Cours Mirabeau, make a cultural stop at the Hôtel de Caumont or the Granet Museum, and linger at the ancient Roman baths to taste living history in Aix.

• The palace of the Popes in Avignon

The capital of Christianity in the 14th century, Avignon was distinguished by its palace of the Popes, mainly built by Benedict XII and Clement VI. This huge Gothic building, with its powerful towers, courtrooms, chapels and ceremonial halls, imbued with delicate frescoes and vibrant colors. In July, the court of honor turns into a theater scene during the Avignon Festival.

• The Baux-de-Provence and its Quarry of Lights

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, this fortress perched on the Plateau des Baux has protected its inhabitants since the Middle Ages. Some main attractions are its old castle, its keep, its Romanesque church, and its Yves Brayer museum. Not to miss: the Quarries, which immerse the visitor in a bath of digital images, projected on the floor and the 14 meters (46 feet) high walls.

• Gorges du Verdon

This Provençal canyon, carves a spectacularly beautiful path between the Var and the Hautes-Alpes. The water sparkles emerald, surmounted by steep cliffs that soften when the Verdon flows into Lake St. Croix. Drink in the landscape by hiking on marked trails, climbing the walls, playing aquatic sports and taking the road ridges electric bike.

• Mont Ventoux

"Mount Bald" culminates at 1911 meters (6270 ft) of altitude emerging from the storybook fields of Provençal lavender—its steep slopes welcome the Tour de France cyclists. From its limestone summit, on a clear day, the view encompasses a panorama that goes from the Alps to the Central Massif, through the Camargue, the Cevennes and the Mediterranean.

• Gordes, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Roussillon ...

Villages are like the people that make them up—beautiful, and no two are exactly alike! In the Luberon Regional Park, Gordes stacks its stone houses on a hill overlooking the valley. Also in the Luberon, Roussillon lives in the heart of an ocher deposit, the clay coloring the houses and the land with a thousand glowing hues of orange-red. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the small capital of the Alpilles, lazily embodies the Provençal art of living with its squares shaded by plane trees and artists' studios.

• Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence

Built on the old Aurelian Way, between the 5th and the 17th century, this cathedral blends three different styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. An unmissable sight is the triptych of the Burning Bush, painted by Nicolas Froment in 1476, as well as the church's organs, piping music through this classified historical monument.

• Sainte-Victoire Mountain

From its height of 1011 meters (3317 ft), the mountain dominates the country of Aix, offering views to see the sea and the Alps in clear weather. Sainte-Victoire attracted the painter Cézanne, and nowadays sportsmen, walkers and lovers of religious heritage. The steps on the climb are called Prieuré Sainte-Victoire, Ermitage Saint-Ser, the Croix de Provence.

• The Camargue

The regional park of Camargue extends into the Rhone delta, and offering many routes of discovery, whether walking, cycling or horse riding. As far as the eye can see, lie vast wetlands, marked by salt marshes, flooded meadows, lagoons, home to horses, bulls and flamingos.

• The Camargue • The Verdon Gorges • The city of Aix-en-Provence • The Papal Palace in Avignon • The Carrières de Lumières • Mont Ventoux • The Mucem - the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations - in Marseille • Mont Sainte-Victoire

Things to do in Provence

• trek the lavender road from sault to valensole in early summer.

The Romans perfumed their linen with lavender grown here thousands of years ago—the spiky purple flowers flourish on this territory from the Drôme to the Alpes-Maritimes, via the Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse and the Alpes de Haute-Provence. Several routes run through the fields, following the blooms, between mid-June and the end of August. There's no splendor in France quite like the plateau of Valensole covered with purple in early July!

• An oenological initiation from Bandol to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Provence has a wide variety of vineyards, and its AOCs are internationally renowned, be it the Côtes de Provence, Côtes du Rhône, Coteaux d'Aix, Bandol, Cassis, or Chateauneuf-du-Pape. On the wine roads, visitors can sip aromatic rosés, delicately fruity whites and reds of strong French character.

• Stroll through the villages of Luberon and Alpilles

The Luberon is full of medieval villages perched on its heights: Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Lacoste and Ménerbes to name a few. There's nothing like strolling their sleepy lanes at siesta hour or stopping at a terrace overlooking the orchards of olive trees . In the Alpilles, the villages crisscross through the scrubland: the Baux de Provence, Eyguières, Maussanne, Mouriès...

• Soak in the spectacle of the Calanques

About 20 carve out into creeks between Marseille and Cassis, in the national park. Accessible by hiking and boating, the calanques offer beautiful natural indentations between the clear waters of the Mediterranean and the steep cliffs of the mountains. Marseilleveyre, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau, Port-Pin, each have their own beauty and character. They're a sight to be enjoyed and protected.

• Play the movie star in Saint-Tropez

This charming village always seems ready to party! Have a seat at Sénéquier, play pétanque Place des Lices, walk along the quays of the harbor along sumptuous yachts, swim at the beach of Canoubiers or dance at the Caves du Roy. The famous stories of Saint-Tropez are true!

• Tour the Provencal markets

In Provence, each city has its own market, a must for gourmets who love local products full of incredible taste. Some specialties: truffles in Carpentras, flowers in Aix-en-Provence, fish on the Vieux Port in Marseille, fruits and vegetables in Cassis or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, muscat grapes in Vaison-la-Romaine, sausages in Arles. Grab your bag and haggle your way to some Provençal goodies!

• Take full view at ferias de Nîmes

Every year, at Pentecost and in September, Nîmes comes to life—la feria is an excuse to party in the city: bullfights, bull runs, fanfares, concerts, jousts on the canal or Sevillian dances. The feria promises a festive atmosphere that will please everyone!

• Fishing on the island of Porquerolles

The waters of Porquerolles teem with fish, and the pros accompany visitors on memorable fishing trips (subject to regulation), along the coast of the Hyères islands. Sabers, mackerel, amberjacks are just some of the beautiful catches.

• Fill with emotion during an opera at the ancient theater of Orange

For 150 years, the Chorégies d'Orange have been held largely in the ancient theater, one of the most beautiful sites of the Roman era. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts perfect acoustics. Opera voices are magnified naturally to the terraces. Standing ovations guarenteed.

• Admire the work of Van Gogh in Arles

The famous painter stayed in Arles between 1888 and 1889, a period during which he made his most memorable works. His namesake foundation honors him and explores his impact in contemporary art, bridging artists from the past and present.

• The Lavender Trail in Provence • The Calanques in Marseille • The Alpilles • Saint-Tropez • The Férias festivals in Nîmes • The islands of Porquerolles • The Roman theatre in Orange  • Van Gogh in Arles

• Plan your trip
• My Provence

By Rédaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

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South of France in 3 Days Itinerary Without a Car 2023

UPDATED 9/23/23

Where to go in France for a weekend? Hit the South of France. From the French Riviera to Provence wine tasting, this South of France in 3 days travel itinerary without a car is full, yet relaxing, making for the perfect long weekend in France for the single traveler of any age. 

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All You Need for 3 Day French Riviera Itinerary

Why visit the south of france, best time to visit south of france, where to stay in the french riviera, south of france packing essentials, day 1 – nice & antibes, day 2 – provence wine tasting, day 3 – nice & monaco.

Trains to Nice

Buses to Nice

Nice City Center Hotels

Nice City Center Hostels

My Nice Hotel Pick

Full Day Provence Wine Tour

France Travel Guide

Monaco Travel Guide

How to Plan Your Eiffel Tower Visit >

More france solo travel ideas.

• Best 4 Days in Paris Solo Over 50
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Ahhh… the long white beaches of the French Riviera , high reaching rocky cliffs, Provence vineyards and Roman ruins, charming villages, and blue, blue waters. Its dreamy outdoor getaway location is luxurious to the eyes.

When I hear “French Riviera” I always think of To Catch a Thief . What can I say? I’m an Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant fan.

The French Riviera extends from Menton , on the France-Italy border, to Cassis , and from the white beaches clinging the stunning Côte d’Azur (“Blue Coast”) up to the Provence-Alps.

French Riviera is known for glamour. It’s long been considered the playground for the rich. It’s got culture going back centuries and is full of outdoor splendor offering for a variety of ways to relax. Without a doubt, the French Riviera is worth visiting.

Visit in the spring or fall, when the weather is still warm, but not too hot or touristy. I went in late April, which allowed for plenty of sunshine and dressing in thin layers with no bulky clothing.

You may need an umbrella, but the weather should still be very pleasant while you’re popping through different French Riviera locations.

More Solo Tips & Ideas

• Top 10 Tips on How to Do a Solo Beach Trip
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Where did I base myself in South of France? Being on the eastern end of the French Riviera, I made Nice , one of the top southern France destinations , my home base.

Nice is the largest city along the French Riviera and an ideal place to stay during your long weekend in France.

Nice is known for its eclectic mix of café’s, bars, restaurants, outdoor markets, and white beaches all squeezed cozily within provincial, rustic architecture and mountains.

Where to Stay in Nice

If you are staying south of the Nice Ville train station, and within walking distance of Avenue Jean Médecin, you are centrally located to cover a lot within Nice, either by foot or by Nice public transportation.

The Nice Ville train station makes it highly convenient for venturing outside the city to other French Riviera towns, especially on a short French Riviera itinerary.

Many day trips from Nice to Avignon, Provence – dubbed one of the 51 most beautiful places in the world – or elsewhere will leave from central or Old Town Nice.

For single travel over 50, the trains or excursions are the best ways on how to get around the South of France.

Nice Hotels and More

Nice has a multitude of  hotel, hostel and other accommodation types  across all budget types within the Nice city center area I listed. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Nice prices and choices on any type of accommodation.

Consider booking at a property that either is eco-friendly or sustainably rated, or at least employs these methods into their business.

For location, price, amenities (including no pre-payment and free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my Nice hotel recommendations for over 50 single travel (i.e., where I would stay).

Nice Hotels

Hotels and bed and breakfasts in Nice will range from budget to posh. My following recommendations are made in that order, and in my preference for single travel:

• Hôtel Du Centre
• YELO Hôtel
• Le Riviera Collection, Signature Collection by Best Western
• Hotel de France
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée *

*Also a Green Globe property

Nice Hostels

Currently, there is only one hostel I could possibly recommend, which is the Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel . It is a little iffy on the reviews, but still scored over a 7.0 rating (which I personally will not go below).

Plus , it does have all necessary amenities and is in a fabulous location. If you can get a better price on a private room here than a hotel, then go ahead and stay. I think you could certainly do worse.

You may notice I don’t recommend apartments much on my travel guides and itineraries. I don’t have anything against apartments, and I have stayed in them when necessary. As a solo traveler, however, I prefer to stay with the best opportunities to meet people, and I find apartments more isolating. That’s just me.

Nice Eco Travel Tip

Consider Booking.com Sustainable Travel properties , Green Globe or Green Key Global properties for eco-friendly and sustainable lodging options in Nice.

More Eco-Travel Ideas

• 25 Must-Have & Eco-Friendly Solo Beach Trip Essentials
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South of France in 3 Day Itinerary

What are the things to do in South of France in 3 days? Check out my South of France itinerary I used on my single travel without a car. I had a fabulous time and think it makes for one of the best in solo trips to southern France.

Musée Matisse

At the start of your 3 days in Nice, catch the bus 17 from the Nice Ville station stop to the Les Arènes / Musée Matisse stop. The Musée Matisse is located on the hill of Cimiez close to the Franciscan monastery with Italianate gardens and the Hotel Regina where Matisse used to live.

The museum opens at 10am, so there is time to walk across the way to explore the ruins of a Gallo-Roman amphitheater at Parc des Arènes de Cimiez , free to enter.

Catch the #15 bus back to Nice Ville station stop for the rest of the day exploring Antibes.

Antibes, France

A 24 minute train ride southwest along the French Riviera is the town of Antibes , which also hosts beautiful beaches, an Old Town, the Marche Provencal, Fort Carré , and the must-see Picasso Museum .

From the Antibes train station leisurely stroll towards Old Town and the water. Grab lunch in an outdoor café or just some nibbles at the Marché Provencal .

Picasso Museum

Just blocks away from Marché Provencal is the Picasso Museum , located in an old castle on the water and hosts many of Picasso’s works spanning his career, along with other artists’ works. It’s a beautiful setting for beautiful art, indoors and out.

After the Picasso Museum, explore more of Antibes and stay for dinner, or head back to Nice for dinner.

Get ready to get up fairly early on Day 2 of this South of France itinerary and get out of town on a French Riviera wine tour. This was another must on my list. I was eager to taste those Provence rosés.

I chose a full day Provence wine tour .  I liked the personal feeling with a small group tour and experienced wine tour guide.

My tour included transportation, red, white and rosé tastings and tours at three well-respected wineries, and a 3-course gourmet lunch at a local, Provence bistro. If you wish, you can also try the Elite Rock ‘n Rose wine tour , which seems very similar.

Whether you do the Elite Rock ‘n Rose tour, or the alternate wine tasting tour , I’m sure you’ll more than pleased. Both are operated through the same wine tour company, Grape Tours, which I do recommend.

You’ll be back in Nice by 5pm in plenty of time to explore more of Nice and dine out.

If neither of those wine tours appeal to you, I would try one of these French Riviera wine tours .

More Wine Tasting Travel Ideas

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Your last day of the long weekend in France is perfect for grabbing a café and croissant and nibbling as you go through Nice’s outdoor shops and spaces.

Free Things to Do in Nice

Avenue jean médecin.

Start at the top of Avenue Jean Médecin towards the train station and meander down this central street of Nice. It may be a good place to pick up a travel essential while you’re here as it has the Etoile shopping mall full of retail shops and international chain stores.

Place Masséna

Keep strolling, or ride the tram, downhill towards the water and Place Masséna , a great area for people watching, soaking up the sun, and heading towards more free things to do in Nice.

Le Vieux Nice ( Old Town)

Situated between Place Masséna and the Nice beach, is Old Town , which holds Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya (Cours Saleya Flower Market), fruit market, unique shopping, and restaurants.

If you’re up to it, go up Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) for a scenic view.

Promenade des Anglais (English Walk)

Of course a stay in Nice wouldn’t be complete without walking along the 4.5 mile Promenade des Anglais . You won’t be able to keep your eyes off the bright blue Mediterranean (or sleek sunbathers).

Sunbathe yourself on the lovely beaches of Nice or sip cocktails on the waterfront and watch the world go by. There’s absolutely no rush.

After a luxuriously lazy day in Nice, freshen up because it’s time for a night out in Monaco , the 2 nd smallest country, and only a 24-minute train ride away.

Monaco is known for royalty, wealth, glamor, gambling, and ridiculously large yachts.

Less than 2-miles in length, Monaco is surrounded by France on three sides. Monaco is walkable, but prepared to walk up some hills.

If you get there in time you could take in the Oceanography Museum .

What did I do? Well, where else could I get to play my favorite games of chance while sipping free Taittinger in one of the most beautiful casinos in the world? Yep, I went to the Casino of Monte-Carlo . How could I resist?

And it is beautiful inside. Make sure you dress appropriately.  There is no dress code, per se, but you must have on proper attire .

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my travel tips and itinerary for traveling the South of France in 3 days were helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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Secrets of Southern France

11190 Rennes-le-Château, France

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Modern pilgrimages for culturally curious and spiritually-engaged travelers. Our unique and carefully-curated small group tours bring together like-minded, intrepid, conscious adventurers who appreciate fine food and wine, immersion in spectacular natural scenery, nourishing connections and company, and periods of silence and reflection. Join us for two weeks in the mystical South of France, where we will explore the Sacred Feminine, Cathars, Mary Magdalene and many other thought provoking and spiritually uplifting topics and locations. 

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Sober Travelers Find Something to Savor in Wine Country

Mocktail trails, olive oil tours and elevated dining experiences are among the many ways the renowned wine-producing areas of Sonoma, Mendoza and Tuscany are appealing to sober or sober-curious travelers.

By Christine Chitnis

Amy Snook knows more about wine than your average traveler. Originally from California, she now lives in the Douro Valley of Portugal, her partner works in the wine industry, and she has visited 47 countries, many of which have celebrated viticulture. But seven years ago, on a trip to Mendoza, a winemaking region in the foothills of Argentina’s Andes Mountains, she opted to abstain from drinking alcohol, a decision she would repeat in future travels.

“It’s such a long flight to Argentina, and I was only there for 10 days,” said Ms. Snook, 34, a publishing professional. “I’m aware of how alcohol affects me, and I chose to prioritize feeling amazing every day of the trip over dealing with a hangover.”

During her visit, Ms. Snook bicycled between vineyards, reveled in breathtaking scenery, relaxed with spa treatments and engaged with sommeliers and winemakers, coming away with a new appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

“The obvious question when you tell someone that you aren’t drinking is, ‘Out of all the places you could go, why travel to wine country?’” she said. “But to me, it makes perfect sense because these regions offer all the perks of luxury travel — wellness amenities, beautiful landscapes and fine dining.”

With 41 percent of Americans seeking to reduce their alcohol intake, according to a consumer-sentiment study released in January by NCSolutions, Ms. Snook’s experience is part of a larger trend: the rise of sober-curious or mindful drinking. While sober travel is hardly a new concept, its popularity is surging to new heights — particularly among younger generations — and forcing a reckoning in the wine industry. The 2024 State of the U.S. Wine Industry report , an annual forecast of market conditions and trends written by the wine-business analyst Rob McMillan, found that 52 percent of consumers ages 21 to 34 believe that consuming alcohol, even in moderation, is bad for your health.

This trend is reshaping travel to world-class wine destinations like Sonoma County, in California, as well as Mendoza and Tuscany. Blessed with temperate climates, extended growing seasons, fertile soils, rich histories and breathtaking vistas, these renowned wine locales are expanding their offerings to attract drinkers and nondrinkers.

Here are some of the restaurants, tour groups and wineries in those regions that are reinventing the travel experience to be more inclusive of the sober-curious.

Dining in Sonoma

If wine is a true expression of the land, embodying the unique characteristics of its soil, weather and the meticulous craftsmanship of those who cultivate it, can you still forge that connection without drinking?

At Cyrus , a Michelin-starred fine dining destination in Geyserville , Calif., the answer is a resounding yes. Sonoma County, double the size of neighboring Napa, made conscious decisions to protect and diversify its land use, ensuring grapes as well as agricultural crops were grown. Douglas Keane, Cyrus’s owner and chef, highlights the local harvest by working with small farms and purveyors to source his ingredients. Crosnes — a Chinese artichoke — from Alexander Valley Vineyards gardens, yuzu and finger limes from the citrus grower David Levine, and cheesefrom Andante Dairy have all ended up on Cyrus’s menu.

Also on the menu: Kally , an alcohol-free wine alternative produced with housemade organic verjuice and sourced from Northern California. Served at more than 15 other Michelin-starred restaurants, Kally’s bottles include Early Chardonnay, which is crisp, bright and changes flavor and aroma as it moves across the palate, similar to a fine wine. A tart, vibrant Golden Sparkler has notes of jasmine and citrus, and a floral, fruity Rosé Sparkler offers hints of strawberry and hibiscus.

“Chefs and sommeliers are interested in having precise nonalcoholic pairings. Their food was created to be prepared with sophisticated drinks, not just sparkling water,” said Scott Mitic, who created the beverage along with his wife, Katie.

Customers, too, appreciate having a choice, he said, noting that many of Kally’s most loyal drinkers are wine enthusiasts. “This is not an abstinence movement; it is a moderation movement.”

Cyrus Schultz, the wine director and sommelier at Cyrus, aims to create drinks that make sober guests feel just as special, if not more, than those indulging in traditional wine pairings. His nonalcoholic creations include the Rosé Champagne, an effervescent blend of coconut, white sesame, cherry blossom and lime, and the Apple Martini, a sweet, herbaceous concoction of pink lady apple, fennel and mint olive oil.

“The intention is never to mimic alcohol products, but to construct the pairings similarly to how a chef looks at a menu — different textures, temperatures and flavor profiles,” Mr. Schultz said.

These efforts are not limited to one restaurant. Chris Vomvolakis, senior manager of consumer public relations at Sonoma County Tourism , said bars, restaurants and wineries across the region are recognizing that it’s not all about wine.

The town of Healdsburg recently created the Mocktail Trail , with eight participating restaurants, and Meadowcroft Wines in the town of Sonoma curated a flight of original zero-proof cocktails. David Messerli, Meadowcroft’s marketing and strategy director, said the winery encourages guests “to discern aromas, flavors and nuances, much like they would with wine.”

“For those opting out of alcohol, we felt there was more we could do,” he said. “People have various reasons for abstaining from alcohol, and no one should feel excluded because of it.”

Women-led luxury in Mendoza

Mendoza, renowned for its malbec wines and stunning Andean landscapes, is no stranger to luxury accouterments, but sober guests? That is a newer phenomenon. “We have definitely noticed an increase in guests seeking nonalcoholic travel options in recent years,” said Victoria Stiles, sales manager at Cavas Wine Lodge , a luxury 18-room hotel set amid a 55-acre vineyard.

At Cavas, wine may be the main attraction, but guests can book spa treatments using vine and grape-seed extracts, join yoga sessions on the private terrace overlooking the Andes and vineyards, and take full-day hiking excursions to Aconcagua Provincial Park, a rugged, mountainous destination that is home to Mount Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak.

Wild Terrains , a certified B-Corp travel company specializing in experiences for women, has planned three days of a 10-day Argentina tour to be sober-inclusive in Mendoza. Built around women-owned businesses, stops include boutique lodging at Entre Cielos , horseback riding in the Andean foothills, home-cooked asado at Estancia Los Chulengos and a private dining experience at Michelin-starred Zonda Cocina de Paisaje . The meal offers special mocktail pairings with distinct flavors like lemon verbena, beets and burro, an herb used to make digestive teas and infusions.

“In Mendoza, our trip centers on talented female winemakers who are pushing boundaries in a historically male-dominated industry,” said Lauren Bates, founder of Wild Terrains. “While these experiences include wine tastings, we want sober travelers to feel intentionally included even if they are skipping the wine tasting.”

Sofia Pescarmona, owner of the Bodega Lagarde vineyard and Zonda Cocina de Paisaje, said that while the restaurant experience aims to showcase their wine, nondrinkers will also appreciate it.

“We truly believe we can offer an elevated experience for those who don’t drink wine by highlighting other seasonal produce grown on our property,” she said.

Tasting olive oil in Tuscany

Wine tastings epitomize indulgence, especially immersed in the heart of Tuscany, when visitors can savor glass after glass of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., chief executive of the Il Borro wine estate and grandson of the fashion house’s founder, encourages guests to find other ways to indulge.

“The olive harvests in the autumn produce the region’s spicy, piquant ‘green gold,’” said Mr. Ferragamo.

Il Borro, in Tuscany’s Valdarno, is a meticulously restored medieval village that includes 58 suites, three vacation villas, two restaurants, stables, working vineyards and olive groves. Olive oil production began in 1996, following the recovery of varieties like Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccino that had long been neglected. Now, after touring some 80 acres of organic groves, guests can engage in a tasting experience of two distinct oils, one full-bodied with floral, fruity and grassy aromas, the other robust, peppery and dark.

Another option, Tuscan Organic Tours , offers immersive daylong experiences that delve into wine and oil but also other rich agricultural offerings. Delicious tours with private transportation highlight tastes and flavors that include Pecorino di Pienza, one of the most renowned Italian cheeses, saffron and fresh pastas. The tours include visits to organic farms, lunches, tastings, and opportunities to participate in cheese-making and saffron harvesting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .