Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Tour Day Trip from Aix (shared)

Highlights

  • Discover the Châteauneuf Du Pape Vineyards

  • View Chateauneuf du Pape village and its ancient castle

  • Pre-booked Visits to 2 Chateauneuf du Pape wineries

Summary

Enjoy a Châteauneuf du Pape Vineyard tour and visit carefully selected Châteauneuf du Pape wineries. Departing from Aix en Provence, your Châteauneuf du Pape wine tour will include visits and wine tastings in 2 wineries.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
8
Pricing (From)
Adult: (18-99 years)
€160.00
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

8.50 am - Meeting point at Aix en Provence Tourism Office

9 AM : Departs from Aix en Provence Tourism office
10.30 AM : Morning Visit & Wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape winery
12 PM : Lunch at leisure in a local restaurant (at own expense)
2.30 PM : Afternoon visit and wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape winery
5 PM :  Return to Aix en Provence

On this shared full day small group tour, we will first come and pick you up at the centrally located tourism office in Aix en Provence. Meet your English speaking driver guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you.

Meet your English speaking local guide

Drive to the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region where you will have several wine tasting sessions in carefully selected Châteauneuf du Pape wineries.

Châteauneuf du Pape Wine tour 

The Châteauneuf du Pape Appellation was one of 6 to be labeled as the first AOC wines of France in 1936. The vineyards planted by the Romans were extended and developed by the Pope's residing in Avignon popes during the 14th century.

In 1314, Clement V, the first Avignon Pope discovered the special soil of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His successor, John XXII supports him and it was during his reign that the vineyard really took off and spread fame beyond the borders of “The Comtat”.

The former bishop of Avignon, Jacques Duèse was elected as Pope John XII and succeeded Clement V in 1316. He regularly drank the wines from the vineyards ‘in the north’ and did much to improve viticulture practices there.

The Pope sought a place sufficiently far from the city to discourage courtiers, sycophants, and scroungers, yet close enough so that a courier could go there and back to Avignon on the same day. The ideal spot was found on a hillock overlooking the Rhône Valley about halfway between Avignon and Orange – Châteauneuf – and this area was placed directly under his authority.

As you reach this famous wine producing region, discover the village and its ancient castle that was the summer residence of the Pope's during their stay in the area. Here, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view on the valley.

Morning Wine tasting session in a local Winery

The Chateauneuf du Pape wines are well known for their full bodied red wines made predominantly with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre that are typical grapes that can be found in the southern vineyards of France. There are also some white Châteauneuf du Pape wines that are intensely perfumed. The grape varieties used for the white wines include Grenache Blanc, Rousannes, Clairette and Bourboulenc many of which are rustic french varietals.

Upon arrival in the village, it will be time to taste some of the local wines in a local winery. Then, you will have some free time to roam around and enjoy a wine tour of Chateauneuf du Pape wines in the old 14th century pope cellars. Depending on your wishes, it will be possible to taste more wines in the local wineries that your guide can point to.

Lunch in a local restaurant

After your morning Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour, it will be time for lunch.Your guide will suggest different options so don't hesitate to ask for suggestions.

Afternoon wine tasting session in a local Winery

After lunch, experience your second Chateauneuf du Pape winery tour. Listen about the history of this unique domain, visit the installations and participate in a commented tasting of the wines of the estate. Take the opportunity to ask about the wine making process, the different bledings that are possible and most of all learn about the large range of grape varieties that can be used to make this exceptional wines. 

After the wine tasting tour, we will take you back to Aix en Provence and that will be the end of our services. 

What’s included?

  • All tasting fees included

  • Local Tour Guide, Expert in wines

  • Pick up and drop off in Aix en Provence

  • Pre-booked visits to 2 Chateauneuf du Pape wineries

  • Travel in recent & comfortable minivan

  • Personal insurance and expenses.

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.

  • Meals and drinks.

  • Gratuities for the driver/guide.

Things to know

Before you book

  • Adult only tour

  • Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate

  • Tour is operated in English

  • Tour is not wheelchair accessible

  • Price is per person

Before you go

  • Please be ready 15 minutes before arrival time

  • Currency is in Euros

  • Small group option, maximum 8 persons

Cancellation Policy

    Operator strictly adheres to its cancellation policy and will make no exceptions to the policy. If Guest chooses to cancel his or her reservation, Operator must receive written notice of said cancellation in writing via certified mail, fax or e-mail sent to [email protected] (with confirmation of receipt from Operator), and Guest shall be subject to the following cancellation fee schedule: Ophorus requires full payment by credit card, internet payment (through our website) or wire transfer (Wire transfer fees at the charge of the Guest) to make a reservation. We accept payment by AMEX, Visa and Master Card. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: > Up to 24 hours prior to departure: no cancellation fees except the booking fees. > 24 hours prior to departure and less > no refund All semi private tours depart on time. Clients should present themselves at the allocated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the tour. Driver/guide will not wait unless Ophorus has been previously informed that the client will be late with a maximum waiting time of 10 minutes. Beyond that waiting time, tours will depart and Ophorus cannot be held responsible for clients missing their tour.

Redemption information

    Please contact us for all our Terms & Conditions


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France. 

Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world. 

Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...