Ophorus

History of "Provence Wine Tour Half Day Trip from Aix (shared)"

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Version 42 – September 13, 2023 10:55

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Additional Info
  • Please note that we do not distribute water bottles anymore to limit our environmental impact. We strongly recommend that you bring a reusable bottle. 
  • Instant booking confirmation.
  • Small groups of 2 to 8 persons.
  • Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate. 
  • In case minimum numbers are not reached we will offer to reschedule or refund your tour.
  • If you are traveling with infants, please request a private tour.
  • Instant booking confirmation.
  • Small groups of 2 to 8 persons.
  • Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate. 
  • In case minimum numbers are not reached we will offer to reschedule or refund your tour.
  • If you are traveling with infants, please request a private tour.

Version 41 – September 13, 2023 10:25

Current Version
Previous Version
Excluded
  • gratuities for the driver/guide., hotel pickup and drop-off., meals and drinks., personal insurance and expenses.
  • entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions, gratuities for the driver/guide, meals and drinks, personal insurance and expenses

Version 40 – September 13, 2023 10:16

Current Version
Previous Version
Cancellation notes
  • 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.
  • Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
  • Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Version 39 – September 13, 2023 10:14

Current Version
Previous Version
Additional Info
  • Instant booking confirmation.
  • Small groups of 2 to 8 persons.
  • Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate. 
  • In case minimum numbers are not reached we will offer to reschedule or refund your tour.
  • If you are traveling with infants, please request a private tour.

Version 38 – September 13, 2023 09:58

Current Version
Previous Version
Terms and conditions
  • All our terms & conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
  • Please contact us for all our Terms & Conditions

Version 37 – September 13, 2023 09:51

Current Version
Previous Version
Blocked dates
  • 2024-01-01, 2024-05-01, 2024-12-25
  • 2022-05-01

Version 29 – April 26, 2023 14:51

Current Version
Previous Version

Version 27 – March 09, 2023 17:46

Current Version
Previous Version
Know Before You Book
  • adult only tour, in case minimum numbers are not reached we will reschedule or refund the tour, tour is not wheelchair accessible, tour is operated in english, tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
  • adult only tour, in case minimum numbers are not reached we will reschedule or refund the tour, price is per person, tour is not wheelchair accessible, tour is operated in english, tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
Address
  • Address:
  • Address: Ophorus Day Trips & Wine Tours in Provence, Rue Topaze, Éguilles, France,

Version 26 – March 09, 2023 17:46

Current Version
Previous Version
Highlights
  • drive through stunning landscapes of sainte-victoire, english speaking local guide, expert in provence wines, taste delicious local rosé, white and red wines, visit 2 carefully selected provence wineries
  • drive through stunning landscapes of sainte-victoire mountain, english speaking local guide, expert in provence wines, taste delicious local rosé, white and red wines, visit 2 carefully selected provence wineries

Version 25 – March 09, 2023 17:45

Current Version
Previous Version
Product Name
  • Provence Wine Tour Half Day Trip from Aix (shared)
  • Provence Wine Tour Half Day Trip from Aix en Provence (shared)
Description
  • 1.50pm - Meeting point at Aix en Provence Tourism Office
  • 2.00pm Depart from Aix en Provence
  • We will come and pick you up at centrally located Aix en Provence Tourism Office
  • 2.45pm Visit & Wine tasting at 1st selected Provence Winery
  • Taste delicious red, white or rosé wines of Provence guided by a knowledgeable hand.
  • 4.00pm Visit & Wine tasting at 2nd selected Provence Winery
  • Taste delicious red, white or rosé wines of Provence in a unique setting with a view of Sainte-Victoire mountains.
  • 5.30pm Return to Aix en Provence 
  • 1.50pm - Meeting point at Aix en Provence Tourism Office
  • 2.00pm Depart from Aix en Provence
  • 2.45pm Visit & Wine tasting at 1st Winery
  • 4.00pm Visit & Wine tasting at 2nd Winery
  • 5.30pm Return to Aix en Provence 
Highlights
  • drive through stunning landscapes of sainte-victoire mountain, english speaking local guide, expert in provence wines, taste delicious local rosé, white and red wines, visit 2 carefully selected provence wineries
  • drive through stunning landscapes surrounding sainte-victoire mountain, english speaking local guide, expert in provence wines, taste delicious local provence rosé, white and red wines, visit 2 carefully selected wineries

Version 24 – February 23, 2023 11:58

Current Version
Previous Version
Group info
  • We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to large groups of hundreds of people. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
  • Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: [email protected] (groups from 8 people)
  • For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: ophorus.com/contact-us/

Version 23 – February 23, 2023 11:57

Current Version
Previous Version
Voucher info
  • Please contact us for all our Terms & Conditions

Version 22 – February 21, 2023 16:01

Current Version
Previous Version
Included
  • all tasting fees included, english-speaking driver/guide, expert in provence wines, free wifi access on board, travel in premium a/c vehicle, visit & wine tasting in 2 wineries
  • all tasting fees included, bottled water in the minivan, english-speaking driver/guide, expert in provence wines, free wifi access on board, travel in premium a/c vehicle, visit & wine tasting in 2 wineries

Version 20 – January 17, 2023 18:15

Current Version
Previous Version
Full Description
  • Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of Provence Wines
  • Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you have met your Provence Wine Expert guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of this half day with you. Then, board your comfortable, premium air-conditioned minivan and begin to make your way to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine producing region. 
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain
  • One of the most symbolic locations of the Provence as Mont Ventoux or Sainte-Baume Mountain range, the site was labelled as a 'Great Site of France' in 2004 being a jewel of natural heritage. Located to the East of Aix en Provence, this wooded area still retains forest, agricultural and pastoral activities that have shaped this unique Provence landscape overlooked by the stone monument that is Sainte-Victoire Mountain painted so vigorously by Paul Cézanne.
  • Depart for the Côtes de Provence Wine region
  • In a small group of maximum 8 persons, your half day tour from Aix en Provence to the Sainte-Victoire mountain wine producing area will begin as you travel through stunning landscapes. The A.OC. Côtes de Provence wine region extends over more than 19 000 hectares (47 000 acres) and represent 3/4 of the production of Provence wines.
  • With its exceptional location especially when it comes to sunshine, the geology of the soil varies with the north-western part of the wine region mainly made up to limestone hills while in the south-western part the soil is essentially crystalline. This diversity of soils induce a wide variety of wines with reds, whites and rosés being produced with a number of traditional & local grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, cinsault, clairette to name a few.
  • What the wine region is the famous for, however, are the Rosés produced here. 80% of the whole production is made up of Rosé. The maine aromas that can be found in these wines are white & yellow fruits, vanilla or hazelnut.
  • The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Territory
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain wine region was recognized as an A.O.P territory in 2005 for both the red and rosé wines. This recognition came after years of hard work made by the winemakers to establish that the local 'terroir' was unique and should be highlighted within the Côtes de Provence wine region.
  • The territory benefits from a wide variety of geological features and landscapes, a warm and dry climate enhanced by the Mistral wind the local wine growers best friend as it chases away many diseases that can impact vines.
  • There are three types of wines that are produced here: Rosé wines have a pale color with a high aromatic complexity. The main notes are floral, fresh fruits as well as exotic fruits to which can be added spices and aromas.
  • The red wines, depending on the grape varieties used, are fresh and can be laid down. Red wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire can be suttle with notes of red fruits or flowers. Some red wines can also be very generous, mostly full bodied as they are aged in oak vats known as Foudres or Foeders or traditional oak barrels. These red wines can definitely be laid down for years as they will develop deep velvety flavors over time.
  • Finally, the white wines are traditionally 'Blanc de Blanc' which means that they are made only with white grape varieties. They offer nice colors of pale gold with reflections of green. Sainte-Victoire white wines are known to be well balanced between freshness and unctuousness.
  • Visit 2 carefully selected wineries
  • Once you have reached the Côtes de Provence wine region, it will be time to visit & wine taste in two carefully selected family owned wineries. In each winery, you will first be introduced to the estate, it's history and the life of the family who owns it.
  • Then, your visit will focus on the wine making process. Visit the technical installations to better understand how the wines are made. This will be a most interesting part of your tour as the process to make red, white or rosé wines differ. Once you have seen the Vat Room, discover the ageing cellars. This is the time when you will be explained how important it can be to age wine in oak barrels, the work of coopers and how they 'toast' the barrels.
  • End the tour with the best part of the experience, tasting wine. Fruity Rosés, elegant and well balanced whites or full bodied red wines will be on your program. After the tastings, it will be time to return to Aix en Provence. 
  • Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of Provence Wines
  • Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you have met your Provence Wine Expert guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of this half day with you. Then, board your comfortable, premium air-conditioned minivan and begin to make your way to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine producing region. 
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain
  • One of the most symbolic locations of the Provence as Mont Ventoux or Sainte-Baume Mountain range, the site was labelled as a 'Great Site of France' in 2004 being a jewel of natural heritage. Located to the East of Aix en Provence, this wooded area still retains forest, agricultural and pastoral activities that have shaped this unique Provence landscape overlooked by the stone monument that is Sainte-Victoire Mountain painted so vigorously by Paul Cézanne.
  • Depart for the Côtes de Provence Wine region
  • In a small group of maximum 8 persons, your half day tour from Aix en Provence to the Sainte-Victoire mountain wine producing area will begin as you travel through stunning landscapes. The A.OC. Côtes de Provence wine region extends over more than 19 000 hectares (47 000 acres) and represent 3/4 of the production of Provence wines.
  • With its exceptional location especially when it comes to sunshine, the geology of the soil varies with the north-western part of the wine region mainly made up to limestone hills while in the south-western part the soil is essentially crystalline. This diversity of soils induce a wide variety of wines with reds, whites and rosés being produced with a number of traditional & local grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, cinsault, clairette to name a few.
  • What the wine region is the famous for, however, are the Rosés produced here. 80% of the whole production is made up of Rosé. The maine aromas that can be found in these wines are white & yellow fruits, vanilla or hazelnut.
  • The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Territory
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain wine region was recognized as an A.O.P territory in 2005 for both the red and rosé wines. This recognition came after years of hard work made by the winemakers to establish that the local 'terroir' was unique and should be highlighted within the Côtes de Provence wine region.
  • The territory benefits from a wide variety of geological features and landscapes, a warm and dry climate enhanced by the Mistral wind the local wine growers best friend as it chases away many diseases that can impact vines.
  • There are three types of wines that are produced here: Rosé wines have a pale color with a high aromatic complexity. The main notes are floral, fresh fruits as well as exotic fruits to which can be added spices and aromas.
  • The red wines, depending on the grape varieties used, are fresh and can be laid down. Red wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire can be suttle with notes of red fruits or flowers. Some red wines can also be very generous, mostly full bodied as they are aged in oak vats known as Foudres or Foeders or traditional oak barrels. These red wines can definitely be laid down for years as they will develop deep velvety flavors over time.
  • Finally, the white wines are traditionally 'Blanc de Blanc' which means that they are made only with white grape varieties. They offer nice colors of pale gold with reflelxions of green. Sainte-Victoire white wines are known to be well balanced between freshness and unctuousness.
  • Visit 2 carefully selected wineries
  • Once you have reached the Côtes de Provence wine region, it will be time to visit & wine taste in two carefully selected family owned wineries. In each winery, you will first be introduced to the estate, it's history and the life of the family who owns it.
  • Then, your visit will focus on the wine making process. Visit the technical installations to better understand how the wines are made. This will be a most interesting part of your tour as the process to make red, white or rosé wines differ. Once you have seen the Vat Room, discover the ageing cellars. This is the time when you will be explained how important it can be to age wine in oak barrels, the work of coopers and how they 'toast' the barrels.
  • End the tour with the best part of the experience, tasting wine. Fruity Rosés, elegant and well balanced whites or full bodied red wines will be on your program. After the tastings, it will be time to return to Aix en Provence. 

Version 17 – December 16, 2021 17:01

Current Version
Previous Version
Starts notes
  • Meeting point in front of Aix en Provence Tourism office.

Version 16 – December 16, 2021 16:59

Current Version
Previous Version
Full Description
  • Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of Provence Wines
  • Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you have met your Provence Wine Expert guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of this half day with you. Then, board your comfortable, premium air-conditioned minivan and begin to make your way to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine producing region. 
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain
  • One of the most symbolic locations of the Provence as Mont Ventoux or Sainte-Baume Mountain range, the site was labelled as a 'Great Site of France' in 2004 being a jewel of natural heritage. Located to the East of Aix en Provence, this wooded area still retains forest, agricultural and pastoral activities that have shaped this unique Provence landscape overlooked by the stone monument that is Sainte-Victoire Mountain painted so vigorously by Paul Cézanne.
  • Depart for the Côtes de Provence Wine region
  • In a small group of maximum 8 persons, your half day tour from Aix en Provence to the Sainte-Victoire mountain wine producing area will begin as you travel through stunning landscapes. The A.OC. Côtes de Provence wine region extends over more than 19 000 hectares (47 000 acres) and represent 3/4 of the production of Provence wines.
  • With its exceptional location especially when it comes to sunshine, the geology of the soil varies with the north-western part of the wine region mainly made up to limestone hills while in the south-western part the soil is essentially crystalline. This diversity of soils induce a wide variety of wines with reds, whites and rosés being produced with a number of traditional & local grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, cinsault, clairette to name a few.
  • What the wine region is the famous for, however, are the Rosés produced here. 80% of the whole production is made up of Rosé. The maine aromas that can be found in these wines are white & yellow fruits, vanilla or hazelnut.
  • The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Territory
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain wine region was recognized as an A.O.P territory in 2005 for both the red and rosé wines. This recognition came after years of hard work made by the winemakers to establish that the local 'terroir' was unique and should be highlighted within the Côtes de Provence wine region.
  • The territory benefits from a wide variety of geological features and landscapes, a warm and dry climate enhanced by the Mistral wind the local wine growers best friend as it chases away many diseases that can impact vines.
  • There are three types of wines that are produced here: Rosé wines have a pale color with a high aromatic complexity. The main notes are floral, fresh fruits as well as exotic fruits to which can be added spices and aromas.
  • The red wines, depending on the grape varieties used, are fresh and can be laid down. Red wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire can be suttle with notes of red fruits or flowers. Some red wines can also be very generous, mostly full bodied as they are aged in oak vats known as Foudres or Foeders or traditional oak barrels. These red wines can definitely be laid down for years as they will develop deep velvety flavors over time.
  • Finally, the white wines are traditionally 'Blanc de Blanc' which means that they are made only with white grape varieties. They offer nice colors of pale gold with reflelxions of green. Sainte-Victoire white wines are known to be well balanced between freshness and unctuousness.
  • Visit 2 carefully selected wineries
  • Once you have reached the Côtes de Provence wine region, it will be time to visit & wine taste in two carefully selected family owned wineries. In each winery, you will first be introduced to the estate, it's history and the life of the family who owns it.
  • Then, your visit will focus on the wine making process. Visit the technical installations to better understand how the wines are made. This will be a most interesting part of your tour as the process to make red, white or rosé wines differ. Once you have seen the Vat Room, discover the ageing cellars. This is the time when you will be explained how important it can be to age wine in oak barrels, the work of coopers and how they 'toast' the barrels.
  • End the tour with the best part of the experience, tasting wine. Fruity Rosés, elegant and well balanced whites or full bodied red wines will be on your program. After the tastings, it will be time to return to Aix en Provence. 
  • Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of Provence Wines
  • Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you have met your Provence Wine Expert guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of this half day with you. Then, board your comfortable, premium air-conditioned minivan and begin to make your way to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine producing region. 
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain
  • One of the most symbolic locations of the Provence as Mont Ventoux or Sainte-Baume Mountain range, the site was labelled as a 'Great Site of France' in 2004 being a jewel of natural heritage. Located to the East of Aix en Provence, this wooded area still retains forest, agricultural and pastoral activities that have shaped this unique Provence landscape overlooked by the stone monument that is Sainte-Victoire Mountain painted so vigorously by Paul Cézanne.
  • Depart for the Côtes de Provence Wine region
  • In a small group of maximum 8 persons, your half day tour from Aix en Provence to the Sainte-Victoire mountain wine producing area will begin as you travel through stunning landscapes. The A.OC. Côtes de Provence wine region extends over more than 19 000 hectares (47 000 acres) and represent 3/4 of the production of Provence wines.
  • With its exceptional location especially when it comes to sunshine, the geology of the soil varies with the north-western part of the wine region mainly made up to limestone hills while in the south-western part the soil is essentially crystalline. This diversity of soils induce a wide variety of wines with reds, whites and rosés being produced with a number of traditional & local grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, cinsault, clairette to name a few.
  • What the wine region is the famous for, however, are the Rosés produced here. 80% of the whole production is made up of Rosé. The maine aromas that can be found in these wines are white & yellow fruits, vanilla or hazelnut.
  • The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Territory
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain wine region was recognized as an A.O.P territory in 2005 for both the red and rosé wines. This recognition came after years of hard work made by the winemakers to establish that the local 'terroir' was unique and should be highlighted within the Côtes de Provence wine region.
  • The territory benefits from a wide variety of geological features and landscapes, a warm and dry climate enhanced by the Mistral wind the local wine growers best friend as it chases away many diseases that can impact vines.
  • There are three types of wines that are produced here: Rosé wines have a pale color with a high aromatic complexity. The main notes are floral, fresh fruits as well as exotic fruits to which can be added spices and aromas.
  • The red wines, depending on the grape varieties used, are fresh and can be laid down. Red wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire can be suttle with notes of red fruits or flowers. Some red wines can also be very generous, mostly full bodied as they are aged in oak vats known as Foudres or Foeders or traditional oak barrels. These red wines can definitely be laid down for years as they will develop deep velvety flavors over time.
  • Finally, the white wines are traditionally 'Blanc de Blanc' which means that they are made only with white grape varieties. They offer nice colors of pale gold with reflelxions of green. Sainte-Victoire white wines are known to be well balanced between freshness and unctuousness.
  • Visit 2 carefully selected wineries
  • Once you have reached the Côtes de Provence wine region, it will be time to visit & wine taste in two carefully selected family owned wineries. In each winery, you will first be introduced to the estate, it's history and the life of the family who owns it.
  • Then, your visit will focus on the wine making process. Visit the technical installations to better understand how the wines are made. This will be a most interesting part of your tour as the process to make red, white or rosé wines differ. Once you have seen the Vat Room, discover the ageing cellars. This is the time when you will be explained how important it can be to age wine in oak barrels, the work of coopers and how they 'toast' the barrels.
  • End the tour with the best part of the experience, tasting wine. Fruity Rosés, elegant and well balanced whites or full bodied red wines will be on your program. After the tastings, it will be time to return to Aix en Provence. This tour can also be taken as a full day that will include the Coteaux d'Aix wine region.

Version 14 – December 09, 2021 17:32

Current Version
Previous Version
Product Name
  • Provence Wine Tour Half Day Trip from Aix en Provence (shared)
  • Provence Wine Tour Half Day Trip from Aix en Provence

Version 13 – December 09, 2021 17:05

Current Version
Previous Version
Location
  • Name: Aix-en-Provence
  • Search name: Aix-en-Provence, France

Version 9 – December 09, 2021 11:59

Current Version
Previous Version
Blocked dates
  • 2022-05-01

Version 8 – December 09, 2021 11:58

Current Version
Previous Version
Instant confirmation
  • true
  • false

Version 7 – December 09, 2021 11:57

Current Version
Previous Version
Know Before You Book
  • adult only tour, in case minimum numbers are not reached we will reschedule or refund the tour, price is per person, tour is not wheelchair accessible, tour is operated in english, tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
  • in case minimum numbers are not reached we will reschedule or refund the tour, price is per person, tour is not wheelchair accessible, tour is operated in english, tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate

Version 6 – December 09, 2021 11:57

Current Version
Previous Version
Tier labels
  • ---
  • adult: ''
  • ---
  • adult: ''
  • child: ''
Tier ages
  • ---
  • adult:
  • from: '18'
  • to: '99'
  • ---
  • adult:
  • from: '18'
  • to: '64'
  • child:
  • from: '5'
  • to: '11'

Version 5 – December 09, 2021 11:57

Current Version
Previous Version
Available tiers
  • adult
  • adult, child

Version 4 – December 09, 2021 11:56

Current Version
Previous Version
Trip difficulty
  • Easy
Duration from
  • 4.0
Duration unit
  • hours
  • minutes

Version 3 – December 09, 2021 11:55

Current Version
Previous Version
Booking cutoff
  • 15
Valid_for
  • 4
Know Before You Go
  • 4 hour provence afternoon wine tour with expert guide, currency is in euros, please be ready 15 minutes before arrival time, small group option, maximum 8 persons
  • please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
Know Before You Book
  • in case minimum numbers are not reached we will reschedule or refund the tour, price is per person, tour is not wheelchair accessible, tour is operated in english, tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
Cancellation policy
  • standard
  • custom

Version 2 – December 09, 2021 11:52

Current Version
Previous Version
Full Description
  • Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of Provence Wines
  • Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you have met your Provence Wine Expert guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of this half day with you. Then, board your comfortable, premium air-conditioned minivan and begin to make your way to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine producing region. 
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain
  • One of the most symbolic locations of the Provence as Mont Ventoux or Sainte-Baume Mountain range, the site was labelled as a 'Great Site of France' in 2004 being a jewel of natural heritage. Located to the East of Aix en Provence, this wooded area still retains forest, agricultural and pastoral activities that have shaped this unique Provence landscape overlooked by the stone monument that is Sainte-Victoire Mountain painted so vigorously by Paul Cézanne.
  • Depart for the Côtes de Provence Wine region
  • In a small group of maximum 8 persons, your half day tour from Aix en Provence to the Sainte-Victoire mountain wine producing area will begin as you travel through stunning landscapes. The A.OC. Côtes de Provence wine region extends over more than 19 000 hectares (47 000 acres) and represent 3/4 of the production of Provence wines.
  • With its exceptional location especially when it comes to sunshine, the geology of the soil varies with the north-western part of the wine region mainly made up to limestone hills while in the south-western part the soil is essentially crystalline. This diversity of soils induce a wide variety of wines with reds, whites and rosés being produced with a number of traditional & local grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, cinsault, clairette to name a few.
  • What the wine region is the famous for, however, are the Rosés produced here. 80% of the whole production is made up of Rosé. The maine aromas that can be found in these wines are white & yellow fruits, vanilla or hazelnut.
  • The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Territory
  • The Sainte-Victoire Mountain wine region was recognized as an A.O.P territory in 2005 for both the red and rosé wines. This recognition came after years of hard work made by the winemakers to establish that the local 'terroir' was unique and should be highlighted within the Côtes de Provence wine region.
  • The territory benefits from a wide variety of geological features and landscapes, a warm and dry climate enhanced by the Mistral wind the local wine growers best friend as it chases away many diseases that can impact vines.
  • There are three types of wines that are produced here: Rosé wines have a pale color with a high aromatic complexity. The main notes are floral, fresh fruits as well as exotic fruits to which can be added spices and aromas.
  • The red wines, depending on the grape varieties used, are fresh and can be laid down. Red wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire can be suttle with notes of red fruits or flowers. Some red wines can also be very generous, mostly full bodied as they are aged in oak vats known as Foudres or Foeders or traditional oak barrels. These red wines can definitely be laid down for years as they will develop deep velvety flavors over time.
  • Finally, the white wines are traditionally 'Blanc de Blanc' which means that they are made only with white grape varieties. They offer nice colors of pale gold with reflelxions of green. Sainte-Victoire white wines are known to be well balanced between freshness and unctuousness.
  • Visit 2 carefully selected wineries
  • Once you have reached the Côtes de Provence wine region, it will be time to visit & wine taste in two carefully selected family owned wineries. In each winery, you will first be introduced to the estate, it's history and the life of the family who owns it.
  • Then, your visit will focus on the wine making process. Visit the technical installations to better understand how the wines are made. This will be a most interesting part of your tour as the process to make red, white or rosé wines differ. Once you have seen the Vat Room, discover the ageing cellars. This is the time when you will be explained how important it can be to age wine in oak barrels, the work of coopers and how they 'toast' the barrels.
  • End the tour with the best part of the experience, tasting wine. Fruity Rosés, elegant and well balanced whites or full bodied red wines will be on your program. After the tastings, it will be time to return to Aix en Provence. This tour can also be taken as a full day that will include the Coteaux d'Aix wine region.
Highlights
  • drive through stunning landscapes surrounding sainte-victoire mountain, english speaking local guide, expert in provence wines, taste delicious local provence rosé, white and red wines, visit 2 carefully selected wineries
Included
  • all tasting fees included, bottled water in the minivan, english-speaking driver/guide, expert in provence wines, free wifi access on board, travel in premium a/c vehicle, visit & wine tasting in 2 wineries
Excluded
  • entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions, gratuities for the driver/guide, meals and drinks, personal insurance and expenses

Version 1 – December 09, 2021 11:50

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Description
  • 1.50pm - Meeting point at Aix en Provence Tourism Office
  • 2.00pm Depart from Aix en Provence
  • 2.45pm Visit & Wine tasting at 1st Winery
  • 4.00pm Visit & Wine tasting at 2nd Winery
  • 5.30pm Return to Aix en Provence 
  • 1.50pm - Meeting point at Aix en Provence Tourism Office
  • 2.00pm Depart from Aix en Provence