1. From Avignon: Châteauneuf du Pape Afternoon Wine Tour
Tucked between the Alps to the east and the Rhone River to the west, Provence is a rich tapestry of natural and manmade wonders. On this tour departing Avignon, you will combine a tour of its Roman heritage with a trip to the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Start your afternoon wine-tasting tour with the village of Gigondas. Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail hill range, the vineyard covers an area of 12 km² and the wines produced belong to the Crus of the southern Côtes du Rhône. The Grenache noir expresses its full flavor in glimmering red wines with pronounced tannins, a robust body, and a solid propensity for ageing. Afterwards, stop at the ruins of the castle built by the former Popes who relocated the papacy to Avignon in the 14th-Century and used it as their summer residence. Then drive to the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the world’s most popular wines. Discover the different grape varietals, such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, which give distinctly fruity and spicy wines. The 13 varieties of grapes combined with the various soils create a large palette of complex red wines and elegant white wines. Enjoy a wine-tasting in one of the numerous cellars of the village before going back to Avignon.