Five Unique Provençal Wine Experiences Happening in July
When my friend from Picardie, Agnès, traveled to Provence for a few days of sun and relaxation, one of our first stops was Gigondas. There are so many beautiful tasting rooms dotted around the charming village that one could easily spend a whole afternoon tasting the region’s wines before heading to lunch in town. While at a tasting, the vintner had shared with us a unique experience he was hosting this past weekend, and it didn’t take much convincing before we confirmed our spots before leaving. As we strolled through the village of Gigondas before our lunch reservation, I began to wonder how many other hidden gems were going on in and around Provence that weren’t as heavily advertised. That night, I took a deep dive into activities around the region and, after some extensive research, narrowed it down to five events. These events are happening in July and really put a unique spin on the traditional wine tasting, all while providing a one-of-a-kind experience visitors will truly never forget.
Sortie Ornithologique, Le Vignoble et Ses Oiseaux
Perfect for the nature lover, Château Mourgues du Grès, located in Beaucaire, is hosting a wine event specifically for visitors interested not only in the vines and wines, but in the local bird population. Walk the château trails with your guide, Alicia, and learn about the surrounding migratory birds, using telescopes or binoculars to take a closer look. After your hike around the grounds, join Alicia at the château for a tasting of the estate’s organic wines in their picturesque courtyard.
This is the first event I’ve found that features a bird watching activity before the wine tasting, which not only seems incredibly different, but very relaxing and informative.
Date: July 23rd
Time: 10h -12:30h
Cost: Adults: 17.50 Euros Children: 9 Euros 8 and under: Free
Reservation needed to attend
Location: 1055, chemin des Mourgues du Grès 30300 Beaucaire
For more information:
E-mail: tourisme@laterredargence.fr
Call: 04 66 59 46 10
La Nuit de Bacchus 18th Edition
This wine event is held in a town very close to my heart, my second home, Vaison-la-Romaine. Perhaps I was a bit bias when picking this selection, but it was the absolute only event I could find where visitors could purchase a ticket and taste wine while exploring an actual archaeological excavation site. Held within the Roman ruins of the Villasse, the event is hosted each year by the Vaison-la-Romaine’s Young Farmers and allows the group to meet their customers directly and talk about their growing processes and ideas on improving wine production.
The event features local culinary specialties, music and, of course, wine tasting. Come celebrate this event’s 18th year among the beautiful ruins and see why we fell in love with Vaison-la-Romaine!
Date: July 18th
Time: 18h
Cost: 5 Euros
Location: Vaison-la-Romaine
For more information, call: 06 50 61 28 10
Les Goûts & Les Couleurs, Accords Mets &Vins
This event, dubbed the Colours and Flavours workshop, allows the guests to experiment with sweet and savory, creating the perfect pairing for their specific tastebuds. Allow the Winegrowers of the AOP Rasteau to help guide you though matching the wines with sweet, savory or spicy dishes.
As someone who is trying to get more familiar with identifying different aspects of wine, this workshop really caught my attention. In the U.S., most people understand the basics of white wine going with chicken and red wine going with beef, but this class takes it a step further by breaking down food and wine pairing in a more complex way by introducing sweet, savory, and spicy. Space is limited for this event and reservations are required to attend.
Domaines present will be: Domaine de La Buissonnade, Domaine des Banquettes, Domaine de La Girardière.
Date: July 16th
Time: 18h
Cost: 15 Euros
Reservations required
Location: 4 Rue des Ecoles 84110 Rasteau
For more information:
E-mail: rasteau@vaison-ventoux-tourisme.com
Call: 04 90 46 18 73
Visite au Fil Des Cuvées
This tour is perfect for any wine lover who also enjoys a bit of history and storytelling. Follow along as your guide leads you through the mediaeval streets of Tournon, personally taking on the roles of significant historical figures and portraying each of them as larger-than-life characters while recounting how they shaped the town’s history. The tour finishes with a wine tasting, using wines uniquely named after the historical figures you have just learned about on the tour.
One of Andy and I’s favorite activities to do is to go on a walking tour of the towns we visit and become more familiar with the events and people that have shaped it into what it is today. I like that the event begins by giving guests a historical background of the town, but in a theatrical way that visitors with children would enjoy all the same.
Date: July 23rd
Time: 18h -19:30h
Cost: Adults: 10 euros Children: 8 euros Under 3: Free
Reservations are required
Location: Hôtel de la Tourette-2 Place Saint Julien 07300 TOURNON-SUR RHÔNE
For more information, call: +33 4 75 08 10 23
Photo: Terres de Syrah
Apéro Sur L’Eau
Sail along the Rhône while surrounded by the breathtaking views between the Saint-Joseph and Collin de l’Hermitage, taking in the incredible landscapes of the two appellations as you sail by. Along your journey you will taste three different wines (a Crozes-Hermitage, a Saint-Joseph and a Hermitage), each served with a selection of local specialties to nibble on.
If you are traveling with children, fruit juices will be available during the cruise.
Despite living part-time in Pittsburgh and being surrounded by our famous 3 rivers, Andy and I don’t really get out on the water too often. Each summer, however, we always find a unique way to explore Provence via its water ways, so this experience seemed like a unique way to not only get out on the water, but try new wines in the process!
Date: July 11th
Time: 19:45h-21h
Cost: 49 Euros/per person
Location: Tournon Embarcadère, Promenade Léon Perrier, 07300 Tournon-sur-Rhône
For more information, visit their website: Terresdesyrah.com
Do you have a favorite event that has a very “off-the-beaten-path” feel to it? Share its information below and allow others to experience this beautiful region in an alternative way!
Happy Sipping!
-R
