Ah, Provence! There’s something undeniably magical about the region, and we can honestly say that Provence holds a special place in our hearts. How could it not? It’s a region known for its iconic lavender fields and picturesque countryside landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the most outstanding wineries in France.

 

For those of you who didn’t know, Provence is also the oldest wine region in the country, producing some of the most renowned red and rosé wines in the world. Wine tours in Provence provide a unique experience to explore and taste the region’s varied wines and viticulture history.

 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top wine tours in Provence, from half-day trips to full-day excursions. And because planning a trip to Provence isn’t just about the wine (okay, maybe it is, at least mostly!), we’ve also included our recommendations for where to stay, dine, and what to do while visiting the region. Let’s get going!

How We Chose Top Wine Tours In Provence

First off, let me be completely transparent: these selections are based on personal experience, thorough research, and a bit of feedback from fellow travelers and wine enthusiasts. My criteria for “best” involve several factors—the quality of wine, the expertise and friendliness of guides, the uniqueness of the experience, and, of course, how much fun I had! I’ve tried to offer something for everyone, whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned oenophile. Let’s get into it!

1. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour

Price: From $187
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)

Operated by: Provence and Wine

 

Let’s kick things off with one of the crown jewels of Provence’s wine scene: Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This full-day tour is perfect if you’re staying in Avignon and looking to explore this iconic wine appellation in style. Led by a bilingual local guide (who also happens to be a certified sommelier—bonus points!), this tour takes you through four prestigious wineries.

 

Why It’s a Must:

• Immersive Experience: With a stop at the vineyard itself, you’ll learn about the region’s unique terroir—its soil, climate, and grape varieties. There’s nothing quite like standing amongst the vines while your guide breaks down why Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces such legendary wines. PS: If you’re interested in visiting more wineries, check out our article on the best Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries.
• Private Visits: Each stop includes private visits and tastings at family-owned estates and renowned wine châteaux. I can’t overstate how amazing it is to sip wine while the winemaker himself shares the estate’s history and winemaking secrets.
• Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Between tastings, you’ll enjoy a meal at a traditional Provencal restaurant—think fresh Mediterranean flavors and, naturally, more wine. It’s the perfect break from all that grape juice you’ll be enjoying.

 

Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking through vineyards, and bring sunscreen. Provence can get toasty!

2. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Day Tasting Tour (including lunch)

Price: From $182
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)

Operated by: Provence Panorama

If one day in Châteauneuf-du-Pape isn’t enough (and trust me, it won’t be), this extended tour offers even more in-depth exploration. In addition to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you’ll visit Gigondas and Vacqueyras, two neighboring wine regions that produce equally compelling wines.

 

Why You’ll Love It:

• All-Day Adventure: This is for the serious wine enthusiast who wants to make the most of their day. You’ll visit multiple domains, with each stop offering generous tastings of both red and white wines.
• Gigondas & Vacqueyras: I particularly enjoyed the visit to these villages. While less famous than Châteauneuf-du-Pape, their wines are excellent, and the scenery—rustic stone houses set against rolling vineyards—is straight out of a postcard.
• Small Group Experience: I’m all about intimacy when it comes to wine tours. With a group size limited to eight people, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with your guide. Plus, fewer people means more wine to go around, right?

 

Pro Tip: Hydrate! With so many tastings, it’s easy to get carried away. Bring a water bottle and drink in between stops to stay refreshed.

3. Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting

 

Price: From $170
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Operated by: Ophorus

 

If you’re seeking a mix of wine and breathtaking natural beauty, this tour is a fantastic option. It combines a visit to the charming fishing village of Cassis with a boat ride along the dramatic Calanques, followed by a wine-tasting session in Aix-en-Provence. It’s a full-day trip that shows off the best of Provence’s diverse landscapes.

 

Highlights:

• Cassis & the Calanques: Cassis is a gem. I’ve always loved its harbor, lined with colorful boats and seaside restaurants. The boat ride along the Calanques—towering white limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean—will blow you away.
• Cassis Wine: Did you know that Cassis is home to some of the oldest AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée) in France? You’ll get to taste some exceptional white wines, known for their crisp minerality and herbaceous notes, grown in vineyards right next to the sea.
• Aix-en-Provence: The tour ends with a wine tasting session in Aix, a town famous for its artistic heritage. This stop is as much about culture as it is about wine, with plenty of time to wander the picturesque streets after your tasting.

 

Insider Tip: Dress in layers. The weather can be breezy on the boat ride, but it heats up in the vineyards.

4. Half-Day Wine Tour in Provence (Sidecar Adventure!)

Price: From $547
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

Operated by: LA BELLE ECHAPPEE

 

Okay, I’ll admit it: this tour is just cool. Imagine cruising through Provence’s scenic roads on a vintage sidecar, with the wind in your hair and a wine estate waiting at the end of the ride. This half-day adventure combines a bit of thrill with visits to local wineries.

 

Why It Stands Out:

• Unique Transportation: Forget the typical minivan or bus—this sidecar experience is unforgettable. Not only does it add a sense of adventure, but you also get a more intimate connection with the landscape.
• Sainte-Victoire Mountain: Your ride will take you past Sainte-Victoire, the mountain that inspired so many of Paul Cézanne’s paintings. It’s absolutely stunning, and you’ll stop for photos along the way.
• Wine Estates: During the tour, you’ll visit a couple of authentic wine estates, where you’ll meet local winemakers, tour the vines, and, of course, taste their wines.

 

Travel Tip: Make sure to book early—this tour is super popular, and spots fill up fast.

5. Private Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille

Price: From $426
Duration: 6 to 8 hours (approx.)

Operated by: Provence Wine Tours

 

If you’re coming off a cruise ship and have limited time to explore Provence, this private full-day tour is tailor-made for you. It offers a deep dive into Provence’s wine country, focusing on two distinct wineries where you’ll taste a variety of rosés, reds, and whites.

 

Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Travelers:

• Guaranteed On-Time Return: There’s no need to worry about missing your ship. The tour is designed to return to the Marseille port with plenty of time to spare, making it ideal for those on a tight schedule.
• Customizable Itinerary: Your guide will adapt the tour to your preferences, whether you’re more interested in seeing small family estates or larger, more prestigious domains.
• Leisure Time in a Charming Town: After your tastings, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore either Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, or Lourmarin. Personally, I recommend Cassis if you want a relaxing lunch by the sea, or Aix if you’re in the mood for some shopping and sightseeing.

 

Practical Tip: Bring a camera! Provence’s landscapes are ridiculously photogenic, especially around the vineyards.

Where to Stay in Provence

 

When it comes to where to stay, Provence has a wealth of options, from luxury hotels to charming boutique inns. Here are some of my top recommendations, perfect for making the most of your wine-soaked adventure.

 

• Villa Gallici Hotel & Spa (Aix-en-Provence): Luxurious and romantic, this hotel is ideal for those looking to relax in style.
• La Mirande (Avignon) – This historic hotel is perfect for a stay near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The on-site restaurant is phenomenal, too.
• Le Pigonnet (Aix-en-Provence): A lovely, classic Provencal hotel with a pool and garden views.
• Le Mas des Herbes Blanches (Gordes): Located in the heart of Luberon, this 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views and tranquility.
• Hotel d’Europe (Avignon): This upscale property is centrally located in Avignon, perfect for exploring both the city and nearby wine regions.
• Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa (Mane): This former monastery turned luxury hotel is a bit of a splurge, but it’s absolutely worth it.
• Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire (Aix-en-Provence): Beautiful location near the famous Sainte-Victoire mountain, this hotel offers both modern luxury and serene surroundings.
• Hotel Crillon le Brave (Crillon-le-Brave): For a more rustic yet luxurious experience, this hotel in the vineyards of Mont Ventoux is perfect.
• La Bastide de Gordes (Gordes): If you want to pamper yourself with stunning views of the Luberon, this hotel is ideal.
• Château de Berne (Lorgues): A true wine-lovers’ paradise, this château hotel is located in a vineyard and offers its own wine tastings.

Where to Dine in Provence

No wine adventure is complete without great food, right? Here are my top picks for dining in Provence, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros.

 

• L’Oustau de Baumanière (Les Baux-de-Provence): Two Michelin stars and a menu to match. Expect a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
• La Chassagnette (Arles): A farm-to-table gem, with seasonal ingredients sourced from its own garden.
• L’Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel (Arles): Innovative, plant-focused cuisine in a relaxed setting.
• Auberge la Fenière (Lourmarin): Known for its fantastic gluten-free menu and Provencal dishes.
• La Table de Ventabren (Ventabren): A Michelin-starred spot offering incredible views and delicious contemporary French cuisine.
• Chez Bruno (Lorgues): If you love truffles, this is the place to go. The menu revolves around the “black diamond” of the culinary world.
• Le Jardin de la Tour (Avignon): A charming, family-run restaurant with excellent Provencal food.
• La Vieille Fontaine (Avignon): For an elegant dining experience, this Michelin-starred restaurant delivers.
• Le Relais des Moines (Les Arcs): A beautiful restaurant in a peaceful, rural setting with traditional French dishes.
• Bistro du Paradou (Le Paradou): A cozy bistro where you can enjoy hearty, authentic Provencal food.

What to Do While Visiting Provence

In between wine tastings, there’s so much to explore in Provence. Here are a few of our favorite non-wine-related activities that you should consider adding to your itinerary:

 

• Visit the Calanques: These limestone cliffs and hidden coves near Cassis are perfect for hiking or taking a boat tour.
• Explore the Luberon Villages: Gordes, Roussillon, and Ménerbes are postcard-perfect Provencal villages worth visiting.
• Walk through Lavender Fields: If you’re visiting in late June or July, the lavender fields around Valensole are in full bloom.
• Tour the Palais des Papes: This massive Gothic palace in Avignon is steeped in history and worth a visit.
• Hike Mont Ventoux: If you’re up for a challenge, this mountain offers incredible views and is a famous Tour de France climb.
• Stroll through Aix-en-Provence: This elegant town has beautiful architecture, art galleries, and weekly markets.
• Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make classic Provencal dishes at a local cooking school. Many include a market tour as part of the class.
• Visit a Provencal Market: Check out the markets in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for local crafts, food, and antiques.
• Explore the Roman Ruins: Provence has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France, including the amphitheater in Arles.
• Go Truffle Hunting: In the fall, you can join local guides and their dogs to hunt for truffles in the countryside.

Wineries to Visit in Provence

 

Here are a few wineries and wines that you should sample. For additional recommendations, head to our article on the best wineries in Provence.

 

• Château de Beaucastel (Châteauneuf-du-Pape): Famous for their complex, age-worthy reds.
• Domaine du Pégau (Châteauneuf-du-Pape): Another legendary estate known for its traditional style.
• Château La Nerthe (Châteauneuf-du-Pape): One of the oldest estates in the region.
• Domaine de Trévallon (Les Baux-de-Provence): Known for their powerful reds.
• Domaine Tempier (Bandol): Famous for their rosés, especially their exquisite Bandol Rosé.
• Château de Pibarnon (Bandol): Produces some of the finest red wines in Provence.
• Château Gassier (Sainte-Victoire):  A top producer of rosé wines in Provence.
• Clos Sainte Magdeleine (Cassis): Excellent white wines, with vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Domaine Ott (Côtes de Provence): One of the most prestigious names in Provencal rosé.
• Domaine de la Citadelle (Luberon): A boutique winery with a wide range of high-quality wines.

Final Thoughts

Provence offers some of the most scenic wine tours. Whether you’re there for a quick day trip or a multi-day wine, cultural and coastal immersion, there’s a certain type of magic about this region. The wine tours we’ve mentioned here offer a diverse range of experiences, from the elegance of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the laid-back charm of Cassis. And, of course, the delicious food, stunning hotels, and local attractions make Provence a destination you will long to visit again.

So, pack your bags, and get ready for the ultimate wine adventure in Provence. Santé!