Wine Trip

Southern rhone

august 2022

Travel the southern rhone valley of france with us!

Here is a short itinerary of our recent wine trip to the the Southern Rhone. If you can’t make it soon, pop a bottle of some the new exciting wines from there and join along from home!

Here’s a short condensed itinerary of our wine trip from Seattle to the Southern Rhone.

  • The best nearby city to fly into is Marseille, which has easy connections from Paris. From Marseille to Chateauneuf-du-Pape its about and hour car ride or 1.5 hour train ride Highly recommend you bring your own car as ride service and public transit are limited.

  • Avignon is probably the closest large town to base your trip in, just south of most famous wine villages.

 

The stony vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Large river rocks are scattered throughout most of the vineyards here, called Galets, create a unique soil for the vineyards. They hold heat well but also offer water drainage while providing minimal nutrients to the vines.

The Rhone River

The mighty river that lends its name to this wine region. It provides water and transport for the entire region. In the south, it flattens out a bit, cutting its way through rolling hills and valleys.

The village of Gigondas

The ancient wine village of Gigondas, whose many stone buildings remain unchanged for hundreds of years. This village remains an epicenter for high quality and more affordable red wines.

 

Winery and Vineyards of Chateau de Saint Cosme

Located in Gigondas, this winery is year in year out one of the best value wine producers coming from this region. High quality wines across all styles and prices, this is a go to producer from the Rhone.

The original ruins of the “New House of the Pope”

The castle that lends its name to the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, is the original bastion of the Popes of Avignon for hundreds of years.

Avignon

The largest city in the area, home to amazing food, Roman architecture and of course great wine. Well worth a visit and a good spot for a jumping off point for the many villages of this region.