6-Day Private Wine Tour of Provence with an Award-Winning Author Host

Tour Provence's finest vineyards with Jamie Ivey, cited by The Spectator as the man responsible for the pale rosé revolution. As you would expect in Jamie's company there are plenty of rosé tastings .

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sunday - Arrival

You will be picked up by taxi or minibus from either Aix-en-Provence TGV or Marseille Marignane airport. You will then be transferred to the accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Lourmarin.

Upon arrival, a small hamper of luxurious Provençal goodies awaits in your bedroom. On Sundays from Easter to the end of September there is usually an artisan market or brocante market. Gather for a drink's reception around 6:30pm and a gourmet welcome dinner.

Day 2: Monday - Aix-en-Provence

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Aix-en-Provence. The tour leader Jamie Ivey will share his love of the city in a tasting tour including local specialities, such as calissons, navettes, and savoury and sweet madeleines. Jamie will then lead a Provençal rosé tasting which will be followed by lunch in an off the beaten track local restaurant.

After lunch the tour visits Château Vignelaure. American wine critic Robert Parker states that Château Vignelaure is: “One of the showpiece properties not only of Provence, but of France.”

The uniqueness of the wine made by Château Vignelaure stems from its Cabernet Sauvignon grapes which in 1960 were grafted from the classed Bordeaux growths at Château Lagune by George Brunet. As a result the Château produces a Provencal wine which is capable of ageing for 15 to 20 years. At its best, so the owners claim, it is reminiscent of fine Bordeaux.

Returning to Lourmarin, you can choose from the numerous village restaurants in which to eat.

Day 3: Tuesday: Luberon Villages, Market Food Tasting and Wine Tasting.

The day starts with a visit to Cucuron market. Centred around an old water basin (etang), the market is one of the most picturesque in Provence. Tour the market and enjoy tastings of local products.

For lunch you will stop at Domaine de La Citadelle outside Menerbes and enjoy a buffet lunch and wine tasting. There is even time to visit the vineyard’s famous corkscrew museum. 

In the afternoon you will visit either Roussillon, famed for its red soil, or Gordes, which for decades has been an ultra-chic retreat for wealthy Parisian families and French celebrities.

Dinner at leisure.

Day 4: Wednesday: Les Alpilles – Natural Winery; Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tasting and Olive Oil Tasting.

First stop is a natural winery (Domaine Milan) just outside the town of Saint Remy de Provence. Taste up to 10 different natural wines and learn about the philosophy of a natural winemaker. Lunch is in the picturesque village of Eygalieres. This is followed by a Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Les Alpilles wine tasting at a prestigious local vineyard (Domaine de La Vallongue). There will also be an opportunity to taste the Domaine’s award-winning olive oils.

Dinner at leisure.

Day 5: Thursday: Cassis and Bandol

On the way to the glittering Mediterranean and the charming port of Cassis, you will visit one of the top vineyards of Bandol. The region is famed for its Mourvedre based reds and rosés. Arriving harbourside in Cassis there’s time to explore the port before enjoying lunch. Enthusiasts of seafood should not miss the opportunity to try Provence's famed Bouillabaisse fish soup. 

In the afternoon the tour will stop for a wine tasting at Domaine Paternel, where you can taste the Cassis’ stella white. 

Dinner at leisure.

Day 6: Friday: Lourmarin

The village of Lourmarin hosts one of the largest and best Provencal markets. It's the perfect opportunity to do something last minute shopping before heading home.

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Please note: This itinerary can be customised based on your interests.