For a culture seeker such as yourself, the Drôme Provençale is far from an unknown quantity. But have you heard of Grignan-Les-Adhémar AOC?
This relatively new appellation (2010) does, however, cover 2,830 hectares (6,993 acres) of vines spread across 21 communes, from south of Montélimar to the foothills of Tricastin. To learn more, or top up on what you already know, simply head to the Caveau de Grignan wine cellar. Delphine Beugnon, a graduate from the Suze-la-Rousse University of Wine, offers tastings and educational wine workshops that focus on a selection of six or more crus, including one red, rosé and white. The wines you taste will follow the seasons, with a wide selection of rosés in summer and an emphasis on blends that pair well with truffles in the winter months. Because some of these wines are a perfect match for this king of mushrooms. In fact, if you are in the area in early February, be sure to pay a visit to Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux and its Festival of Truffles and Wines, a fitting tribute to this famous food and wine match. Caveau de Grignan also sells over 200 wines at producer prices (between €5 and €16 a bottle). Just a word to the wise...
Tips nearby:
Auberge du Petit Bistrot Vinsobres: Vinsobres, 15 km from Vaison La Romaine. Village restaurant in a fine stone building. Fresh, relaxed, lavish and local cuisine: home-made pied pacquet (stuffed mutton tripe cooked in wine with sheep’s feet and chunks of bacon), lamb cutlets, poached pear with orange blossom... Excellent wine list. Shaded terrace. Typical welcome and excellent value for money.
Domaine des Gravennes: Suze La Rousse, 18 km from Grignan. Guest house in a bastide, or Provençal house, in the heart of the Gravennes wine estate. Provençal decoration with exposed beams and tiled floor. Optional treasure hunt among the vines. The perfect way to experience daily life on a vineyard holding over a weekend.