Who has never dreamed of waking up surrounded by unspoiled countryside with awesome views over famous vineyards? Many of the wineries in the Rhône Valley offer idyllic accommodation packages on their property. Here are three you simply shouldn’t miss in the Vaucluse.

The Vaucluse produces nearly half of all the wine made in the Rhône Valley, and it’s home to three major AOCs: Côtes du Rhône (with its villages and wines), Luberon and Ventoux. Nothing beats escaping into the vineyards if you’re criss-crossing the region’s wine routes and discovering the distinctive characteristics of these appellations.

After travelling far and wide, Caroline from Australia and Thomas from the Vosges finally settled down in Sainte Cécile les Vignes in the Côtes du Rhône, where they offer guests a warm welcome at Domaine Rouge Bleu. It’s all about sharing and learning for these winegrowers, whose greatest passion is passing on their love of Grenache, the king grape variety in the Rhône Valley, which they grow biodynamically on their land.

Château Saint-Pierre de Mejans is a 12th century wine estate in the Luberon, where it’s home to over 12 hectares of vines, olive trees and lavender. This old priory takes visitors on a novel journey through time, transporting them back to the Middle Ages. With its walls of Rognes stone, and with the delightful village of Lourmarin close at hand, it’s a great place to visit either for a simple wine tasting in the cellar or for a stay in one of the five guest rooms. Mas de Puyvert is a private house on the property with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, a heated swimming pool and garden (with no neighbours!) - ideal for a relaxing stay in total privacy.

In Ventoux, at the end of a path where you feel you’re the only person in the world, lies the Chêne Bleu winery. This is a genuine biodiversity reserve snug in the heart of the hill, where you can see the stars like nowhere else. In this incomparable residence, with its elegantly-decorated rooms, the nights are soft and gentle, and the chef’s food and wine pairings delicious.

Three estates for you to try out with your eyes closed!

The Mâconnais white wines produced by Maison Auvigue from its home in southern Burgundy are its calling card, the apotheosis of the vineyard’s major appellations.

This family-run business, which started life trading in wine, fell deeply in love with the terroir of Burgundy as it gradually made the move towards growing vines. Four generations later, the estate now boasts 8 hectares stretching out over the land of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.

As pioneers of the plot-by-plot approach, members of the Auvigue family have always been deeply committed to retaining the authentic character of the climats. Today, these traditional winegrowers are continuing to do their utmost to respect the terroir, starting with the conversion to organic farming. Alongside the grapes harvested from the fields of vines, other carefully-selected bunches are collected from partner winegrowers to add to the cuvées vinified in situ. What’s so distinctive about this range? It brings together wines that are exclusively white from the following appellations: Pouilly-Fuissé and Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru, Mâcon-Solutré, Mâcon-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Viré-Clessé.

By far the best way to discover this myriad of noteworthy vintages is to drop in to the estate. After a brief tour of the vineyards overlooked by the kindly silhouette of Roche de Solutré (a limestone escarpment), head for the wine cellars in the old Romanesque church in the village of Fuissé. Two vat rooms and almost 300 barrels have found refuge under the stone vaults of this amazing site!

This temple to vinification is the perfect spot to learn more about how the region's iconic wines are made. There’s even a sensory workshop where you can discover the diverse aromas that are so typical of the white wines and find out more about the maturation process in the oak barrels.

For the tasting, the spotlight focuses on four to six wines produced on the estate. In the intimate surroundings of the vault, the distinct personality of each cuvée brings to light a different aspect of Maison Auvigue’s craftsmanship. It’s a heritage that showcases all the glory of the Mâconnais… for you to enjoy one sip at a time!

The hinterland of south-west France is bursting with vineyards and handsome stone architecture lining the rivers that criss-cross Nouvelle-Aquitaine. We put the spotlight on seven delightful villages overflowing with fine wine and spirits.

The first stop on our road trip are the shores of the Gironde estuary. With its ever-changing scenery of salt marshes, salt meadows and dead cliffs, Mortagne-sur-Gironde will tempt you to taste the good life. Pay a visit to the Château Beaulon, a listed monument, just 15 minutes south of the enchanting village and port. Take a stroll through the grounds of the château and explore the mysterious blue fountains with their legends, cognac and Pineau des Charentes.

The fortified village of Bourg-sur-Gironde is tucked away at the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne at the entrance to the Gironde estuary. Here Château de la Grave welcomes visitors to take a walk in the vineyard, revel in a tasting and enjoy a never-to-be-forgotten break.

Domaine du Grand Mayne in Pays de Bergerac et Duras invites oenophiles to go on a winegrower’s picnic. Once you’ve been perked up by this delightful snack, everybody is free to set out to explore the meandering Dropt and Dourdèze, and to take a detour to Duras for a visit to its listed château.

Château d’Arche on the banks of the Ciron in Sauternes welcomes the public to tour its 17th century charterhouse. As well as enjoying a tasting of some grands crus classés, bikes are available for you to hire so you can roam across the vineyard with your hair in the breeze.

The commune of Navarrenx rise above the Gave d'Oloron in the direction of Jurançon, on the Camino de Santiago. Not far from this old bastide, Domaine Le Bois Sacré opens the doors to its farm and cellar for you to enjoy a selection of local wines and cheeses.

The fortified village of Saint Jean Pied de Port is on the Nive in the heart of the Basque Country and only an hour from the coast - and it’s well worth a visit! Close by, overlooking the vines clinging to the mountain sides, Domaine Mourguy organises walks accompanied by a donkey… followed by tastings of local wines and homemade apple juice.

Do you have the urge to set out to sea? Then head for the island of Oléron! La-Brée-les-Bains, surrounded by marshes and vineyards, will bowl you over with its bewitching panoramas. There’s nothing better than hopping on your bike at this seaside resort and pedalling until you reach Saint-Georges-d'Oléron, where you can feast your eyes on the immense aging cellar owned by the winegrowers of Oléron.

Simply by going with the flow, curious visitors will uncover many more hidden gems in the nooks and corners of the local vineyards!

Nothing beats slowing right down so you can revel in the spellbinding charm of the vineyards of Cognac. Discover the region in “slow style” with a whole host of activities organised by Explore Cognac.

As the headline act of the Charentes region, Cognac isn’t just a spirit with a world-famous reputation! Behind the name there’s also a town that’s officially known as a “City of Art and History”, a vineyard and a diverse heritage that is well worth the detour.

There are all sorts of ways you can set out to explore the riches that shape the world of Cognac. Soft-mobility experiences are mushrooming, tempting inquisitive visitors to follow the byways through the vineyards at a leisurely pace.

Visitors are welcome at Maison Rémy Martin in Juillac-le-Coq, where they can enjoy a ride on electric bikes through the Grande Champagne vines. The contours of the small valleys unwind at each stroke of the pedal, with the outline of a bell tower or mill coming into view from time to time. These trips help visitors learn about preserving the wine ecosystems before they are ushered into the snug setting of the cellars and distillery.

From Maison Boinaud you can also stride across Grande Champagne… on foot! A 3.7 km circuit dotted with 12 interactive information points tells walkers all about the ethical system of management used in the vineyards of this family-run enterprise. After this great breath of fresh air, participants are invited to discover the distillery’s 41 stills and make the most of a tasting.

Last but not least, at Maison Martell you can explore the fields of vines perched on an electric scooter! This excursion - known as “Vitiscoot" - will introduce you to the AOC Cognac and the Borderies cru in all their glory. It’s the perfect opportunity to help the public get to know the type of sustainable viticulture championed by the Maison and to give a detailed explanation about the various stages involved in making the spirit. To cap it all, this off-road, two-wheel getaway is blessed with magnificent views of the Charentes landscape.

Plenty of other outings that fit into the sustainable approach are listed by Explore Cognac so you can take the time to visit this down-to-earth destination that distils its soothing art of living with no end of talent.

Domaine Jeannin-Naltet has been producing wine in Côte Châlonnaise since 1858. Blessed with extraordinary potential, the estate enjoys a unique status in the region’s vineyards.

And for good reason! This family business is mainly classified as Mercurey Premier Cru, and it has the monopoly of the Clos des Grands Voyens climat, a crown jewel among the fields of vines.

The estate welcomes the general public for tours of the cellar by appointment and tastings in line with the opening hours - all with the aim of promoting this matchless terroir, which is enriched by a deep attachment to the traditions of winemaking.

And what’s that little added extra? The estate is also one of the last in Burgundy to produce typical liqueurs from the local area, such as Marc, Fine and Ratafia.

With its rich mosaic of vineyards, Burgundy never ceases to bowl over lovers of fine wine! The Sept Fontaines hotel can be found at the crossroads of Chalonnais and Mâconnais, where it is ideal for discovering the region.

This four-star hotel complex in Tournus has chosen a place rich in history as its abode: in the 17th century it was home to a maison de charité or religious hospice. The immense building boasts well-preserved rooms with fulsome volumes from this far-flung past, where nowadays modern comforts rub shoulders with bourgeois luxury chic. Everything has been designed to create a setting that promotes relaxation and revitalisation, both in the 39 cosy rooms and suites and the wellness area.

And what is that little extra you’ll find in the hotel? Its determination to spotlight all the best that the Burgundy terroir has to offer - to the great delight of bons viveurs! Le Cloître, the hotel restaurant, has a new menu every week. The dishes served here are full of inventive cuisine with diverse influences, and are made from fresh, local and seasonal produce. As for the wine list, it gives top spot to regional cuvées that are selected with attention to detail by the sommelier - all with the aim of bringing the best out of each and every dish.

While this bistronomic restaurant is well worth the detour, the magnificent tasting cellar in the hotel basement is not to be missed either! Under the stone vaults, oenological workshops open to one and all are organised to familiarise you with the limitless diversity of Burgundy wines. Some 50 labels are offered for tasting alongside platters served as an aperitive and a wonderful selection of whiskeys. With its snug atmosphere, the lounge bar serves wine by the glass, also giving pride of place to the best vintages from the area.

And for anyone who would like to find out more about wine growing in Burgundy, the hotel is ideally situated for a jaunt across the neighbouring vineyards. Hotel reception is more than happy to offer advice about the region’s wine estates, cellars and the best places to explore… with all the promise of a great getaway with Bacchus as your guide!

The O'61 and 0'23 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune gîtes, two wonderful vineyard houses, are just right for large groups or couples – and all a stone's throw from Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus!

Everything has been designed to make you feel at home… but even better in this little patch of paradise! All that’s left is to lay down your hat and let yourself be swept off your feet by the cottage comforts, the peace and quiet of the surrounding vineyards and the numerous attractions in the locality.

And, so you don’t have to worry about any logistics, the host even offers meals. What’s on the menu? Dishes that are typical of the region washed down with local wines and digestives… all the promise of a delicious time with a 100% Burgundian feast!

The Tour du Pouilly-Fumé on the banks of the river in the village of Pouilly-sur-Loire is not to be missed, a gateway to unravelling the secrets of the vineyards and AOC Pouilly Fumé.

This winery is so much more than a museum: it’s a place of adventure and discovery that is open to the general public. Thanks to its inventive design, visitors find themselves immersed in a multi-sensory universe that showcases the Pouilly vineyards and the know-how of the local winegrowers.

The visit begins in a room that looks like a tasting cellar. Videos are projected onto the stone walls retracing the age-old history of the vineyard and two of the region’s star appellations: Pouilly-sur-Loire and Pouilly-Fumé.

In the second room, visitors are introduced to the work of the people who tend to the vines with the changing seasons. Small-scale special effects physically recreate the feeling that you're actually out there in the vineyard! From the cold of winter to the heat of summer via the autumn rains, the stage is set for a journey to the very heart of the vineyard.

After passing through the awe-inspiring winemaking room - where the basics of fermentation are explained in detail - visitors are invited to go down to the Aroma Cellar. Here, ten ballons or wine glasses are arranged on oak barrels with an exciting nose for anyone who is curious. These serve to introduce the aromatic families of Pouilly white wines: lemon confit, gingerbread, white floral fragrance, tropical fruit… a dizzying succession of scents prepares oenophiles for the tasting to follow!

Whilst the adults sample a selection of four local wines, the children are served cordials and are given a booklet with games on the history of the vineyard, the grape varieties, the terroirs and the tastes linked to the grapes.

In addition to the all-year-round tour route at the Tour du Pouilly Fumé, the tourist office offers lots of activities for novel ways to explore the Pouilly vineyards and the surrounding area: climb to the very top of the Saint-Andelain belvedere; take a walk through the vineyards; enjoy a great getaway by bike or embark on a trip by canoe - each and every experience promising you the most wonderful time!

The Atlantic Loire Valley is a land of wine par excellence, boasting no fewer than 17 Loire Valley Wine Routes and ten or so bike itineraries through the vineyards for you to encounter the region’s winegrowers.

In the Vallée du Loir, at the centre of a triangle connecting Le Mans, Saumur and Tours, a 16-km circuit will tempt you to pedal up and down the vineyards of Jasnières. Riding along the small rolling paths, this day out promises to be fascinating and fun in equal measure as you meet the local winegrowers and artisans whose passion energises the region.

Setting off from Nantes, a circuit of 40 or so kilometres takes you to Pays du Muscadet. First, you’ll pedal along the Sèvre Nantaise before cycling deeper into the countryside in the direction of Clisson with its feel of Italy. The route is peppered with villages boasting their own distinct character, wineries where you can treat yourself to a break, and old mills to feast your eyes on. The Nantes Vineyard Museum in Le Pallet is stopover you’ve simply got to make!

In Côte Saumuroise, the vineyard goes hand-in-hand with the Loire. Between Saumur and Montsoreau, you explore the region by following a signposted trail alongside the river that becomes a trusted travel companion. As you enjoy this great getaway, you’ll be bowled over by the magnificent islands on the Loire and the beauty of the architectural heritage that blends in marvellously with the landscape of water, vines and tufa. With châteaux and troglodyte villages, there are untold opportunities for stopping off to taste the region’s AOC wines and quench your thirst for discovery.

Clinging to the sides of the surrounding hills, the vines of Pays Mareuillais are the pride and joy of AOC Fiefs Vendéens. In the midst of these fields of vines, the Terroir du Fief Vendéen de Mareuil cycle route forms a 35-km loop that will give you a taste of the local winemakers. The town of Mareuil-sur-Lay-Dissais - the starting point for this trip on two wheels - is sure to make an impression on you with its listed church, ramparts and picture-postcard setting. What’s more, the route is dotted with lots of different points of interest, beginning with the Conservatoire de la Négrette.

Whichever route you decide to take, the Atlantic Loire Valley in all its diversity is best appreciated by letting yourself be carried along by the wind and your curiosity.