“Outstanding Offer” of the 2023 Wine Tourism Trophies in the "Gastronomy in the Vineyard" category, Maison Bourgeois has been cultivating the art of vines and hospitality for several decades.

The breaks on offer at the hotel-cum-restaurant and wine estate - located at the foot of the Côte des Monts Damnés in the Sancerre vineyards - are as re-energising as they are delightful.

With its 12 bedrooms, gastronomic restaurant, bistro and 72 hectares of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, the Bourgeois family invites curious visitors who are passing through to take the time to taste the sweet life of Sancerre.

There’s more than enough to enjoy an exotic wine tourism experience in the picturesque village of Chavignol!

Winner of the 2021 Wine Tourism Trophies Golden Prize in the “Promotion of a terroir” category, the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence is a gateway to the vineyards and terroirs.

With a vinothèque that’s home to 800 labels, a weekly selection of 16 wines for tasting and oenological workshops, the venue celebrates the great diversity of the Côtes de Provence appellation.

Visitors can explore the interactive panels in the company of five sommeliers to find out all about every stage involved in producing the cuvées and their typical characteristics.

As well as being a real showcase for the region's wine-making expertise, the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence strives to transmit a passion for wine to a broad audience.

Winner of Wine Tourism Trophies Golden Prize 2021 in the "Gastronomy in the vineyard" category, Château de Berne invites guests to enjoy the authentic, generous taste of Provence.

Located in the home of the Côtes de Provence appellation, Château de Berne is a venue that brilliantly combines the delights of the vineyard with the finest food.

Surrounded by a forest, a 143 hectare vineyard, an olive grove and a vast vegetable garden, the estate is a hymn in honour of the terroir of Provence.

With its sweet smell of the Midi, the setting is an endless source of inspiration for the chefs in the estate’s three restaurants: Le Jardin de Berne with its Michelin star, Le Bistrot and La Table du Chef.

Les Caves Duhard make way for Les Caves Ambacia on the edge of the Loire, wowing wine lovers with their unique oenological experience based on the five senses.

In 2023, Caves Ambacia won the “Outstanding Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies in the “Art, Culture & Savoir-faire” category.

 

In 2024, the “Outstanding Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies in the "Stay at the Domain and Gastronomy in the vineyard" category was awarded to its bistro Oppidum overlooking the Loire river. 

The history of Les Caves Ambacia dates back to the 15th century when Louis XI tasted the delicious wine produced in the local vineyard on a visit to the royal château at Amboise. Captivated by its aromas, Louis ordered that the wine should be promoted for sale on the Tours market. A few centuries later, in 1874, the Duhards – a family of coopers from Amboise – moved to Les Caves in turn and became wine merchants. Five generations have come and gone, creating an outstanding collection of Vouvray wines.

Building on this history, Les Caves Ambacia are now home to a very special universe, a clever combination of heritage from the past and modernity conceptualised as a multi-stage tour.

It all starts with a sensory trail –a fun way to open the door to a world of wine by awakening each of the five senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste are harnessed to discover a wide range of different families of aromas. There then begins a fantastic journey through 500 years of life in the Odyssey of the Vintages. Three films screened onto the walls of the cellar – including one in 3D – immerse viewers in the history of Loire Valley, introducing them to the local region’s assortment of wines.

And how better to end the tour in style than with a tasting in the cellars accompanied by a sommelier’s expert comments? This is the opportunity to savour the estate's various vintages alongside a platter of gourmet food while learning all there is to know about tasting techniques and food and wine pairings.

On leaving this spot steeped in history, young and old alike will have had their curiosity satiated and their senses awakened!

Relax while enjoying the taste of the vineyards to the full – that’s the fantastic idea that’s sprouted in several famous wine estates in the Bordeaux region.

The vineyards of Bordeaux are being reinvented with new sensory experiences that offer a mix of wine and escapism. It’s a golden opportunity for anyone who loves the good life to recharge their batteries in an outstanding setting while discovering the local wines and vineyards – and at any time of year.

Château du Payre and Château Monconseil-Gazin have decided to combine tasting and relaxation to give you a delicious, laid-back break. Epicureans will try their hand at sophrology or Tai Chi before savouring the estate’s range of wines. It’s a tasty combination that will stimulate your senses in a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for some cocooning, why not take a tour of the historic centre of Bordeaux? The Bains de Léa in the Grand Hôtel InterContinental offer an unmissable well-being experience. The quality of services and the idyllic location of this luxury spa, with a view over the entire city from the rooftop, are what dreams are made of.

Another exceptional panorama can be seen from the belvedere of Château La Tour Blanche. From the tower, which is several metres high, you can admire the vineyards and discover the Sauternais from a new angle. Once back on terra firma, visitors can climb aboard a golf cart as they set off to unravel the secrets of the wine estate in the company of a guide.

You can also criss-cross the vineyards of the Bordeaux region by bike thanks to the château workshops run by Pascale Larroche. This guided bike ride surrounded by nature, which begins at Château Bardins, makes its way along quiet trails where you’ll enjoy exploring the vineyards and tasting the wines as you enrich your knowledge of the local terroirs. Seasoned bike-riders and weekend cyclists alike will be captivated!

Although there are many different facets to the vineyards of Bordeaux, one thing is certain: the slow life has pride of place here!

Named “Chef of the Year 2021” by the Gault & Millau guide, Christophe Hay is deeply committed to sustainable cuisine. He showcases regional flavours on a daily basis, just a few kilometres from Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley.

Originally from the Loire Valley, this talented chef draws inspiration from his native soil. Christophe Hay focuses on a contemporary cuisine that is in harmony with the soil, but also excels in offering a modern take on traditional dishes.

Renowned for his freshwater fish-based dishes, each cooked to perfection, Christophe Hay also uses vegetables grown in his kitchen garden, located next door to the restaurant. Any non-home grown ingredients are sourced from local producers who supply him with regional produce.

In the restaurant, food and wine pairing is never left to chance! The house sommelier provides diners with memorable taste experiences by suggesting the perfect wine to accompany each dish. While the magnificent wine cellar showcases winemakers from Cheverny, Vouvray and the Loire Valley, it also includes wines from across France.

And to make gastronomy accessible to a wider audience, chef Christophe Hay has opened “Côté Bistrot” with his former right-hand man Nicolas Aubry, just next door to the restaurant. Its seasonal set menu is offered at an attractive price, allowing guests to sample the skills of “La Maison d’à Côté” and the local producers, and enjoy the vegetables grown in the kitchen garden. And of course each dish is served with a wine from the restaurant’s carefully selected wine list.

The Loire Valley can be rightfully proud of its ambassador!

«“Destinations Vins de Provence” is a free mobile app that offers a host of different ways to explore Provence.

Thanks to this special app, wineries, wine merchants, restaurants, and much else besides are just one click away.

Easily locate every recommended location nearby to better organise your stay in the wine region of Provence.

“Destinations Vins de Provence” partners with local tourism businesses so you can taste Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC wines and find the finest local restaurants.

Nestled in the heart of their wine regions, Provence's three Maisons des Vins showcase their appellations and allow you to uncover the special characteristics of their terroir. Enjoy tastings, oenology lessons and wines sold at producer prices.

Located in the heart of the appellation at Arcs sur Argens, the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence offers 800 different wines sold at producer prices. You’ll also find expert advice, 16 wines to taste each week, oenology lessons, and a wide range of activities and events. As well as French, a host of other languages are spoken including English, German and Dutch! The added extras? This amazing location also caters to special requests, from events to seminars and receptions.

Located in the impressive grounds of the Abbaye Royale de la Celle, which dates back to the 12th century, Maison des Vins Coteaux Varois en Provence offers a weekly selection of wines to taste. The Abbey site and its park also contains a model vineyard and vine variety conservatory where numerous grape varieties are grown and displayed in a French formal garden. You’ll also find a selection of tasty Provencal local produce.

The association of la Sainte-Victoire winemakers (L’Association des Vignerons de la Sainte-Victoire) is now established within Maison Sainte-Victoire in Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon. In a prestigious and fully renovated cellar, the Vinothèque showcases the wines produced by its 32 members: four cooperatives and 28 individual wineries in the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOC. Each week, visitors can come and taste a selection of 6 different wines to get to know and appreciate better Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire red wines and rosés and Côtes de Provence white wines.

Three Maisons des Vins and three good reasons to come and explore Provence’s wine region!

Renowned worldwide for its famous nectar, Champagne is also home to other skills that are just as important as the famous “prise de mousse”.