At Chateau La Coste, the vines, art and architecture express themselves freely. The vineyard’s wines are tasted among works of art and fields of olive trees.

In the vast Chateau La Coste vineyard, in the heart of the Provençal wine region, visit the wine cellars created by Jean Nouvel and introduce yourself to the methods of organic winemaking. After a wine tasting, take a walk in the fields of olive trees and rows of grape vines, where you’ll find the works and installations of guest artists and architects. Round off your visit at the art centre created by Tadao Ando, where you can savour recipes made from local in-season produce.

A gourmet stay featuring the prestigious Armagnac. A festival of the senses as you experience the famous ‘brandy of the Gods’.   

The Cassaigne Chateau, the first stage of your tour, is no less than the ancient summer residence of the bishops of the city of Condom. This noble estate is today a renowned 35-hectare vineyard where tastings will reveal the secrets of Armagnac brandy and the sweet fortified wine known as Floc de Gascogne. Discover the other jewels of this district’s rich heritage: the Cistercian Abbey of Flaran, classified as a major historic site in Occitania, as well as the episcopal city of Condom. A relaxing thermal bath and spa at Castéra-Verduzan will complete your stay in luxury. 

Every summer, the diVINes organize a cultural and artistic programme centred on the wines of Alsace. This association of women winemakers is reinventing wine tourism to share the history, heritage and culture of wine.

Why create an association of women winemakers in Alsace?

A few dynamic and committed women winemakers came together in 2011 to promote Alsace wines in a new way. The association has 60 members, as of 2015, and organizes wine tastings, training events, nights out to see concerts, charitable work, and trade shows, etc.

What is the idea behind the concept ‘diVINes & You’?

The wine cellars are open to the public thanks to women, who welcome and share their knowledge with visitors. In the same spirit, the wine cellars here are staging theatre, music and art events. Three members of our women winemakers’ association, the diVINes, are at each location to share their passion for wine and new discoveries. For the spectators, from here or elsewhere, it’s a great new way to discover the wines of Alsace. 

What does wine tourism mean to you?

It is the only way to preserve and bring to life the culture, heritage and history of wine. There are many  methods you can use to do this, but they must recognize, or not forget, the importance of the vineyards and wines in our shared culture. 

What do you offer at your vineyard?

What we offer is based around ecotourism. We explain our decision to use organic wine-growing methods through walks, fine food and wine matching, wine tastings in the dark, and workshops like ‘Biodynamic agriculture for dummies’. We always work in connection with our local partners.

Looking out over the vineyards, the hillside villages of the Luberon shape the Provençal landscape. Sublime colours and an exceptional light ... An unmissable visit during your stay in the Rhône Valley.

Ansouis, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Gordes. These names are emblematic of the Luberon region and are among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’. Discover a well-preserved history and enjoy the exceptional light which baths the vineyards of the Luberon wine region. Wander along the cobble-stoned lanes, cool off by the fountain and taste a glass of chilled rosé on the terrace under the Provençal sun. A rejuvenating plunge into the lifestyle of Provence in this corner of paradise in the Rhône Valley.

Fly over the vineyards like a bird. The dream can become a reality in the Côtes-du-Rhône region! The Cellier des Chartreux near Avignon offers a glider flight before a wine tasting.

Take a seat aboard a glider and fly over the vineyards of the Rhône Valley. The Ventoux Mountain, Avignon, the Rhône River ... these landscapes take on a different appearance when seen from the sky. Once you return to solid ground, the winemakers are waiting to take you on a visit of the wine cellars at the Cellier des Chartreux. Find your feet after this exhilarating experience with a tasting of Côtes-du-Rhône wines, including Lirac and Tavel, both products of the vineyard. A unique aerial wine tourism experience!

In the Rhône Valley, meet an American who fell in love with France 25 years ago, the wine expert or sommelier Kelly McAuliffe, who introduces you to the diversity of the vineyards. One of the highlights of his wine tours is meeting the winemakers, showcasing the unique experiences they provide. 

What’s special about your wine tours? 

I offer a variety of wine tours covering the vineyards of the whole Rhône Valley, an incredible mosaic of wine areas. These circuits are always tailored to the precise needs of the client, be they wine professional or tourist. In the Gard region, I love to introduce people to the Tavel and Lirac wines, but also to Gigondas, Cairanne, Rasteau and Séguret, from closer to the Vaucluse region, not forgetting the wines of the Luberon and Ventoux. All these little villages are part of the areas and official wine districts of the Rhône, which I love to travel through. Each time, I explain the history of the vineyards, the wine districts, the wine varieties, and the incredible diversity, not to mention organizing meetings with the winemakers, which is always a unique experience. 

What do you like the best?

I particularly like to go to the Côté des Dentelles de Montmirail, at Gigondas, in the  Vaucluse region, and wander through the charming lanes of the medieval village of Séguret, one of the most beautiful villages in France. At the end of the day, you can admire the stunning sunsets.

You were the sommelier (wine expert) at Ducasse and Christian Étienne. What are your preferred combinations of food and wine?

A Gigondas red with lamb. The fatty taste of the lamb combines wonderfully with the tannin taste of this Côtes-du-Rhône wine. Or a Côte-Rôtie red with a slice of foie gras pâté and pigeon accompanied by a chicken sauce with a touch of ... liquorice.

Can you describe the Rhône wines in a few words?

Full-bodied and authentic, because they are real wines, made in vineyards which have retained their human dimension. And finally their diversity, because this is what makes the wines of the Rhône Valley so rich.