Wines of Chateauneuf du Pape

This Marseille shore trip visits the Chateauneuf du Pape wine region, including a winery tour with tastings and time to explore the hilltop village.

Chateauneuf du Pape takes its name from the "new castle of the Pope." In the 14th century, while the Papacy was based in nearby Avignon, Pope John XXII built a summer residence here and planted vineyards that gave the local wine its reputation as the "Pope's Wine" across European courts. In 1936, Chateauneuf du Pape became the first Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC) in France, a model later applied to wine regions across the country.

After meeting your driver guide in Marseille, you drive to Chateauneuf du Pape, located in the heart of Provence, north of Avignon. Your first stop is a local winery, where you learn about wine production in the region and enjoy a tasting accompanied by Provencal snacks such as olives, olive oil, and bread.

After your tasting, you have free time for lunch (meal not included), followed by time to explore the hilltop village. Local cellars represent all of the Chateauneuf du Pape wineries, giving you the chance to taste or shop further, and it is possible to arrange shipping if you would like to send wine home. Later in the afternoon, you return to Marseille.