Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Afternoon Wine Tour from Avignon

Summary

Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, two tastings & village views

You’ll travel from Avignon into Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s legendary vineyards for two intimate wine tastings led by local experts. Walk medieval village lanes, sample both red and white varietals in atmospheric cellars, and catch sweeping vineyard views from atop ancient castle ruins. It’s a relaxed afternoon full of sensory moments — earthy smells, laughter with your guide, and flavors that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

"You can really smell the earth here," our guide said as we stepped out of the minivan just outside Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I hadn’t expected the air to be so thick with wild herbs and that dusty grape smell — it hit me before I even saw the vines. The drive from Avignon was short, maybe 30 minutes, but it felt like we’d crossed into a different world. Our group was small, which made it easy to hear little stories about the popes who once summered here (I never knew popes had summer homes — who does?).

The first winery was cool and shadowy inside, stone walls sweating slightly in the late afternoon. The winemaker handed us glasses and explained how there are thirteen grape varieties allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines — I tried to remember them all but gave up after five. Tasting the red, I got this weird mix of pepper and cherry that stuck with me longer than I thought it would. Someone in our group asked about the big round stones in the fields (galets roulés), and our guide grinned, saying they keep the grapes warm at night — like a blanket for vines. It’s funny what you remember.

We wandered up through the village after that, past shutters painted every faded shade of blue you can imagine. At one point, a woman leaned out her window to chat with our guide — they spoke too fast for me to catch much, but she laughed when he pointed at us holding our wine glasses like tourists (which we definitely were). There’s a ruined castle at the top of the hill; from there you see vineyards rolling out in every direction. I took about twenty photos but none really caught that late golden light or how quiet everything felt for a minute.

The second tasting was in a smaller cellar, almost hidden behind a wooden door off one of those winding streets. The white wine surprised me — sharper than I expected, almost salty? We talked about food pairings and someone mentioned goat cheese; now I can’t drink white wine without thinking of cheese. On the way back to Avignon, everyone was quieter than before. Maybe just tired or maybe letting those flavors settle in. Either way, I still think about that view from the castle ruins sometimes — not sure why it sticks so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon wine tour in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

• Visit panoramic viewpoint of village
• Enjoy wine tasting at first winery
• Enjoy wine tasting at second winery

Top questions

How long is the afternoon wine tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

The tour lasts an afternoon with pickup and drop-off in Avignon included.

Are wine tastings included on this Châteauneuf-du-Pape tour?

Yes, two guided wine tastings are included at different wineries in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Is transportation provided from Avignon?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan is included both ways.

Can children join this wine tour?

No, children under 4 years old are not allowed on this tour.

Will there be a local guide during the visit?

Yes, your driver also acts as your knowledgeable local guide throughout.

Is lunch included on this afternoon trip?

No lunch is included; only wine tastings are part of the experience.

Do you visit more than one winery during the day trip?

Yes, you’ll have tastings at two different wineries within Châteauneuf-du-Pape village.

Does this tour run year-round?

The schedule may vary between November 1st and March 31st based on winery hours.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup and return transport from Avignon by comfortable minivan with space for eight guests. You’ll be guided by a local expert who shares stories along the way and leads you through two separate wine tastings inside authentic Châteauneuf-du-Pape cellars before heading back to town together.