Châteauneuf du Pape: Wine Tasting Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards, village strolls, Rhône tastings, lunch included

You’ll ride out from Avignon with a small group, tasting Rhône wines straight from Châteauneuf du Pape cellars and pausing in sleepy villages like Séguret. Expect lunch among locals, vineyard walks under open sky, and stories from your guide that stick with you long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Avignon in this minivan just after breakfast—still a bit foggy, honestly. The air felt cooler than I expected for Provence, but our guide Luc said that’s what makes the grapes here so good. He kept pointing out these old stone walls and telling us stories about popes and wine taxes (I only half caught it—my French is tragic). First stop was Châteauneuf du Pape itself. You could smell the earth before you even stepped into the vines—kind of peppery and sweet at once.

The first tasting was in this family-run place, with a dog sleeping by the barrels. Their Syrah tasted like blackberries and something smoky—Luc tried to get us to guess the blend but I was too distracted by the view out their window. Later we wandered through Séguret’s narrow streets; shutters painted that faded blue you see everywhere here. I tried to pronounce “Gigondas” right (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). Lunch was slow and simple: roast chicken, bread that crackled when you tore it, local olive oil. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a second—just forks clinking and sunlight on the tablecloth.

By the third tasting my palate was basically on vacation but nobody minded. We stopped right among the vines for a minute—just stood there looking at all those rows running down toward the river. Luc told us how each plot tastes different depending on its stones or clay or whatever. I still think about that view sometimes when I open a bottle at home. It wasn’t fancy or anything, just honest and kind of grounding—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tastings and village visits

• Depart from Avignon
• Visit Châteauneuf du Pape village
• Wine tasting at prestigious domain
• Walk through vineyards and panoramic views
• Lunch near vineyards
• Visit Gigondas or Vacqueras village
• Second wine tasting at winery
• Visit Séguret village
• Third wine tasting at winery
• Return to Avignon

Top questions

How many wine tastings are included on this day trip?

The tour includes three wine tastings at prestigious domains in Provence.

Is lunch provided during the Châteauneuf du Pape wine tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour near the vineyards.

Does this wine tasting tour include hotel pickup in Avignon?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if selected from the list of hotels.

Which villages might we visit besides Châteauneuf du Pape?

You may visit villages such as Gigondas, Vacqueras or Séguret depending on availability.

Is there an age requirement for wine tasting?

The minimum drinking age for this tour is 18 years old.

What type of vehicle is used for transport?

The tour uses an air conditioned minivan for transport.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Avignon if you select your hotel from their list, comfortable transport by air-conditioned minivan throughout Provence’s wine country, three guided wine tastings at renowned domains or châteaux with your local driver-guide sharing stories along the way, plus a leisurely lunch served near the vineyards before returning in the afternoon.