Cotes de Provence: Wine Tasting Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence

Summary

Half-day in provence vineyards tasting rosé and red wines with local guide

You’ll wander sunlit vineyards near Sainte-Victoire with a small group, taste Provencal red and rosé wines at two family-run wineries (with stories behind every glass), and travel comfortably from Aix-en-Provence with a local guide who knows these roads by heart. Expect laughter, new flavors, and those little moments you’ll want to remember later.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re not sure if you’re awake or dreaming? That’s how it started, rolling out of Aix-en-Provence in this minibus, windows cracked just enough to let in the smell of wild herbs and something sweet I still can’t name. Our guide, Camille, waved at a cyclist as we passed — she seemed to know everyone. The hills around Sainte-Victoire looked almost painted, all soft purples and dusty green. I didn’t expect the air to be so dry, honestly, but it made my coffee taste sharper.

First stop was a family-run place — can’t remember the name exactly (the sign was faded), but the owner’s hands were stained with grape juice. He poured us a glass of his rosé and told us about his grandfather planting the first vines here. I’m not usually into rosé but this one tasted like strawberries and something mineral, kind of salty? Camille nudged me and whispered that’s “the soil talking.” We walked between barrels stacked taller than me; oak and cool stone everywhere. Someone’s dog snored under a table.

The second winery felt different — more polished, but still friendly. The winemaker explained how Côtes de Provence reds are blended for softness, not punchiness (I think I got that right). We tried two reds side by side; one had this peppery thing going on that surprised me. I laughed too loud at my own tasting notes (“like licking a pencil”) but nobody minded. There was a moment outside where the wind picked up and carried the smell of lavender fields from somewhere nearby — I keep thinking about that.

I liked that there wasn’t any rush. Just stories, sips, and Camille making sure no one missed their glass or their photo op. If you care about wine or just want to see what Provence feels like beyond postcards, this day trip from Aix-en-Provence is easygoing and real. The drive back was quiet — maybe everyone else was replaying little moments in their heads too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit two wineries and wine tastings

• Travel to first winery
• Enjoy first wine tasting
• Travel to second winery
• Enjoy second wine tasting

Top questions

How long is the Cotes de Provence wine tour from Aix-en-Provence?

The tour is a half-day trip departing from Aix-en-Provence.

Are wine tastings included in this day trip?

Yes, two wine tastings at different wineries are included.

Does the tour include transportation?

Transport by air-conditioned minibus is provided during the tour.

Is there a local guide on the tour?

Yes, a professional driver/guide leads the experience.

Can children join the wine tour?

Children under 4 years old are not allowed on this tour.

Is lunch included on this wine tasting day trip?

No lunch is included; only wine tastings are provided.

Is pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup in Aix-en-Provence but not hotel pickup specifically.

What types of wines will we taste?

You will taste Provencal red and rosé wines during your visit to two wineries.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned minibus from Aix-en-Provence, guided visits to two traditional wineries in the Côtes de Provence region near Sainte-Victoire, and two separate wine tasting sessions led by passionate locals before returning to town together.