7 Outstanding Avignon Wine Tours for 2024: Insider’s Guide
Looking for the best Avignon wine tours? You are in good hands with my curated list of wine tours from Avignon.
Avignon is a fantastic location for wine tours in the Rhone valley, a unique growing region famous for the Châteauneuf du Pape wines. This region produces red and white wines, although reds are more well-known. Wines are made from 13 grape varietals; the Grenache grape is the base for most, known as The King of the Rhone.
These wine tour choices are based on my experience living in historic Avignon for a month and extensive travel throughout France, including the Rhone valley region. Avignon is a great base for day trips to the region.
You can choose full or half day tours. This list includes a private luxury tour and a 1/2-day tour with a Provençal picnic.
For your convenience, here is my top pick of the Avignon wine tours:
Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Tour
Have your “best day in Provence” with this full-day immersive wine tour of the vineyards and chateaus of Provence. You are in excellent hands with an expert Sommelier. Intimate tastings in a chateau, family vinyard and ancient cellar. This tour has over 320 five-star ratings!
For more details read on…
7 Outstanding Avignon Wine Tours
Honestly, all of these tours are top notch. The top pick is a bit more immersive and unique, has the most five star reviews and is a full day.
Some of these are half-day, one includes a morning picnic and one includes a stop for castle photographs.
You can’t go wrong with any of these fine tours!
1. Five Star Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Tour – Full Day
âď¸ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars â With more than 320 five star reviews! | âł Tour Length: 7 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
This is our favorite wine tour because of the immersive experience in the Rhone valley wine country and the stand-out reviews.
You explore the Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards and chateaus with a bilingual Sommelier professional. The tastings are intimate in a family-owned estate, a winery and ancient cellar plus lunch at an authentic provencal restaurant.
Here is what one happy participant said: it was their best day in Provence!
Our wine tour with Romain was our best day in Provence! Romain was very knowledgeable, had everything organized for our day, (including lunch reservations), and was fun to be with! Great lifetime memories. – Jean (see more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Learning about the soil, climate, and grapes at Châteauneuf du Pape
- Intimate wine tasting at the château
- Private wine tasting and visit of the family-owned estate
- Personal wine tasting in a Châteauneuf du Pape winery
- Intimate tasting inside an ancient cellar
- Lunch at an authentic provencal restaurant
2. Châteauneuf du Pape Private Vineyard & Fine Wine Experience – Full Day
âď¸ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars â Winner of Viatorâs Badge of Excellence! | âł Tour Length: 8-9 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
Travel in luxury when you book this private tour of the Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards.
On this deluxe expedition, youâll visit three wineries and learn about the grape varietals and history of the region.
Christopher is an amazing guide and person – polite, friendly, funny and with so much knowledge about the region, wine and history. We had an incredible day and enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend! – Susanne (see more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Visiting the Château Fortia, Château La Nerthe, and Château de la Gardine wineries
- Stopping by the Chocolaterie Castelain, an artisanal chocolate manufacturer
đ NOTE: This tour originates in Marseilles. They will pick you up at your hotel in Avignon for an extra fee. Check the tour website for details.
3. Full Day Avignon Wine Tour Including Lunch
âď¸ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars â Almost 200 positive reviews! | âł Tour Length: 9 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
Indulge your inner Sommelier with a full day of wine tasting.
On this tour, youâll get to sample both reds and whites as the tour guide lets you in on the inner secrets of why wine near Avignon is so delicious.
The lunch was amazing, and the views of the countryside were wonderful. Thierry was a gracious and informative guide along the way. We cannot recommend it enough! – Steven (read more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel
- Intimate tour group sizes
- A 2-course lunch
- Exploration and tastings at Châteauneuf du Pape, Vacqueyras, and SÊguret wineries
4. Wines From Châteauneuf-Du-Pape and Surrounding Areas in 1/2 Day
âď¸ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | âł Tour Length: 4-6 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
Of all the Avignon wine tours on this list, this is the only one that provides a provençal picnic complete with fresh products from local farms (morning bookings only). And this makes it my personal favorite!
Begin your day with a morning tour of the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region guided by a friendly and knowledgeable wine connoisseur.
Fantastic tour and a wonderful guide! Our guide was informative and fun. We visited phenomenal wineries and saw some of the most beautiful scenery. I would highly recommend this tour!! – Tricia (see more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Provençal picnic
- Knowledgable guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tastings at Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
5. Avignon: Full-Day Wine Tour around Châteauneuf-du-Pape
âď¸ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | âł Tour Length: 9 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
With the guidance of a wine specialist, this full-day wine tour provides the opportunity to visit four key appellations in the region. Lunch at a local local restaurant.
Thierry is very knowledgeable on the Chateauneuf du Pape region. He will go the extra mile to make sure your wine tasting experience is matching with your palate. He also knows many of the wine makers and proprietors. This relationship allowed us to taste wines that are in the preproduction bottling process. The tour was definitely a highlight of our trip to France. – Wendell (see more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Guide and transportation.
- Tastings at the four primary appellations of CĂ´te du RhĂ´ne
- Lunch at a restaurant in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
6. From Avignon: Half-Day Great Vineyards Tour
âď¸ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | âł Tour Length: 5 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
Explore the charming villages and lush vineyards of the CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne region.
Immerse yourself in the world of winemaking on this half-day tour that will have you back in Avignon in time for supper.
Great way to experience and learn more about the Rhone Valley. We visited two vineyards and a spirits store in our tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and created a friendly environment in our small tour (8 people). The vineyards chosen had delicious wine to offer. Would definitely recommend! see more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Transportation and guide
- Two wine tastings
- Vineyard photo opportunities
- Optional choice: Explore the wine production chain or enjoy an additional wine tasting
7. From Avignon: Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape with Castle Ruins
Begin your day with this delightful morning wine tour with castle ruins.
âď¸ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | âł Tour Length: 4.5 hours | đˇ Check Rates and Availability
In less than 5 hours, you can explore the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards and be back in Avignon.
This half-day tour will take you by the ruins of a 14th-century castle and then journey to the vineyards where youâll learn about the local grape varietals.
An excellent tour. Our guide, Oliver was very friendly and very informative really taking the time to ensure we had an enjoyable morning. Both the wineries that we visited were very informative and the first one in particular was very atmospheric. I would highly recommend this tour and our guide Oliver. – Wendy (see more reviews)
This Avignon wine tour includes:
- Transportation and guide
- Wine tasting at 2 wineries
- Photo opportunities at the ruins of the castle
Where to Stay in Avignon
Below are three excellent hotels in the historic center of Avignon.
đLuxury Option: HĂ´tel La Mirande Well known and loved hotel next to the Pope’s Palace. Elegant with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
đMid-Range Option: HĂ´tel Garlande Quaint boutique hotel in the heart of Avignon.
đBudget Option: HĂ´tel le Colbert Cozy and small hotel on a quiet street in the historic center.
FAQs – Wine tours from Avignon
Here are some questions and answers about wine tours in Avignon.
What season is best for wine tours?
The best seasons for wine tours in Avignon are spring and fall. The weather is pleasant, and vineyards are often at their most picturesque.
Can you tour a winery without tasting?
Because most wineries charge admission for tours, many venues offer tours without requiring wine tasting. However, I advise you to check with the specific winery in advance to confirm.
What wine is Avignon known for?
Avignon is known for its production of CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne wines, especially Chateauneuf du Pape. These wines, both red and white, are highly regarded and showcase the region’s winemaking expertise.
What time of year is best for wine tours?
Spring and fall are ideal for wine tours in Avignon. The vineyards are vibrant, and the lovely weather makes for a pleasant touring experience.
What do you wear to a wine tasting tour?
Casual dress wear like a sun dress or nice jeans and a button shirt is perfect for a wine tasting tour. It’s a good idea to wear layers, as temperatures can vary. Avoid strong fragrances that may interfere with the wine-tasting experience.
Final Thoughts – Avignon Wine Tours
After you have seen the best sights in Avignon, taking a wine tour is an excellent way to discover the unique Rhone valley region and its wine. If you enjoy meeting people while you travel, taking a wine tour is an excellent idea! You will meet other travellers in a small group plus learn from a local guide.
Avignon is one of the best jumping off points for wine touring in the Rhone Valley. and for day trips into the Provence region. Enjoy your stay in Avignon!
Related Reading:
18 Best Day Trips from Avignon, France â Insiderâs Guide 2024
Is Avignon Worth Visiting? Who Should Visit, Why, and Quick Guide
