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Avignon Wine Tours and Experiences 

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[three images: a row of wooden barrels, green vineyard, people seated at an outdoor table with wine glasses] Avignon Wine Tours, Avignon Wine tour , Best Avignon wine tours, Wine tours Avignon, Wine tours France Avignon, Avignon Wine Experience

Ready for a wine adventure starting in Avignon? 

In this article, we highlight some truly unique vineyard tours & wine tasting experiences in and near Avignon. Some are self-guided, others can be booked directly with the domaines and some are guided tours,  which we’ve connected directly with the sources to determine the best experiences for the wine enthusiast (click here or use the Table of Contents below)!

But first, we introduce the history of the Avignon Popes and their viticultural footprint in the region. Next we share unique wine-tasting opportunities in the city center (like this wine school where you can learn about what is terroir).  Additionally, our Avignon Maps section offers interactive and downloadable maps to aid with trip planning.

Finally, we’ve included some Instagram-worthy Vineyard Stays to make your French wine holiday unforgettable. 

The famed Côtes du Rhône region beckons, offering a treasure trove for visitors. We hope you find that our insider tips and historical background help you plan the best trip while discovering some unique and brag-worthy wine experiences! If they are, we’d love to hear from you so please drop a comment!

Table of Contents - click a topic to jump ahead to that section.

Wine Heritage - Romans, Popes and Biodiversity

Avignon’s roots intertwine with Rhône Valley winemaking since the Romans conquered Gaul. Historical records show that the Romans were introducing viticultural practices as early as 125 BCE. Planting terraced vineyards and using advanced winemaking techniques, they established a rich winemaking tradition.

Thereafter, the 14th century’s Papal Schism (aka the Western Schism) heralds the arrival of Popes and their wine-quaffing entourages. During 7 successive papacies, the Palais des Papes was constructed. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (The wine cellar now serves as the bookstore where you can purchase wines from the region.)

Unsurprisingly, these Popes enjoyed quality wine, knew that the Rhône terroir was exceptional, and significantly expanded vineyard holdings and viticulture practices in the region. This set the foundation for the flourishing wine culture still thriving today.

Fast forward to 2024: Avignon is a pivotal player in the Rhône Valley wine realm, championing bio and regenerative farming. Save the date for the Vineyards and Biodiversity conference, a testament to Avignon’s evolving role in the wine industry.

Avignon Popes - Vins des papes - Pape wine

[a manuscript illumination in bright colors of a man in blue robes leading a white horse into a castle with man in red cape astride] Avignon Pope, Papal schism, Popes in Avignon, Popes of Avignon, Vins du pape - Pape wine
Medieval manuscript shows Duke of Anjou leading Pope Gregory XI to the palace at Avignon. 14th century. Attributed to Virgil and his atelier.

The Avignon papacy commenced in 1309 when Clement V sought refuge from Rome’s political instability, establishing a papal residence in the southern Rhône valley. A vineyard owner, Clement knew his large entourage would require large quantities of wine and new vineyards were soon planted around the city.

Pope Clement’s successors expanded papal vine plantings, significantly impacting Rhône Valley and Provence vineyards. In the years 1334-1342, Pope Benedict XII not only commissioned a papal palace in Avignon but also erected a summer residence in Châteauneuf Calcernier, with its already thriving vineyard. Soon, this new castle (château) of the pope became known as  Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In the early days, these wines were referred to as vins du papes, and to some today, as “pape wine.”

The Avignon Popes’ influence on local vineyards, evolving into the Côtes du Rhône, proved revolutionary. Following seigneurial customs, they planted exclusively the finest vines, ensuring top-tier wine quality. At the papal court, prominent European figures enjoyed a diverse range of regional wines. Eventually, over three-quarters of the wines served hailed from the extensive Côtes du Rhône.  Learn more in this article.

For a must-visit, explore the Palais des Papes. I often enjoy guided tours In English arranged through the tourism board, as I find the guides to be better informed.  Plus, this allows me to ask questions. There is also a Histopad option, a tablet that combines images and audio storytelling, which is great for families. Don’t miss the gardens and inquire about viewing the  Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes (details below.)

[rows of green grapevines growing on a city trrace] close de la vigne palais des papes, winery in avignon, winery near avignon
Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes, Avignon, France

Orientation - Avignon Maps

(This post and the map below contain some affiliate links.  Should you book through one of these programs, we might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which allows us to continue researching and creating this website.)

Downloadable & Interactive Map of Avignon Nearby Wine Experiences

Explore Avignon effortlessly with brochures and accessibility plans from the friendly tourism office, readily downloadable in English. If you’re a biking enthusiast, grab their specially crafted bike tour guides too. 

👉🏼 Find the downloadable maps HERE.  For the big-picture view, check out the “Avignon Discovery Map.”

Need a more personalized touch? The office doesn’t just stop at paper guides—they’re your go-to for guided city tours.

For those who prefer a guided wine experience, we’ve got you covered. Click below to jump ahead to read about:

Let the exploration begin—Avignon awaits, and with these handy resources, you’re all set to make your adventure as smooth as a fine Rhône Valley wine. 

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Vaucluse Departément - Gateway to Provence

Avignon resides in the Vaucluse department, the gateway to Provence to the east, featuring famed Côtes du Rhône AOC appellations:

  • Châteauneuf-du-Papes lies to the North. 
  • The Cotes du Rhone Villages of Beaumes-de-Venise, Cairanne, Gigondas, and Séguert are easily accessible by car, tour or bike (for the intrepid).
  • Across the river to the west lies the Gard department and Tavel, the birthplace of French rosé.
  • The Luberon AOC is to the southeast (40km)  and features the Musée du Tire-Bouchon (museum of wine openers).

You can find the Vaucluse Tourism Map (which includes wine destinations) and brochure (in French) here. Alternatively, download it here. Hint: give the page a minute to load and choose the “carte touristique” module.

Now, let’s help you navigate this exciting region.

Vineyards stays - Domaine Vignoble Chambre d’hotes and Gites

If you’re planning a wine-focused trip, your initial query might revolve around where to stay amid the vines. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider vineyard-centered accommodations, waking up to the aroma of ripening grapes and the rustic charm of the countryside. Let’s explore three suggestions for your vineyard stay

[lAn aerial view of a grand countryside mansion, surrounded by lush greenery and sprawling landscapes] chateaux near Avignon, vineyard stays,

Château de Montcaud, on the fancy side, catches our eye during our drives. While not a working vineyard, it’s nestled among the vines and was once the estate of a silk trader. For those seeking luxury, this property offers a pool, 29 rooms, some with terraces, a traditional French bistro, and a gourmet restaurant. Additionally, there’s free bicycle rental, perfect for exploring the excellent cycling routes in southern France. The location is about 20 minutes from Avignon to Sabran.

Check here for availability and prices.

Domaine Chanoine Rambert: This mas is tucked amid vines owned by a local vineyard family, who offer this gite in a nearby village to our mas.  While not overly luxurious, it offers authenticity, providing a genuine village experience. The nearest “big” village is Goudargues, approximately 45 minutes from Avignon. (A mas is a term in le midi to identify a farmhouse or country house.)

Check availability and prices.

Domaine La Romance is a certified organic wine estate with two gîtes (a detached house or cabin) outside Bagnols-sur-Ceze. To my knowledge, they don’t rent the properties through any of the traditional booking sites, so consider it an undiscovered gem!  There is also wine tasting on the property and the proprietors can communicate in French, English, German and Spanish.

Check availability and prices.

Also, check out Château Saint-Pierre d’Escarvaillac, which we’ve written about belowin the Best Vineyard Visit section) for a wine experience and truly unique guest house/gites rentals!

[A cozy bedroom with a big bed and a window looking out over grapevines outside.} vineyard stays near Avignon France, Domaine la Romance, hotels in vineyards france
A room with a view - Domaine La Romance

Allez - Find Unique Wine Experiences & Tours Starting in Avignon ... On Your Own

If you are planning a trip to southern France, and wine tours are on your agenda,  Avignon makes an excellent starting point. It’s easily accessible, and the blend of medieval charm, historic cellars, and bustling markets creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall wine-tasting experience. 

The city itself is a treasure trove of wine-related places, from historic cellars to hidden enotecas, showcasing the city’s medieval charm. Avignon’s bustling markets offer a variety of artisanal delights, engaging with passionate vintners and winemakers. In the evening, wine bars curate the best of local and global wines, with knowledgeable sommeliers guiding your sensory journey. Bring a piece of Avignon’s wine culture home with exclusive vintages and handcrafted wine accessories from local shops. 

However, outside of the Clos de la Vigne at the Palais des Papes, which is the only vineyard inside the city walls, most vineyard experiences will require a rental car or guide.

Since our mas is only 45 minutes from Avignon, where we arrive by TGV from Paris and rent a car, we normally self-conduct our winery visits.  Thus, we’ve curated here some of the most interesting wine experiences in Avignon or within 20km. In a separate post, we’ll share some of the most interesting tours from the city.

Best Wine Tasting & Tours in Avignon City Center - Wine Bars, Caves & Boats

Avignon’s culinary scene complements its diverse wines, with local restaurants offering farm-to-table dishes paired seamlessly. Sample the region’s best vintages in these memory-making locations within the city limits!

[compilations of images from a large barge with a view of the Avignon] Avignon Wine Tour, Avignon Popes, Avignon Map France, Wine tasting in Avgnon

Le 17 Place aux Vins Avignon 

  • Wine Bar/Wine Cave
  • Address: 74 Place des Corps Saints, 84000 AVIGNON
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., closed all day on Sunday.

Les Caves des Halles

  • Sales of wines from smaller, local estates. Wide choice of organic wines and biodynamic wines. 
  • Address: Located in les Halle (Pie Square)
  • Hours:  check website

Vinotage Peniche 

  • Enjoy a glass of local wine while sitting on a barge (boat) facing the Palace of the Popes and enjoying a gastronomic treat!
  • Address: Piot Island Road, 84000 Avignon
  • Hours: Opens in March, Tuesday – Saturday  6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Confirm on website.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Clos de la Vigne at the Palais des Papes

  • The sole AOC “intra-muros” (within the walls) vineyard in France, listed as a UNESCO site. This vineyard, overlooking the city and the Rhone from Rocher des Doms. It is under the stewardship of the Compagnons des Côtes du Rhône since 1997, courtesy of the city of Avignon. 
  • Reservations: It is possible to arrange a visit through the tourism office.  The tour includes the grounds and history of the vineyard with one of the members of the Côtes du Rhône association. Tasting of 3 different wines from Côtes du Rhône village Sablet.
  • Duration: up to 1:15 hours
  • Price: 330€ + 12€ per person for the tasting
  • To make reservations, email the Avignon Tourism office.
  • see picture above and more here.

 

Best Vineyard Visits & Wine Tasting Near Avignon - Self-Guided

Some recommendations for those who prefer a self-guided approach to visiting an area. 

Most domaines are outside the city, so you’ll first need to rent a car. DiscoverCars.com is an excellent tool to find the best rates across all rental agencies in the Avignon area –  make sure to look closely at the location to pick up the car!  From our experience, the rates for Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz and National for pick up at the TGV station, are better than what we’ve paid by booking directly.

👉🏻 Discovercars.com also makes it easy to find special deals!

👉🏻 For any rental, an insurance policy will double the rates. Also, most vehicles do not come with GPS and that’s an extra fee. (Cell service may vary in some areas due to terrain.)

Book Tours Directly with French Vineyards

Winalist is a tour aggregator that works directly with a curated group of domaines (wineries) and producers to make wine-tasting experiences easily bookable. They are a French-based organization so they know their wines!

Here you’ll find tours that are perhaps less touristy and more immersive. The things I LOVE about this platform:
  • Experiences are direct with the producers offering better immersion
  • Also presents more immersive wine experiences – learning about vintages, food and wine pairing, etc.
  • An interactive map
  • Gift Cards can be purchased!
  • Responsive customer service by email.
 

With full transparency, I’ve not yet booked a trip through this platform (as we won’t be in France until May this year) but we’ve become an affiliate and appreciate their customer service. (If you do book through one of these links, we thank you as this will allow us to continue writing this blog.) 

The following guided tours have been thoroughly researched based on:

  • English language guides,
  • 24-hour cancellation,
  • proximity to the city,
  • which offers something unique. 

Château Saint-Pierre d’Escarvaillac (Closest wine cellar to city)

The Château Saint-Pierre d’Escarvaillac dates from the 13th century and is the closest wine estate to the city. The estate produces red wine, fruit juices, and olive oil and is converting to organic farming. 

  • Address: Chemin de Bompas, 84140 AVIGNON (Located in the eastern outskirts of Avignon, 11 km from eastern ramparts.).
  • Hours: Check the website, depends on the season. Book directly.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, available for events
  • ♥Unique Lodging – two Gites available to rent (sleeping 12, and 9 people). Booking options are a bit confusing, here’s a link to the contact form or it seems you can also book via the tourism office.

Chateau des Coccinelles (Organic)

Founded in 1978, Château des Coccinelles is an organic wine estate located between Avignon and Uzès, producing Côtes du Rhône wines. 

The Fabre family, owners since 1928, were pioneers in organic viticulture, earning a certificate in the early days of 1978. They continue with responsible agriculture across 80 hectares, producing well-balanced, tasty, and fruity organic wines. This includes the AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues wine, with a fruity and spicy character, expressing the terroir of the area.

Gourmet tasting with 8 types of wine accompanied by a plate of charcuterie and cheese from local producers.

Wine Blending Experience– Assembly Battle: Play, Learn, Challenge!

Embark on a blending challenge with friends, crafting the finest wine with guidance from the winemaker. Enjoy a convivial and entertaining 2.5-hour experience, armed with test tubes as you unravel the secrets of a successful blend, delving into the aromatic and sensory nuances of wine.

[A collage of people enjoying wine and food.] Avignon Wine Tours

Château D’Aqueria (Historic)

A historic wine estate west of Avignon, with vineyards that extend to Tavel and Lirac appellations. The land was purchased in 1595 by Louis Joseph d’Aqueria, with vineyards cultivated by the monks of the Abbey of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The chateau was built in the 18th century.  The estate was acquired in 2022 by the Guigal family.  

Three types of activities are on offer:

  • Wine tasting – 6 wines
  • Guided tour of the cellar
  • Self-guided walking path around the castle + 6 wine tasting

Details:

  • NW of Avignon by 15 km in Tavel
  • Wines produced: Château d’Aqueria Lirac White, Château d’Aqueria Lirac Red, Château d’Aqueria Tavel rosé, L’héritage d’Aqueria Lirac.
  • Maximum of 15 people, Children welcome, accessible by wheelchair
  • Website

 

Start Planning Your Trip

We hope this article was helpful to you in planning your Avignon Wine Tour.  The area has so much to offer and we’d love to hear from you about what you’d like to read about. Please drop us a comment and bonne chance pour la preparation de voyage!

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18 thoughts on “Avignon Wine Tours and Experiences ”

  3. Amanda

    Ahh, what a dream! France is one of my favorite countries…. and it’s actually on my bucket list to explore more of the countryside and the wine activities. Thank you so much for this super helpful guide! I will reference when I plan my trip.

    Reply
  6. Debbie

    Avignon sounds like an enchanting destination. I am a huge fan of exploring new places and wineries, and this sounds like a wonderful place. Thank you for the in depth guide!

    Reply
  8. Debra

    Back in the 1990s I accidently discovered Avignon while driving in the Rhone Valley to visit the Ponte du Gard. It was a beautiful city, and we luckily caught the Festival d’Avignon in July. I have always wanted to go back, and I found your article on Wine Tours to be a very intriguing reason to return. Thank you.

    Reply

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