Chateauneuf-du-Pape | Guided Wine Tours With Wine Tasting

Day Trips

From Avignon: Wine Tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Discover the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhône Valley with a choice of morning or afternoon guided tours, from Avignon.

Day out to Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards on a fully planned 4-hour guided tour from Avignon.
You'll get an expert English or French-speaking driver-guide, and enjoy return transfers with a small group of 8.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Sample the celebrated reds and whites, primarily blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
Upgrade: Choose a morning tour to experience the vineyards with fewer crowds, or an afternoon tour to capture the golden hues of the setting sun for great photos.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4 hr. - 10 hr.

Transfers included

KOHJun, 2025

5/5

JillAug, 2024

5/5

BertJun, 2024

5/5

Guide was informative, so the tour did it's job, showing us things wandering around town wouldn't accomplish.

Discover the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhône Valley with a choice of morning or afternoon guided tours, from Avignon.

Day out to Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards on a fully planned 4-hour guided tour from Avignon.
You'll get an expert English or French-speaking driver-guide, and enjoy return transfers with a small group of 8.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Sample the celebrated reds and whites, primarily blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
Upgrade: Choose a morning tour to experience the vineyards with fewer crowds, or an afternoon tour to capture the golden hues of the setting sun for great photos.

Inclusions

Morning or afternoon wine tour
English or French-speaking driver-guide
Return transfers
2 wine tastings
Full-day Chateauneuf du Pape and Luberon wine-tasting tour (optional)

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Oversized luggage is not allowed in this experience.
Children under the age of 3 are not allowed.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

From Avignon: Full-Day Châteauneuf du Pape and Luberon Wine Tasting Tour

Hop aboard a comfortable AC minivan and embark on a wine-tasting journey through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Luberon, guided by a knowledgeable driver.
Enjoy sampling local wines during tasting sessions at renowned vineyards, while learning about the wine-making process from expert vintners.
Enjoy a beautiful drive through the scenic beautiful village of Gordes and make pit stops to explore at your leisure.
Take a peek at Pont Julien, an ancient Roman bridge, and cruise through Lacoste village, catching a glimpse of the Marquis de Sade's castle ruins.
Perched on the Pope's summer residence, marvel at the view over the Rhône—perhaps where His Holiness pondered life's mysteries.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

10 hr.

Hop aboard a comfortable AC minivan and embark on a wine-tasting journey through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Luberon, guided by a knowledgeable driver.
Enjoy sampling local wines during tasting sessions at renowned vineyards, while learning about the wine-making process from expert vintners.
Enjoy a beautiful drive through the scenic beautiful village of Gordes and make pit stops to explore at your leisure.
Take a peek at Pont Julien, an ancient Roman bridge, and cruise through Lacoste village, catching a glimpse of the Marquis de Sade's castle ruins.
Perched on the Pope's summer residence, marvel at the view over the Rhône—perhaps where His Holiness pondered life's mysteries.

Inclusions

Wine tour in Châteauneuf du Pape
8-seater AC minivan
Driver-guide in English and French
2 wine astings in Chateauneuf du Pape

Tip: Before taking a sip, gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas. Then, take a moment to inhale deeply and appreciate the wine's bouquet.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Oversized luggage is not allowed in this experience.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Between the cities of Avignon (in the South) and Orange (in the North) lies Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a small village with some of the best wineries in Southern France. A hamlet with around 3000 residents, Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s history dates back to the 14th century when under the reign of Pope John XXII, a summer palace was built, the remains of which dominates the village to this day.

The name translates to “Pope’s new castle”, and these very popes planted the town’s vineyards. Today, Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s main attractions are its wineries and the deep red wine they produce–some of France’s most potent wines.

What is so special about the wine that comes from this hamlet? Are the vineyards and wineries open to the public? Does Chateauneuf-du-Pape (the castle) still exist?

The answers to most questions in Chateauneuf-du-Pape are discovered at the bottom of a wine glass. But for now, find yours in this comprehensive guide to Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape highlights

1/4

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Castle

“The Papal Castle”, as it's called, was once the summer residence of Pope Clement V and John XXII. Sadly, however, much of the castle was sacked and destroyed during WWII. The remains of the castle, perched atop a hill, are still a must-visit sight and it’s perched atop a hill, the panoramic views of the village below are a sight to behold.

Discover vineyards, wineries, and wine

The main reason that people visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape is for wine, especially red wine. The region has over 300 wine producers, growing 13 different grape varieties. The red wine, with its distinctive embossed bottle and image of the Pope’s crossed keys, is one of the most well-known and exclusive wines globally.

Explore L’isle sur la Sourge

A gorgeous island town in the southeast of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, L’isle sur la Sourge is surrounded by the Sorgue River and is nicknamed the Venice of the Comtat. Renowned for the large number of antique dealers spread over the town, annually during Easter and on August 15, it brings together over 500 antique and second-hand dealers to present their treasures to an international crowd.

Visit Saint Theodoric Chapel

Said to be the oldest building in the village, Saint Theodoric is a small chapel located south of the main crossroads. It occasionally hosts exhibitions and Vaucluse frescoes from the 12th century are still visible on the walls.

Plan your wine tour in Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Guide with visitor at Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Provence

The half-day morning tour is from 9 am–1 pm.

The half-day afternoon tour is from 2 pm–6 pm.

The full-day tour starts at 9 am.

The departure is from the Avignon Tourist Office.
Address: 41 Cr Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, France
Find on maps
Nearest train station: Avignon center station

Le Verger des Papes is located on the hilltop, overlooking the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The restaurant specializes in inventive cuisine sourcing the freshest of local and seasonal ingredients.
Restaurant La Mère Germaine is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up the best vintage recipes of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. Though carnivores are spoilt for choice, vegetarians should make a special request.
Le Comptoir de La Mère Germaine is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a terrace dining space and open-kitchen concept. The terrace opens onto the surrounding vineyards, making it a great dining experience. Not to worry, vegetarians will love the menu!

Visitor tips

The busiest months are July & August, so make sure to book your tickets at least a month in advance. But if you want to see the harvest of grapes, visit between September and early October.
The legal drinking age in France is 18 years but most wineries offer grape juice/non-alcoholic beverages for children and non-drinkers.
Sun protection is a must-have. Apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and carry a hat (just in case).
Red wine stains are permanent, so preferably wear dark-colored clothing. Avoid dangling sleeves and jewelry to avoid knocking over wine glasses while tasting.
If you’re not used to drinking wine, carry light snacks to munch between the tastings.
Be curious and ask questions, to your guide and at the wineries.
Avoid brushing your teeth an hour before the wine tasting.
Avoid wearing perfume/cologne to the wine tasting. Wine tasting is about smell and taste. If you can only smell your perfume, you’ll miss out on all the aromatics and flavors in your wine.
Wine tasting is an art, it improves with practice. If it’s your first-time wine tasting/touring, remember to learn and have fun with it!
If you want to purchase wine at the end of your visit, carry enough cash/ a credit card on you. Wine bottle prices can range from 99 USD–1000 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Chateauneuf-du-Pape

What is the best time of year to visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a pleasant visit throughout the year. However, if you want to witness the grape harvesting, visit from September to early October (early autumn) or during the Spring season (April to June), when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.

How many wineries can be visited in a single day?

Depending on your pace and preferences, you can visit around 3-5 wineries daily to allow ample time for tastings and leisurely exploration. But if you’re booking a guided tour, the itinerary allows for two winery visits and wine tasting.

What is the primary grape used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

Grenache is the dominant grape variety, but up to 18 grape varieties are allowed in the blend.

Are children allowed to visit wineries?

While most wineries welcome families, the focus is on adult-oriented wine tastings. Children aged three and below are not allowed on the guided tours due to safety concerns (uneven terrains, big wine barrels, etc).

Can I buy wine directly from the wineries?

Yes, most wineries offer direct purchases, and may even ship bottles to your home.

Is transportation available between wineries?

Some guided tours include transportation, and taxis or bike rentals are also options for independent travelers.

How long does a typical wine-tasting session last?

A tasting session usually lasts about 30-60 minutes, depending on the winery and selection of wines tasted.

Are there non-wine activities to enjoy in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

Yes, visitors can explore the historical ruins of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape castle or enjoy the charming village shops and local cuisine. The full-day tour also includes visitingthe village of Roussillon, with its colorful homes.

What languages are the tours conducted in?

Tours are generally available in French and English, but other languages may be offered depending on the winery.