Discovering Inland Provence’s Wine Country
Inland Provence, nestled in the heart of France’s southeastern region, offers a captivating blend of rustic charm and world-class wines. This area, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich viticultural heritage, beckons travelers to explore its hidden treasures.
Towns and Villages
The region boasts several charming towns and villages, each with its unique character:
- Gordes: A hilltop village with stunning views and ancient stone houses
- Roussillon: Famous for its ochre cliffs and colorful buildings
- Bonnieux: Offers panoramic views of the Luberon Valley
- Ménerbes: A picturesque village that inspired Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence”
These towns serve as perfect bases for exploring the surrounding vineyards and offer a glimpse into authentic Provençal life.
Wine Producers
Inland Provence is home to numerous esteemed wine producers:
- Château La Canorgue: An organic winery in Bonnieux, known for its red and rosé wines
- Domaine de la Citadelle: Located in Ménerbes, offering guided tours and tastings
- Château Val Joanis: Features beautiful gardens and a range of AOC Luberon wines
- Domaine de Marie: A boutique winery in Ménerbes with a focus on sustainable practices
Many wineries offer tours and tastings, providing insights into local winemaking techniques and traditions.
Accommodations
The region offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences:
- La Bastide de Gordes: A luxury hotel with stunning views of the Luberon Valley
- Le Phébus & Spa: A Relais & Châteaux property near Gordes with a Michelin-starred restaurant
- La Coquillade Village: A wine resort in Gargas with its own vineyard
- Mas de la Rose: A charming boutique hotel set among lavender fields near Eygalières
For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a gîte (rural cottage) or chambre d’hôte (bed and breakfast) in one of the picturesque villages.
Dining
Inland Provence’s culinary scene perfectly complements its wines:
- La Closerie in Ansouis: Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on local, seasonal ingredients
- L’Arome in Bonnieux: Offers creative Provençal cuisine with a stunning terrace view
- Le Vivier in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Known for its fresh fish dishes and riverside setting
- La Bartavelle in Goult: A small, family-run restaurant serving traditional Provençal dishes
Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like tapenade, ratatouille, and daube provençale, perfectly paired with regional wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these local wine shops and bars to taste and purchase regional wines:
- La Cave de Lumières in Goult: Offers a wide selection of local wines and expert advice
- Le Vin Sobre in Apt: Wine bar with an extensive list of Provence wines by the glass
- La Cave du Luberon in Lourmarin: Features wines from small, family-owned producers
- Wine Gallery in Ménerbes: Combines art exhibitions with wine tastings
Many shops offer shipping services, allowing you to send your favorite wines home.
Other Shops
Don’t miss these local specialty shops:
- L’Occitane en Provence in Manosque: Famous for its locally-inspired beauty products
- Le Barroux Épicerie Fine: Gourmet food shop specializing in Provençal products
- Savonnerie Marius Fabre in Salon-de-Provence: Traditional soap maker since 1900
- Les Olivades in Saint-Étienne-du-Grès: Provençal fabric workshop and boutique
These shops offer authentic souvenirs and local products to bring a piece of Provence home.
Attractions
Beyond wineries, Inland Provence offers numerous attractions:
- Sénanque Abbey near Gordes: 12th-century abbey surrounded by lavender fields
- Ochre Trail in Roussillon: A scenic walk through colorful ochre quarries
- Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: Home to one of the world’s largest karst springs
- Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence: Immersive art projections in a former quarry
Plan your visits around wine tastings to experience the region’s diverse offerings.
Events
Time your visit to coincide with these wine-related events:
- Les Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape (April): Wine tasting event featuring local producers
- Fête de la Vigne et du Vin (May): Celebrates winemaking traditions across Provence
- Les Grandes Tablées du Soir (July): Open-air dinners paired with local wines in Vaison-la-Romaine
- Ban des Vendanges (August): Marks the start of the grape harvest in Avignon
These events offer unique opportunities to mingle with local winemakers and taste new vintages.
Appellations
Familiarize yourself with these key wine appellations in Inland Provence:
- Côtes du Rhône: Encompasses a large area known for red, white, and rosé wines
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Prestigious appellation famous for its powerful red wines
- Luberon: Produces elegant reds, whites, and rosés in the Luberon mountain range
- Ventoux: Known for fresh, aromatic wines influenced by Mount Ventoux’s microclimate
Understanding these appellations will enhance your wine tasting experiences and help you choose local wines.
Grape Varieties
Inland Provence boasts a diverse range of grape varieties, reflecting the region’s unique terroir. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre dominate red wine production.
For white wines, Rolle (Vermentino), Ugni Blanc, and Clairette are commonly cultivated. These varieties contribute to the distinct character of Provençal wines.
Main Wine Styles
Inland Provence is renowned for its rosé wines, accounting for a significant portion of production. These wines are typically dry, light-bodied, and refreshing.
Red wines from this region tend to be full-bodied and rich, often blending Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. White wines are less common but offer crisp, aromatic profiles.
Food Specialties
Provençal cuisine perfectly complements the local wines. Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew, pairs excellently with rosé wines.
Other regional specialties include:
- Ratatouille: A vegetable dish ideal with light reds
- Tapenade: An olive spread that pairs well with white wines
- Pissaladière: An onion tart that complements rosé
Drives & Walks
Explore the picturesque Route des Vins (Wine Route) through the Var department. This scenic drive connects charming villages and prestigious wineries.
For nature enthusiasts, the Gorges du Verdon offers breathtaking hiking trails. The Luberon Regional Nature Park provides excellent walking routes through lavender fields and vineyards.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
Day 1: Start in Aix-en-Provence, visit local markets, and tour nearby wineries.Day 2: Explore the Luberon, stopping at villages like Gordes and Roussillon.Day 3: Head to the Var region, visiting wineries in Bandol and Cassis.
Week-long Provence Experience
Combine wine tasting with cultural exploration:
- 2 days in Aix-en-Provence
- 2 days in the Luberon
- 2 days in the Var region
- 1 day in Avignon
Getting There & Around
Inland Provence is easily accessible by various transportation methods:
- Air: Fly into Marseille Provence Airport or Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
- Train: High-speed TGV connects major cities like Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
- Car: Rent a vehicle for flexibility in exploring wineries and villages
Public transportation is limited in rural areas. A car is recommended for visiting remote wineries and scenic routes.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Inland Provence for wine enthusiasts is late spring to early fall. May to June and September to October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Harvest season (August to October) provides unique winery experiences. Winter visits allow for peaceful exploration but some attractions may have limited hours.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Provençal wineries are embracing sustainable practices:
- Organic viticulture: Increasing number of certified organic vineyards
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems and drought-resistant varietals
- Biodiversity: Planting cover crops and preserving local ecosystems
Look for eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators to support sustainable tourism in the region.
Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few French phrases enhances your experience:
- Bonjour – Hello
- Merci – Thank you
- S’il vous plaît – Please
- Un verre de vin – A glass of wine
- Santé! – Cheers!
Pronunciation guides are available online. Locals appreciate visitors’ efforts to speak French.
Further Resources
Enhance your Inland Provence wine journey with these resources:
- Provence Wine Council: Official guide to regional wines (vinsdeprovence.com)
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism: Comprehensive travel information (provence-alpes-cotedazur.com)
- Wine Folly’s Provence Guide: In-depth wine education (winefolly.com)
Local tourist offices in major towns provide maps, event calendars, and personalized recommendations.
