THE RHONE VALLEY
DISCOVER THE BENCHMARKS
Over 5 days and 4 nights you’ll be seduced by mythical wines, historical cities and rugged landscapes. Guided by a Master of Wine, in the lap of luxury, you’ll discover the benchmark wines.
We rendezvous in Lyon, the food capital of France. Moments later you’ll be standing in vineyards perched high over the mighty Rhone river, tasting the best of Cote-Rotie. Condrieu follows suit, where we taste the rare floral, heady and perfumed Viognier. Dinner at a 2-star Michelin wraps up the first day. This is how we roll.
The next morning the blockbuster wines of Hermitage and Cornas await. You’ll spend 2 days visiting the most famous Houses in the Northern Rhone. You then travel south to Avignon, the former papal residence, spending 3 days immersed in the heady wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and so much more.
The hotels are first class and characterful. You’ll dine like Kings and Queens, and you’ll have free time to discover the cities and monuments of Lyon and Avignon. The wines of the Rhone were the world’s most famous and expensive for a reason.
I invite you to join us on this fabulous tour.
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
FOLLOWING THE MIGHTY RHONE
After 2 great days exploring Cote-Rotie, Condrieu, Hermitage and Cornas we drop down to Avignon for 3 days in the south. Prepare to indulge in copious quantities of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel and much more.
We are welcomed by the top producers, given privileged access to their cellars and reserve wines, and learn first-hand about grape growing and winemaking from the experts.
You will rest your head at luxurious hotels in Vienne and Avignon and dine at gastronomic restaurants, including a 2-star Michelin.
FOLLOWING THE MIGHTY RHONE
After 2 great days exploring Cote-Rotie, Condrieu, Hermitage and Cornas we drop down to Avignon for 3 days in the south. Prepare to indulge in copious quantities of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel and much more.
We are welcomed by the top producers, given privileged access to their cellars and reserve wines, and learn first-hand about grape growing and winemaking from the experts.
You will rest your head at luxurious hotels in Vienne and Avignon and dine at gastronomic restaurants, including a 2-star Michelin.
THE ROASTED SLOPES OF COTE-ROTIE & TERRACES OF CONDRIEU
On the first day you’ll explore the steep hillsides of Cote-Rotie and Condrieu. It defies belief that the Romans would cultivate the vine on such a terroir, and then produce some of the world’s truly classic wines from Syrah and Viognier.
Dinner at the 2-star Michelin restaurant at our hotel will be one of the best meals of your life. Seriously.
AVIGNON & THE SOUTH
On the 3rd day we travel a few hours south to Avignon, a gorgeous Roman city, and the gateway to Provence.
From the comfort of our historic 5-star hotel we strike out to learn about the intricacies of Grenache, and the 12 other varieties that are permitted in a Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The landscape of the south is totally different from the north, and so are the wines.
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
Powerful, spicy, earthy, meaty, these wines have won legions of fans around the world, making this appellation a household name.
The incredible rocky soils are a site to see, and so are the castles housing wineries.
Rugged the Rhone may be, but the food is extremely fine and we enjoy another extravagant meal at a restaurant in a historic setting.
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
Powerful, spicy, earthy, meaty, these wines have won legions of fans around the world, making this appellation a household name.
The incredible rocky soils are a site to see, and so are the castles housing wineries.
Rugged the Rhone may be, but the food is extremely fine and we enjoy another Michelin restaurant in a historic setting.
MEET YOUR HOST
Our Luxury Wine Tours in the Rhone are guided by Master of Wine, James Cluer.
CHARLES is an author, journalist, consultant, and former Head of Wine for Christie’s Auction House in both Asia and the Americas, with a wealth of experience in the wine and spirit trade. He joined Christie’s in 2008 from Moet Hennessy USA, where he was Director of Wine & Spirit Education.
In 2012 he set up his fine wine consultancy WineAlpha to provide advice on the buying, selling, storing, and shipping of fine wine, wine appraisals, and advice on varied topics of interest to wine collectors.
Curtis trained as a chef at the Cordon Bleu in Paris. He apprenticed at Michelin-starred restaurants, but moved to the wine trade in 1994, and passed the Master of Wine exam in 2004.
His first book, The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy, was released in 2014, and the second, Vintage Champagne 1899-2019 in 2020. He is a board member of the Institute of Masters of Wine, North America, and regular contributor to Decanter magazine and other publications.
Charles is unquestionably one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished wine experts in North America with a warm, friendly style and a love for sharing his passion for fine wine and great food.
UPCOMING RHONE VALLEY WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is 4 nights’ accommodation split between two luxury hotels, all meals during the tour (except one free evening) all winery tours, all wines at the visits, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Basically everything is included except your flights, your onwards transport from Avignon at the end of the tour, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, details on the hotels, and what you might like to read in advance.
WEATHER
We visit during the nicest times of year, the Spring and the Fall. The weather is not too hot, is typically dry, and warm.
TESTIMONIALS
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