Tick, tock... Still not sure how to enjoy the next summer weekends ? Why not book a trip in wine tourism mode? Our three favorite wine tours to discover the best wines and champagnes.
The most elegant: the Château de La Chaize
The mood: wine-growing château since 1676 in the heart of Beaujolais , the Château de La Chaize is not lacking in charm, built on the plans of the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and whose marvelous gardens were designed by André Le Nôtre , both great names in the construction of the Palace of Versailles . The wine property, which has just reopened after major works, holds 150 hectares of vines, in organic conversion and located in the Brouilly , Côte de Brouilly , Fleurie and Morgon appellations.
The experience: we begin the visit with the historic cellar built in 1771, fully restored and whose 108-metre cellar is the longest in Beaujolais built at that time. The commented tasting allows you to discover the different emblematic cuvées of the estate, before learning everything about its transition to organic farming in complete energy autonomy. Exciting !
We like: then taking a walk in the magnificent wooded park with a view of the extremely beautiful castle.
How to get there: by TGV (1h40) from Gare de Lyon to Mâcon-Loché , then 25 minutes by car.
Visit and tasting only by reservation on chateaudelachaize.fr or by telephone on 04 74 03 41 05, from €30 per person. Visits 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in July and August.
Castle of La Chaize , 69460 Odenas
The most sparkling: Nicolas Feuillatte in Champagne
The mood: an escapade in Champagne to discover the unique know-how of Nicolas Feuillatte , the most disruptive French house located in Chouilly in the heart of the prestigious Côte des Blancs .
The experience: a course as educational as it is pleasant over 2,500 m² within the spectacular designer building with a 360° view of the vineyards listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List . We learn all the stages of the development of the cuvées, from the vine to the wine until the bottling, with several offers according to the desires including in particular visits of the cellars . Not to be missed: the Efferv'& Sens tasting workshop, an introduction to the aromatic families of the 3 main Champagne grape varieties to refine your palate like the pros.
We like: the “ visit and transport ” formula for a stay with your hands in your pockets where you let yourself go completely, before leaving with your bags full of bubbles to treat yourself.
The added bonus: proof of the magic of the place, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte obtained the Grand Prix d'Or distinction in the Wine Tourism Trophies, awarded by Terre de Vins magazine in the Architecture and Landscapes category. A distinction that rewards the extraordinary geographical location, at the top of a hill with a panoramic view of the vineyards, and the very marked architectural bias of Nicolas Feuillatte .
How to get there ? Count 1h30 by train from the Gare de l'Est to Epernay , then ten minutes by taxi.
Efferv'& sens workshop to book on nicolas-feuillatte.com , €55
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte , CD 40A "Plumecoq", 51530 Chouilly (10 minutes from the center of Épernay)
The most Provençal: Peyrassol
The mood: an escape to Provence in the footsteps of the Peyrassol house, proud of its almost thousand-year-old origins in the era of the Templars in the historic commandery dating from the 13th century.
The experience: an invitation to discover one of the best rosés in the region, namely Grands Crus AOP Côte de Provence in the Peyrassol wine estate . With, on the program, a journey through the secret cellars, a guided tour and the tasting of 5 emblematic wines of the house, to learn everything from A to Z about local products, the winemaking process and bottling. Health !
We like: the guest rooms (from €88) a few steps from the Commandery in charming buildings with a catering formula whose ingredients come from the estate's organic farm.
The added plus: the eye-opening art collection, distributed in the remarkable gardens, including monumental sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle , Daniel Buren or Bertrand Lavier , installed in the open air in the natural landscapes. The must ? Discover them in detail through the free “ Art and wine ” workshop, the perfect formula.
How to get there ? Allow 3 hours by train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence , then 1 hour by car.
Guided tour and tasting , from €20
Domaine Peyrassol , RN7, 83340 Flassans-sur-Issole
Also discover the best spots to go fasting and recover your health and the most stylish festivals of the summer .
