The Côtes du Rhône is an extensive wine-producing area yielding a wide range of wine qualities and styles.
Generally, the better wines come from the “villages” on the hillsides of the Valley – such as Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise, a collection of attractive, Provencal wine vicullages. There are many excellent small producers, of which our favourite has to be Domaine la Fourmone just north of Vacqueyras.
With tree-lined shaded streets, Vacqueyras has a number of hotels and café/restaurants, a village with an ancient centre which is interesting to explore. Nearby Beaumes-de-Venise is also fascinating to explore with its narrow alleyways leading up to the top of the hill around which the village clusters.
Both villages host good “caves- cooperatives“, where you can taste the range of wines on offer, and at keen prices. A recent innovation in both vllages has been the addition of a restaurant linked to the Co-op, offering a local menu designed to complement the local wines.
Beaumes-de-Venise produces red, white and rosé wines, but is best known for its delightful dessert Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, whereas the dominant wines in Vacqueyras are rich, smooth reds.
The area is north of Avignon (84 Vaucluse, PACA ), and close to Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
A bit further north in Seguret is the Domaine de Cabasse – a family-run wine estate with a hotel
An excellent hotel just outside the village of Gigondas is the Hotel Montmirail
and the B&B Chateau le Martinet at Violes
See all hotels and other accommodation (B&B and self-catering) in and around Vacqueyras
