You always wanted to have that cool Instagram photo with a beautiful winery behind as a backdrop. Well, Châteauneuf du Pape has several wineries for you to visit. These wineries are open for tourists and provide one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see.
The scenes you will experience are just like a fairytale, you will feel like you are a part of a magical world. Not to mention, trying out some great wine as well. Remember not to get too tipsy, otherwise you will look ridiculous in photos.
Chateau Fortia
This is an ancient winery right at the center of the Châteauneuf du Pape with staggering 32 hectares of vineyards. This is the place where Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarie established the first Appellation Controlee system. Along with the 32 hectares of grapes, the area is filled with woods, gardens, veggie gardens and flowers. Thanks to the sunlight and pedo-climate the grapes are cultivated on south-facing slopes. Come and enjoy the taste of fine sweet wine and the mesmerizing sights of an ancient vineyard.
Vignobles Famille Quiot – Winery
An ever growing estate, the Vignobles Famille Quiot is the one place to visit when you are in Châteauneuf du Pape. Covering over 300 hectares. What is interesting about this winery is that it is a family-owner business stretching back to the 13th generation which makes it a great historical landmark to visit. Here, you can taste wines from Rhone Valley and Provence. Also, their winemakers are always eager to pass their winemaking secrets to other generations to come. Make sure to book in advance since the winery can be very busy during tourist season.
Famille Gonnet
Built in the 50’s, Etienne Gonner laid the grounds of Font de Michelle winery and planted vines on 30 hectares located southeast of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Right after the founder’s death, his children Jean and Michel took over the estate. Even to this day, they invest in improving their winemaking recipes. The symbol of this winery is the concentrated and fine organic wines.
Domaine de la Mordorée
Domaine de la Mordorée was established back in 1986 by Francis Delorme along with his son Christophe Delorme. The symbol of this vineyard is the woodcock bird. This place also has other nicknames such as “La Dame Rousse”, “La Remise”, “La Dame voyageuse” and “La Reine des Bois”, these are also names of cuvees. This winery corresponds with almost 60 hectares of vineyard area located in Tavel in the southwest of the Rhone Valley. After Christophe’s passing, his wife and daughter have taken over the estate. This winery is completely organic and biodynamic approach to the land. They have installed a complete sustainable ecosystem that enables natural balance of the soils to fight bacteria, fungi, insects etc.
Domaine Galevan
In the distant land of Rhone Valley and run by Coralie, the Domain Galevan is located and is ready for welcoming guests. Coralie is the first woman to run the family business stretching back to 9 generations. Coralie says that her biggest inspirations are her parents and her ancestors. She helped install a mix of traditional methods and modern innovative techniques. The name itself signifies balance between freedom, innovation and tradition and consistency. Their quality and excellence is heard all over the world.
Domaine Des Chanssaud
One of the oldest vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Domaine Des Chanssaud was built in 1826. Patrick Jaume produces the wine and runs the winery. What makes this winery special is their soil because it consists of clay pebbles, quartz and sand taken from the Rhone River valley. Heat is absorbed by the pebbles during the day and is given back to the grapevines at night, thus maintaining a suitable temperature. Their experts only use organic farming techniques, therefore no harmful chemicals are used.
Clos du Calvaire
This vineyard is famous for offering mostly Grenache wines and is located in the village of Chateauneuf du Pape. The owners of this estate, the Mayard family, always strive for excellent quality and modernity. Each grape is harvested by hand and stored in small crates to avoid oxidation or crushing the grapes. Using sustainable agriculture techniques, Clos du Calvaire produces organic high-quality wine. Not to mention, the amazing atmosphere the host prepare for their guests is exquisite.