Rhone Valley Wine Trip 2024

Exploring the Rhône Valley: A Dream Wine Trip That Finally Became Reality

After years of anticipation, our long-awaited trip to the Rhône Valley finally happened this year. Originally planned for 2020, the adventure had to be postponed due to COVID – but the wait was worth every moment. Organizing an itinerary through such a rich and diverse wine region wasn’t easy, yet bringing together its northern and southern treasures in a single journey proved to be a perfect decision.

We arrived on a midday flight into Marseille, picked up our coach, and drove straight to Avignon. After checking into our hotel, we wandered through the medieval streets, admired the Papal Palace, and ended the evening with a gastronomic feast paired with local wines—a perfect start to our Rhône Valley getaway.

Our wine adventure began in the legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Château Pegau welcomed us with a premium tasting that included both current labels and older vintages, offering a fascinating look at the evolution of their wines. Next, we visited Domaine Galevan, where Coralie, the ninth generation—and first female—winemaker, shared her family’s story and philosophy. We ended the visit in their lovely garden with wines and appetizers, a true display of Provençal hospitality. We closed the day at Château Mont-Redon, a historic estate with vineyards surrounding the winery, owned by the same family for over a century.

The second day was dedicated to female winemakers in Vacqueyras. At Domaine La Fourmone and Domaine de Montvac, we explored elegant wines and met passionate producers continuing long traditions. Driving up to Gigondas, nestled beneath the Dentelles de Montmirail, we admired the beautifully restored village before savoring a delicious lunch paired with local wines.

Leaving Southern Rhône behind, we headed north via Saint-Péray and Cornas, gaining a deeper understanding of the valley’s geography. In Tain-l’Hermitage, we indulged our sweet tooth at La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, learning the secrets of fine chocolate. The day ended with an exclusive tasting at Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, sampling some of their finest cuvées.

Our fourth day explored the heart of the Northern Rhône. At Michelas St. Jemms, we discovered small-production wines that truly reflect the terroir of the Côtes du Rhône. A leisurely lunch at Le Quai allowed us to relax by the river before a memorable vineyard walk and premium tasting at the iconic M. Chapoutier, offering insight into the unique slopes of Hermitage.

On our final day, we drove further north where the Rhône River narrows and hills grow steeper. In Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie, my friend Marielle of Maison Guigal arranged a professional tasting with a château’s head sommelier, featuring world-class Viognier and Syrah. We closed our trip with lunch in a charming village before heading to Lyon Airport for our flight home.

True to its name, the Rhône Valley filled our hearts with unforgettable memories, our minds with knowledge, and our luggage with remarkable wines.