Côtes du Rhône North - Full day

Vertigo for the senses

Jump on board a very comfortable minibus and follow your driver/guide to discover the Northern Côtes du Rhône.
Start the day-out with a first stop in Vienne and make the most of a splendid panorama of the Rhône valley, from Mont Notre-Dame de Pipet. With your driver/guide, discover the different grape varieties of the Northern Côtes du Rhône, the names of the different vintages and the philosophy of the region, based on its soil.
From this belvedere, also admire the magnificent Gallo-Roman theatre and discover the fascinating history of Vienne's wines, famous in Rome more than 22 centuries ago.

Next, head off in the direction of Ampuis, world capital of Syrah (Shiraz), and visit the "Côte-Rôtie" vineyards. Aboard your minibus, climb the vertiginous slopes of Côte Brune and Côte Blonde and imagine the men toiling away on these steep, vine-covered hillsides.

In the morning, you visit a first vineyard to learn about the wine-making expertise of the Northern Côtes du Rhône. Explore the production facilities then the cellar filled with barrels and discuss the art of ageing. Finally, in the cellar, taste 3 white and red wines, including the prestigious Condrieu, St Joseph and Côte-Rôtie appellations.

Your lunch break offers the opportunity to taste the local cuisine in the setting of a typical regional restaurant. Set menus starting at €20, not included.

In the early afternoon, hit the road again for Condrieu, the village that lends its name to the famous white wine. Discover the history of its Viognier grape and how it nearly disappeared just a few years ago.
Visit a first vineyard and taste 5 to 6 Côtes du Rhône wines including the Condrieu, St Joseph and/or Côte-Rôtie appellations.
Round off this wine tour with a further commented tasting of 5 to 6 wines. Savour the rich aromatic Viognier and the sensual and complex Syrah in their original terroirs.