If you were planning a trip and wanted to include 3-5 places to absorb the local wine/culture, where would you attempt to make stops? I figure email is the best way to set something up with individual domaines but if there is a better way I’d love to hear it.
The first thing that comes to mind is Pegau or course, but I’m all ears.
And if someone has a great restaurant they care to mention, please do.
Thanks in advance!
(if this is more appropriate in the travel forum, I understand)
In addition to all the great domaines in CdP, I recommend Domaine Durban in Beaumes de Venise, one of the most beautiful vineyars in France and great muscat and red wines. Also, St Cosme in Gigondas and the wine walk in Rasteau. I also recommend the Bistrot du Paradou in Paradou very close to St Remy and Les Baux, L’Oustalet in Gigondas and La Prevote in Ile sur la Sorgue. My wife and I just returned from the Vaucluse and enjoyed all three restaurants.
I have had very positive experiences visiting Daniel Boulle of Domaine Les Aphillanthes (an excellent Cotes-du-Rhone producer), and Philippe Bravay of Domaine de Ferrand in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. They were both true gentlemen, eager to discuss their wines and seemed excited to have visitors who love their wines (as my wife and I do). Monsieur Boulle did not speak much English, however he did not get frustrated with our kindergarten-level French. Both trips were setup with the help of their American importer, Weygandt-Metzler.