ShoreTrips says...

Find out about grapes you have never heard of and why they are so valued.

In the morning, enjoy a panoramic route from Côte Sainte-Epine to Hermitage, starting in the village of Tournon. You are in one of the most breathtaking spots in the world. As you head for St'Epine, you will find yourself in the heart of the prestigious St-Joseph vineyard. On the right-bank of the Rhône, the Saint-Joseph vineyard sits upon the 45th parallel, planted on steep hillsides that have been carved into terraces since ancient times. Also known as “Vin de Mauves”, the Jesuits gave it its current name in the 17th century. You are in the heart of the Cote de Rhone region, a favorite for many and the perfect accompaniment to any French meal. This appellation is known for its red wines made using Syrah grapes. The wine was even mentioned in Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables”.

This incredible countryside scenario is heady by itself as you take in the beauty even without a drop of wine. You are moving in the direction of the Hermitage hills. Hermitage is a French wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the northern Rhône wine region of France south of Lyon. It produces mostly red wine also from the Syrah grape; however small quantities of white wine are also produced from Roussane and Marsanne grapes. The hill is seen by some as the spiritual home of the Syrah grape variety.

You will stop at this world famous vineyard and discover the legend of the millennial grape. Here you will experience a tasting session accompanied by the oenologist who will talk to you about the flavours of 3 different wines from the vineyard. If the weather co-operates, you will do your tasting in the middle of the vineyards surrounded by the grape vines.

Your afternoon promises to seduce you as well as you continue your journey to a beautiful area called 'les dentelles de Montmirail', where a range of sharp limestone peaks finely chiseled by erosion, rise up from orchards, hills and vineyards. The vigerons, people who cultivate grapes for winemaking, reach down deep into these legendary valleys and come up with wines to delight every enthusiast. In these villages, the narrow streets, quaint shaded squares and old fountains leave no doubt that you are in deepest, most traditional part of Provence. The remarkable harmony of the landscapes and the endless rows of grapevines cultivated on the terraced land. The Dentelles (the lace) stand out distinctly from the surroundings of olive orchards and AOC vineyards, ringed by the deep Mediterranean blue sky. This terroir produces the prestigious wines of Beaumes de Venise, a highly-valued red wine and a sweet and renowned muscat. This is a lovely note to end with as you depart for Vivier.