The Wine Route

The Pope was one of the most important producers in Châteauneuf du Pape: the first appellation in its history was the prestigious “Vin du Pape,” which later became the internationally recognized AOC “Châteauneuf du Pape.”

Today, 3,200 hectares of vineyards bear the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, with a distribution of 6% white wine and 94% red wine.

The red wines are generally heady, powerful, with a dark ruby color and rustic, with notes of raspberry, truffle.

The dry white wines, with low acidity but high in alcohol, have a floral bouquet. The white wines themselves present complex aromas of white flowers, and even of honey and toasted bread as they age.

A wine-growing village with a mild climate year-round, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Vacqueyras, from the Latin name Vallea quadreria, the valley of stones, owes its renown primarily to its complex and concentrated red wines.

The red wines (which make up 97% of the production) pair perfectly with red meats, game, and strong cheeses. They feature aromas of small red fruits, violet, and even licorice, undergrowth, and spices, as they age. Although powerful, the red wines are noted for their specific finesse and freshness.

Did you know? Since 1998, Vacqueyras has been the official Cru of the prestigious Avignon Festival.

The village of Gigondas, formerly from the Latin Jucunditas, joy and delight, was predestined for this wine culture, developing authentic wine traditions over two millennia… The veterans of the second Roman legion – the founders of the “Colonia Julia Arausio” (town of Orange, in the 1st century BC) are credited with creating the first vineyards – as evidenced by the remains of Gallo-Roman vats at Saint Cosme.
The wines were consecrated in 1971, the year they received the appellation “Gigondas, Cru des Côtes du Rhône.” Today, more than 200 vintners continue this tradition daily.

With very complex and not very fruity robes in their youth, these red wines dominated by black grenache are suitable for aging. Fleshly and jovial, they will superbly accompany your meat dishes with sauce, or your locavore cravings for Provençal stew.

Did you know? The year 2015 was a vintage of excellence… Grab your bottles!

Situated at the foot of the Courens plateau, Beaumes-de-Venise, named after the many caves (baumes) carved into the hill, is a delight for gourmets and fine palates. Just down the village, on Avenue Raspail, the tasting and sales cellar of the famous Muscat de Beaumes de Venise wine awaits you.

The AOC produces red wines with intense and flamboyant colors, from cherry red to purple, as well as the famous naturally sweet wine, Muscat. Thanks to its high-altitude vines, the reds release velvety tannins and a beautiful freshness of sap.

Did you know? Highly appreciated by the Avignon popes in the 14th century, muscat was drunk very chilled in small wine glasses, or port glasses.

Céline Viany, a passionate sommelier-advisor, also offers customized tours (tastings at estates, discoveries of wines and local products…)
Approach the reception of our hotel to contact her!

To buy wine, don’t burden yourself; many estates offer a home delivery service.

Looking for a bottle afterward?
Do not hesitate to ask Laurent, our Chief Sommelier, or consult our booklet available in your room. You can also visit the Baumanière shop website.
Find rare vintages at advantageous prices, stored in our perfectly hygrometric cellars.

As soon as the first rays of the season’s sun appear, arm yourself with a cap, bottles of water, and your sunscreen!

Be careful, many wine cellars are closed on Sundays, or full on weekends: nothing prevents you from wandering in the vineyards or visiting the estates!

Beware of alcohol, it’s not uncommon to see a rate of 15% on some labels!
Excessive drinking is dangerous for your health, consume with moderation.