Two intensive days discovering the exceptional wines of Provence

A Two-Day Journey Through Provence’s Exceptional Wines and Scenic Charm

If you’re considering a tour that combines the allure of Provence’s stunning landscapes with the pleasure of tasting its renowned wines, this private two-day experience offers a compelling option. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary suggest a well-curated experience that balances sightseeing, wine tasting, and authentic regional flavors.

What immediately appeals to me about this tour is the personalized approach—you’re not just another passenger on a bus, but a small, private group (or even just your own family or friends), with the flexibility to tailor the experience. The inclusion of delicious lunches paired with local wines and the chance to visit varied wine regions from Cassis on the coast to the Luberon hills makes this a rich, layered journey through Provence’s vinicultural heartland.

A potential consideration is that this tour is priced at around $1,310 per person, which is an investment. However, when you factor in the six vineyard visits, expert guides, private transportation, and gourmet meals, many will find it offers excellent value—especially for those who prioritize authentic, immersive experiences over generic group tours. This experience is best suited for wine lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone eager to combine scenic beauty with gastronomy in the South of France.

Key Points

• Private, personalized tour offers greater flexibility and intimate insights.
• Six vineyard visits provide a deep dive into Provence’s diverse wines.
• Gourmet lunches with wine pairings add to the authentic local experience.
• Expert guides bring history, art, and wine knowledge to life.
• Stunning scenery from the coast to mountain slopes enriches the journey.
• Convenient transportation included ensures comfort and ease.

Overview of the Provence Wine Experience

This tour promises an intensive two days uncovering the regions that make Provence a world-famous wine destination. It spans a mix of coastal vineyards, mountain slopes, and lesser-known appellations, giving you a well-rounded perspective on the area’s viticultural diversity. The fact that it’s a private tour means your guides can adapt to your interests and pace, making the experience more engaging and less rushed.

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with a pickup service from your Marseille accommodation, followed by a full day of visits. While the detailed itinerary emphasizes the Cassis vineyards and Aix-en-Provence, the tour also ventures into the Puyloubier and Luberon wine regions, each offering distinctive flavors and scenic backdrops.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

Several travelers have praised the knowledgeable, flexible guides who made their experience memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass now and then, having a private guide means you get tailored insights, answers to your questions, and a more relaxed atmosphere. As one review highlights, “Chris from Ooh Provence was superior in every way,” and “He gave us a private custom tour,” which underscores the value of personalized attention.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Coastal Charm and Red-Wine Riches

The tour begins with a visit to Cassis, a charming coastal town famous for its cliffs and clear waters. Here, you’ll visit reputable vineyards for wine tastings—usually at two established wineries. The reviews suggest that these visits are not rushed, and the tastings are both generous and educational. Expect to sample a range of wines, perhaps with an emphasis on reds, whites, and rosés that the region is celebrated for.

Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive along Provençal roads, with opportunities for photos and gentle commentary from your guide. The lunch on the first day is typically at a renowned local restaurant, often on a terrace, offering a three-course meal with wine pairing, bottled water, and coffee. This meal is a highlight, blending regional flavors with expertly matched wines that enhance the dining experience.

Day 2: Mountain Slopes and Lesser-Known Gems

The second day features visits to the mountains facing Mount St. Victoire, famously painted by Cezanne. Here, you’ll explore Puyloubier, where vineyards cling to steep slopes, producing exceptional wines that are less commercial but highly regarded locally. The reviews support that these vineyards offer unique wines, with one visitor noting the face-to-face encounters with winemakers and the chance to learn firsthand about their craft.

The tour also ventures into the Luberon region, known for its scenic villages and lesser-known wines. Meeting the winemakers can be especially rewarding, offering insights into boutique wine production and tasting wines that are often not available elsewhere. Like the first day, this includes a visit to wineries and cellars, with tastings that showcase the region’s versatility.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Laurent and Christopher for their knowledge, flexibility, and engaging storytelling. Their ability to tailor the experience, especially when accommodating small children or answering complex questions, elevates the overall value.

Authentic Experiences: Instead of slick, commercialized visits, this tour emphasizes local wineries, allowing you to meet winemakers and learn about their craft. The visits are described as warm and genuine, with personalized attention that many travelers find memorable.

Scenic Diversity: From the coastal vineyards of Cassis to the mountain slopes of Puyloubier, and the lesser-known Luberon wines, this tour offers a visual feast alongside tasteful wine samples. Travelers consistently mention how the vistas and scenery enhance the tasting experience.

Gourmet Lunches: The included meals are not just functional but delightful, often served on inviting terraces with wine pairings that complement the regional dishes. The sense of savoring Provençal cuisine amidst beautiful surroundings is a highlight.

Value for Money: Considering the six vineyard visits, private transportation, expert guides, and gourmet lunches, many reviews suggest this is a good value for an immersive wine experience in Provence.

Practicalities and Considerations

Duration: The tour spans approximately 16 hours over two days, which means you’ll need to allocate time and possibly plan for some rest after the experience. The long days are packed but balanced with breaks and scenic drives.

Price: At around $1,310 per person, the cost reflects the private, all-inclusive nature of the experience. For wine aficionados or those eager for a deep dive into Provence’s wine culture, this can be justified as a special, memorable journey.

Transport: The use of air-conditioned vehicles ensures comfort, especially during summer months. Pickup is included, removing logistical worries.

Group size: As a private tour, you’ll have the benefit of tailored attention, making it a preferred choice for travelers who value intimacy over large-group tours.

Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility, which is important if plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Provence beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s also great for travelers who appreciate personalized service, authentic visits, and scenic landscapes. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a flexible, engaging way to see the region, this tour checks all those boxes.

However, those on a strict budget or seeking a quick, less involved overview might find this experience too long or costly. But for anyone who values quality over quantity, this two-day immersion promises memorable moments, excellent wines, and beautiful views.

The Sum Up

This private two-day tour of Provence’s wine regions presents a blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and gastronomic pleasure. The carefully curated visits to vineyards—ranging from coastal to mountain slopes—highlight the diversity and quality of Provence’s wines, especially its renowned rosés, reds, and whites.

The focus on personalized guidance and genuine interactions with winemakers sets this experience apart from more generic group outings. Coupled with gourmet lunches, scenic drives, and a knowledgeable guide, it offers a compelling package for those seeking an authentic and immersive Provençal adventure.

While the price may seem high, the inclusion of six vineyard visits, private transport, and tailored experiences makes it a worthwhile investment for wine aficionados and curious travelers alike. If you’re eager to experience the region’s flavors, discover its stunning landscapes, and learn from passionate local producers, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You get visits to six vineyards over two days with wine tastings at each, gourmet lunches with wine pairings, coffee and/or tea breaks, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a private guide for a personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the reviews mention guides being flexible and accommodating, even with small children. However, the long hours and alcohol tastings may not be ideal for very young kids.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins with a pickup at 9:00 am in Marseille, with the meeting point arranged for convenience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

How much time is spent at each vineyard?
The itinerary suggests approximately four hours each day for vineyard visits and tastings, along with driving time and meals.

Are the lunches included?
Yes, each day includes a three-course lunch at a renowned local restaurant, with wine pairing, bottled water, and coffee.

What regions do the vineyards cover?
Vineyards are located in Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Puyloubier, and Luberon, offering a variety of wines and scenery from coastlines to mountain slopes.

How knowledgeable are the guides?
Multiple reviews highlight guides as highly knowledgeable, engaging, and flexible, able to answer questions thoroughly and tailor the experience.

Is this experience worth the cost?
Considering the private, gourmet, and immersive nature of the tour, many find it provides excellent value—especially for those seeking a deep, authentic introduction to Provence’s wines and landscapes.

This two-day journey offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Provence’s vibrant wine scene, making it an ideal choice for those who want more than just a tasting—an immersive, scenic adventure in one of France’s most beloved regions.