I write this while drinking wine from Provence, because wine not…I mean why not? Starting off strong. OK fellow travel vino aficionados🍷, if you've ever wanted to sip…or chug (no judgment)..rosé wine in the South of France but don’t know where to start, I got you!
Quick history for those who don’t know about rosé wine or Provence: in Provence, making rosé is a speciality thanks to the region’s climate, terroir and varietals. Provence is the number one French region for the production of rosé wines with nearly 90% of wine production dedicated to rosé and accounts for 38% of rose production in France nationwide — and 4% globally! In short, Provence is considered one of the top wine regions if you want to drink fantastic rosé, which we know you do.
While traveling with friends in Cannes, we booked an Airbnb experience guided by the wonderful Daria — I don’t get paid for shoutouts (or at all for travel writing by the way), the experience was just that great that I have to sing its praises — that took us to Commandery of Peyrassol and Château St-Roux wineries in Provence, France.
Below is all the information you’ll need to plan your own wine tasting journey in Provence complete with art, architecture, goats and more!
Peyrassol Winery: Where Art Meets Rosé Grapevines
Our day trip to Provence kicked off with an hour and 15 min private car from Cannes to the historic and architecturally stunning Commandery of Peyrassol. Founded in the 13th century by the Order of the Templars, the Commandery of Peyrassol boasts nearly 850 hectares (2100 acres) of oaks and olive trees that surround the centuries-old vineyard, Château Peyrassol, which includes nearly 100 hectares of certified organic vines.
Organic wines prohibit the use of fertilizers or chemicals and thus reduces sulphites which are classified among the 14 major allergens that can cause headaches, nausea and other health issues. Yay for fewer wine hangovers! In addition, organic winemaking encourages an agriculture that respects the environment in order to preserve soil fertility.
Owned by Philippe Austruy since 2001, Château Peyrassol produces delicious Côtes de Provence wines and the estate houses an exceptional collection of contemporary art. As we strolled throughout the gardens and winery, installations were all around us featuring art from the owner's private collection, loaned by galleries, and commissioned in situ by renowned artists like Daniel Buren (creator of the Observatory of Light for the Fondation Louis Vuitton Paris). The works at Peyrassol are truly worthy of the greatest museums.
After the guided tour of the gardens and art installations it’s everyone’s favorite part of the tour, WINE TASTING! We tasted five different wines, 2 rosé, 1 white and 2 reds of various years. Our group loved the Clos Peyrassol Rosé 2022 and purchased several bottles — some of which were opened on the car ride back to Cannes!
The Commandery of Peyrassol also has two restaurants highly rated as well as hotel accommodations on-site. We did not experience these, but if you have more than just a few hours at the winery, it’s highly recommended! Additionally, if you’re a bride/groom looking for a memorable destination wedding venue I’d look into this estate. The venue and the art create a beautiful surrounding for the celebration of amour.
All in all, the Commandery of Peyrassol is a mecca of art and wine. Definitely include this stop on your wine tasting tour of Provence!
Château St-Roux: A Step into a Fairytale Village
Picture the quaint, picturesque and romantic villages from your favorite Disney fairytales, and you're pretty close to the vibe at Château St-Roux. An historic farm dating from the 15th century, Château Saint-Roux is nestled inside a nature reserve and pays homage to its history with a working farm, a vegetable garden and rustic buildings that include a cheese cave, bakery, tasting room and restaurant.
The central square of the village includes intricate river rocks laid in the ground in a mesmerizing circular pattern surrounding a bean tree in the center. The owners used recycled materials from historic buildings to build the square and the adjoining buildings to maintain the look and style — and it’s executed brilliantly.
The local wine maker walked us through each of the 5 wines served and the best cheeses from their farm to pair with each wine (glad we had our guide to help translate since the winemaker spoke primarily in French). Spoiler alert: all the wines were delicious and their ash goat cheese was to die for! During our wine tasting, we were greeted by a pair of farm kittens who came looking for cuddles…and maybe a little nibbles of cheese.
A True Farm-to-Table Experience at La Table De Saint-Roux
The thoughtfully selected wines and the fresh goat cheese was just the beginning of our culinary journey at Château St-Roux. Our favorite part of the day was the delightful visit with the goats followed by lunch at the farm-to-table restaurant, La Table De Saint-Roux.
La Table is like sharing a home-made meal at the family dining table. It’s truly a special place with a menu that features seasonal ingredients from the on-site cheesemaker, bakery and the organic vegetable garden we had just toured and from surrounding farmers.
Our friends had a few allergies so the chef was kind enough to create a dish that was unique for the restaurant. All in all the food was absolutely delicious and being surrounded by the gorgeous village and vineyard while drinking bottles of rosé made the lunch even more wonderful.
The Château St-Roux does have a picnic area that we were unable to use due to the rain as well as an on-site hotel and hosts weddings too. This vineyard is a must for your trip to Provence and I can’t wait to go back.
Provence: Complain Less, Wine More with Rosé
The hour + commute to Provence from Cannes to reach these hidden gems might seem like a bit of a haul, but when the countryside is this beautiful, it's impossible not to be swept away. And the journey back? Well, let's just say it involved more wine than conversation, as we clinked glasses to the day's epic adventures.
In the end, our Airbnb experience in Provence was an enchanting, wine-filled day with friends who have become family and is a memory we'll treasure forever.
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