Located in the northwest of the French department of Bouches-du-Rhône, the Alpilles massif is a mountain range whose main characteristic is its low altitude (its highest point is 496 meters) and its typical landscape of white limestone rocks. In addition to its mountains, the region is renowned for its estates and vineyards that produce a protected geographical indication (PGI) country wine, from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Alpilles.
Do you love wine and want to learn more about unique expertise? Then read this article and prepare for your next gastronomic, wine, and tasting visit to the Alpilles.
The Main Estates and Vineyards of the Region
Alpilles country wine today encompasses and labels approximately 6,000 hectares per year, with a yield of 90 hectoliters per hectare, a figure that represents a multitude of estates and vineyards. To better understand Alpilles wines, here is a selection of the region’s main estates:
- Château Romanin in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Thanks to its natural assets, biodynamic cultivation, and high-end equipment, Château Romanin offers typically Provençal grape varieties and authentic expertise that allows the wines produced to express characteristic terroir flavors. For wine lovers, it is possible to book a guided tour and a tasting in advance – a great introduction to Alpilles wine!
- Domaine Dalmeran in Saint-Étienne-du-Grès: Château Dalmeran stands amidst a magical landscape, where vines stretch as far as the eye can see: the Estate is one of the most beautiful gardens in Les Baux-de-Provence, perfectly integrated with the vineyard within the protected site of the Alpilles Natural Park. In addition to its panoramic views, the estate offers environmentally friendly and organic wines, in limited quantities, to provide high-quality bottles: a limited edition white, a gastronomic rosé, and reds with smooth tannins are the wines you will encounter during your visit.
- Château d’Estoublon in Fontvieille: Located in the heart of the Alpilles massif since 1489, Château d’Estoublon is one of the great estates of the Baux-de-Provence appellation. Its Boutique, open all year round, offers, in addition to delicate wines, olive oils and gourmet specialties typical of the region. By tasting in this renowned wine destination, you can admire the olive groves and the unique features that make Château d’Estoublon famous.
- Mas de la Dame in Les Baux-de-Provence: Located on the southern slope of the Alpilles, at the foot of the mythical village of Les Baux-de-Provence, Mas de la Dame extends over 300 hectares, including 57 hectares of vines and 28 hectares of olive trees. Here you will discover organic wines, tastings, a picnic area, and a most surprising cuvée.
- Domaine du Grand Lansac in Tarascon: Domaine du Grand Mas de Lansac is a wine and cereal farm, a surprising mix, coupled with a particular climate and geology, which produces a unique wine, combining finesse and aromatic intensity. By walking through their vineyard, you will have the opportunity to chat with the producers, and even visit the estate’s cellars.
To learn more about other estates and winemakers, you can inquire based on your accommodation; it’s a great way to get to know the locals of the Alpilles!
Alpilles Red, White, and Rosé Wines
Alpilles wines offer very different grape varieties from each other, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, etc., for vines that will offer flavors depending on the soil and climate. That being said, we can still paint a picture for this country wine: most of them benefit from a temperate Mediterranean climate, with a slight influence of the mistral wind, which is produced, to the north, on a stony plateau limited by the Durance river, and, to the south, by the Alpilles massif.
In terms of production, there are approximately 6,000 hectares per year, and red wines are produced in the majority: they represent 78% of the production, rosés 19%, and whites 3%. Regarding the style of the wines, for this PGI appellation, they are described as light on the palate, with fruity aromas.
Wine Events and Festivals in the Alpilles
If you plan to visit the Alpilles, and more generally Provence, to taste wine, you should inquire about upcoming wine events and festivals; for example, The Wine and Art Craft Festival in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the ideal opportunity to stock up your cellar: during the last weekend of July, producers and winemakers from the region, as well as from all over France, set up in the city center streets to introduce the public to unique wines and delicacies. Another festival that took place in September was
Oenological Experiences and Guided Tours
As mentioned previously, it is possible to participate in tastings at most estates and vineyards to sample the Alpilles wines produced there, to experience and analyze them before purchasing. Sometimes, vineyard visits are essential to form an opinion on a particular wine, so we advise you to inquire about estates near your accommodation if you plan to leave with some Alpilles wines.
Most of the time, these tastings take place after the harvests at the various estates, or during specific and/or regional events. So, stay tuned for upcoming events if you wish to taste and sample Alpilles wines.
Some Tips for Wine Lovers
If you are convinced by the Alpilles estates and vineyards and want to taste the local wines, here are some useful tips:
- First, choose estates based on your preferences and location, and prioritize local producers and winemakers.
- Next, once there, don’t get too caught up in the technical or oenological aspects during the tasting! While it’s important to have some reference points, the main thing is to listen to your emotions.
- Finally, drink responsibly! No need to drink excessively to choose the wine that suits you!
Come Taste Alpilles Wine With Us
Want to train in oenology, complete your collection of regional wines, or just enjoy a stay in the Alpilles? Don’t hesitate any longer and head to a region that promises relaxing holidays! In addition to wine, breathtaking panoramas will enchant you!
Do you wish to visit the Alpilles? Then click here, choose your dream accommodation, and let us take care of the rest!