In the heart of Provence lies Luberon, a wine tourism destination brimming with rich vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. Home to a variety of indigenous grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, this region produces exquisite reds, rosés, and whites that reflect the terroir. Explore picturesque villages like Gordes and Ménerbes, and engage with local winemakers in regions like Côtes du Luberon and Vin de Pays. Experience the essence of Luberon through its wines and enchanting surroundings.
The esteemed sub-region of France - Luberon, has an array of wines known worldwide for their eminence and distinction. As you embark on your travels through the wine region of Luberon, you will have a chance to discover these remarkable wines. Exquisite red, rosé, and white wines are produced in the region from various grapes. Luberon’s quintessential style is set apart from the rest due to its soil types, the selection of grape varieties grown, and the specific production methods of winemakers in the area. These elements produce a style of wine found nowhere else in France or the world.
Find out more about Luberon wine tasting tours!
Luberon wine sub-region is situated in southeastern France, the Vaucluse department in the Provence region. It is on the border of the region of the Rhone and not very far from the Mediterranean Sea, which is 60 kilometres away. On the Luberon Wine map, you will see that its vineyards stretch around 3 300 hectares within 36 communes. The neighbouring wine appellations, also located in the region of Provence, are Coteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence, Ventoux, Côtes de Provence and Bandol.
Luberon has a long, rich history dating back to the Lagozza culture around 5000 years ago. It’s home to headstones carved into human figures, evidence that early farmers called this area home. A little later, it became the location of some of France’s premier vineyards. The Greeks introduced the wine itself. Still, viticulture boomed in Roman times, which is also attested by bas-relief depicting barrels and other vessels for holding wine found in Aigues, a commune nearby. Those vessels are now kept in the Calvet Museum in Avignon. The winemaking in Luberon was also prospering from the Middle Ages to the renaissance, and the landscapes of its vineyards have been the muse for many artists. Luberon has not stopped developing and producing premier quality wine during its entire existence, which resulted in attaining appellation status in 1988 under the name Côtes du Luberon. The name was changed later and became the Luberon appellation in 2009.
The climate in the Luberon wine region is Mediterranean, with a maritime influence; typically, long, warm days throughout the year are prevalent. Nevertheless, the area has a slightly colder night temperature than the rest of the region. It, therefore, has a higher diurnal temperature variation, which helps the grape develop a specific quality and wines become crispier. The vineyards sit at an altitude of between 200 and 450 metres; consequently, soils are diverse depending on the area and the height. They basically include clay, limestone, and Miocene sands in higher spots.
Luberon wine, formerly known as Cote du Luberon wine, can be red, white, or rosé; they are made of blended grape varietals with a minimum alcohol content of 11%. The list of authorized grape varieties is long. Still, the main ones for red wine are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, also Marselan, Cinsaut and Carignan and for white wine Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino. Luberon rosé includes a blend of both 80% red and 20% of white wine grapes. Luberon red wine has moderate tannins and flavours of strawberry, cranberry, and other black berries. At the same time, Luberon white wine is crispier and fresh with the aromas of honey and yellow and white fruits. Each Luberon wine goes well with diverse food and has a special place in local gastronomy.
Daube is a hearty Provençal lamb stew; the ingredients for daube include lamb shoulder or leg, thyme, onion, tomato paste, carrot, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorn and red wine. The meat and vegetables are simmered in a rich French wine sauce and spices, flavoured with garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, and cooked in a large pot on the stovetop until it becomes thick. This succulent dish is ideal for savouring with a glass of elegant Luberon red wine.
Soupe de poisson à la rouille is a French fish soup made with a rouille sauce. This sauce is made with red peppers, salt, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, saffron, and various herbs. This flavourful fish soup is often topped with Gruyère cheese to melt, and it is often enjoyed with crispy French Baguette dipped in it. Of course, this hearty, cheesy dish is incomplete without a glass of refreshing Luberon white wine.
As one of the most famous French dishes, ratatouille is a vegetable-based stew. It is usually cooked with courgettes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, parsley, tomatoes, and aubergine. Seasoned with various herbs, this juicy and loaded dish pairs excellently with Luberon wine.
The Luberon Natural Regional Park is a protected area in the southeastern part of France. It covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometres. The park is home to more than 200 species of plants, animals, and birds. The Luberon Natural Regional Park was established in 1977 and has been under UNESCO’s protection since 2010. The park is located between the Mediterranean Sea and Provence’s Alps mountain range at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level. The Luberon Natural Regional Park has a lot for visitors to disdcover who want to explore the area with its natural beauty and culture.
One of Provence’s most impressive cultural treasures is the ruins of Fort de Buoux, a beautiful historical landmark just 10 kilometres south of Apt and 8 kilometres east of Bonnieux. It is also known as Citadelle du Luberon, and its walls are made out of limestone blocks with an average thickness of 2 meters. Fort de Buoux is a popular tourist destination, especially for those who want to enjoy the scenery in the area. It is rocky and suitable for climbing.
The Art Gallery of Tapiezo is a contemporary art gallery located in the old town of Roussillon. The gallery has been working to promote contemporary art in the region. Still, in fact, the gallery has much more to offer art lovers, like new ways to discover different styles and visions in abstract paintings of contemporary art. As some visitors have mentioned, the gallery’s array of paintings and ambience have exceeded their expectations. Therefore, it is a real-must see on your way to the Luberon wine tour, and get this art experience to enjoy.
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