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Travel Guide to Provence Wine Region

Synonymous with good living, the Provence wine region encapsulates the essence of France. From the style and sophistication to the appreciation of unspoiled nature with famous lavender fields, love of art, true craftsmanship, and diversity of climate and landscape. Provence’s wine-growing and wine culture is a reflection of all of these passions and more. Moreover, the Provence wine region is famous for its lush vegetation, with distinctive aromas and flavors of lavender, thyme, and other culinary herbs. Check out wine tastings & tours in the Provence wine region to discover a long history of winemaking and enjoy their excellent rosé!

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lavender fields with vineyards, Provence wine region, France

Unique Wines of Provence Wine Region

Sun-drenched terroir of Provence, gives rise to an exquisite array of renowned and celebrated wines. From the delicate and renowned rosés to the robust reds and crisp whites, the Provence wine region is a treasure trove of diverse flavors and rich winemaking traditions.

The Passion for Rosé Wine

Rosé is not the only type of wine produced in Provence wine region, however, it is certainly the most common connection to the region. This passion for rosé, surprisingly, did not diminish over the centuries despite a catastrophic outbreak of disease at the end of the nineteenth century. The epidemic resulted in the total replanting of the region’s vineyards.

Today, the center for Rosé Research, unique in the world, is dedicated solely to supporting makers of rosé wines. It does this through testing and teaching new techniques intended to modernize production and guarantee quality. The wine producers are steeped in history and know-how. You will be surprised at the differences in flavours when tasting their wines.

Learn more about Provence wines from this article.

HISTORY BOX: The history of wine growing in the Provence wine region starts with the Greek traders who came from Phocaea and found what is now known as Marseilles. The traders brought with them their distinctive pale-coloured wines and started to plant the vines that produced them. Later, the Romans came with their own red varieties.

Common Grape Varieties in Provence Wine Region

Despite Provence’s devotion to rosé, the region is also home to some distinctive reds and whites without which the cellars of Provence would be the poorer.

Common grape varieties for reds and rosés: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre.

Main grapes for white wines: Clairette, Ugni-Blanc (Italian - Trebbiano), Rolle (Italian - Vermentino) and Semillon.

Where to stay in Provence

If you seek the vibrant pulse of the city, consider staying in urban hubs such as Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, offering a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary amenities. Alternatively, for an idyllic countryside retreat, explore quaint villages providing tranquil settings amid rolling vineyards and lavender fields.

Maison Du Collectionneur

Located a stone's throw from museums of the Mazarin district, the Maison du Collector opens an intimate and comfortable break in the heart of Aix en Provence.

Le Jas De Joucas

A 4-star hotel is located in the small and charming Provencal village of Joucas near Gordes, where you can get a superb view of the whole region.

Garlande Hotel Avignon Centre

Garlande Hotel is a charming estate that offers guests a unique experience in a 17th-century Provençal-style mansion in the heart of Avignon.

Hotel Des Augustins

Located in the Chapelle part of the Couvent des Grands Augustins, built in the 15th century, this hotel provides a stay in a listed historic monument in Aix en Provence.

Discover more places to stay in Provence.

Map of Provence Wine Appellations

Provence Wine Map

Sunny Appellations of Provence Wine Region

In comparison to the size of the region, there are just five appellations, three larger and two smaller where the grapes are grown. The latter two are no less significant, producing Cassis and Bandol.

Three main appellations produce almost all of Provence’s region’s Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) wines. However, the diversity of the landscapes and soils, as well as the microclimates in the Provence wine region creates distinctiveness of each and every sub-region.

Provence

Côtes de Provence 

Over the 20,000 hectares of vineyards, 123 million bottles are produced each year, 90% of which are rosé.

The Côtes de Provence is an area encompassing parts of the Var and Bouches de Rhone as well as a modest enclave in the Alpes Maritime department. Here, the warm, dry Mediterranean climate plays an important role. Within Côtes de Provence, five sub-appellations further exist, which guarantee further diversity of rosé wines.

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

Out of the 27 million bottles produced here from 10,000 acres of vineyards, 12% are reds, 83% are rosé and the rest are whites.

The Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation lies in the western part of Provence. It covers territory from the west of Rhone Valley to the Sainte Victoire Mountain and descends from the River Durance to the Mediterranean. Here the effect of the dry Mistral wind has the greatest influence. Indeed, the Mistral not only brings cold air as well as endless hours of sun.

Coteaux Varois en Provence

The third appellation of the Provence wine region, Coteaux Varois en Provence, has a more modest, 2,500 hectares of vines in the heart of the Var department. Approximately 16 million bottles originate from here annually. As in the other Provence appellations, rosés predominate here too. In fact, the climate here is milder and closer to the continental classification in contrast to the warmer Mediterranean regions.

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There are two other appellations in Provence that are small, yet at the same time, characterful.

Cassis is the home to full-bodied whites, typified by herby aromas. The appellation takes its title from the coastal village of the same name. Bellet is located in the area around Nice. Here, there’s an even split between whites, reds and rosés. Therefore, the wines of both appellations supply almost exclusively to the local market, which means a visit is essential to sample the best.

Learn More about Cities in Provence Wine Region

The name Provence derives from the Roman term Provincia Romana. Roman history permeates the region, providing some of the most spectacular tourist attractions on the coast. Meanwhile, in the hinterland, you will find breathtaking countryside with fields of lavender and golden sunflowers, have inspiring artists of all kinds.

Provence is one of the regions with the most beautiful cities in France. From High glamour to ancient history, the towns and cities of Provence have great diversity.

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Detail of colorful Provence village houses, Menton, France

France’s oldest city of Marseille

France’s second city is a melting pot of cultures thanks to its status as the country’s biggest port.

On the surface, Marseille is loud and exuberant. The iconic Notre Dame de Garde monument (the good luck symbol for Marseille's sailors), is an essential stop for tourists. Delving deeper into the quartiers, the quaint village-like communities that make up the larger city, however, will reveal a cornucopia of delights.

Marseille
The old sea-port of Marseille

If you’re looking for a more modern attraction, the Cité Radieuse, a unique apartment block designed by the architect Le Corbusier, is worth visiting. The Harbor of Marseille, with a lot of other monuments of the city, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

St Tropez - Hub for Luxury Life

Since the 1950s, St Tropez has been a magnet for the rich and famous.

St Tropez is a gem for the most luxurious yachts at the town’s marinas surrounded by 40 beaches. This is the place to be seen during the high season, but St Tropez isn’t just about topping up the tan. The town has long been popular with artists and there are several important galleries, among them including the Annonciade Museum with works by Braque, Matisse, and Dufy.

Avignon - History and Culture on the Rhône

Famous for the incomplete Saint-Bénézet Bridge, Avignon is a vibrant city of culture, history, art, and more. From traces of the Romans to renaissance-style townhouses, the old walls and symbols of La Belle Epoque and the history of Avignon is the history of France.

Indeed, after the bridge, the most visited attraction is the Popes’ Palace, also recognized by UNESCO.

Cultural festivals are the highlight of summer in Avignon: the city’s squares resound with music and the aromas of delicious local cuisine.

Arles - The Gateway to the Camargue

Perhaps one of France's most eclectic cities, Arles is famous for flamingos, art, and architecture.

The Romans left an impressive legacy: the breath-taking amphitheater, which could hold an audience of 21,000. They also left “The Baths of Constantine”, another very popular attraction in the city.

Consequently, Art lovers are drawn to Arles for its connection with Van Gogh and later Picasso. In fact, to this day, painters come to take advantage of the special light in this part of France.

For the nature lovers: 13,000 hectares of the Camargue Nature Reserve can be found nearby which is home to colonies of flamingos, the famous wild horses and numerous other types of flora and fauna.

Discover the finest Provence Wine Tour Guides and organize your unforgettable Guided Wine Tours in Provence.

Aromatics of Provence Gastronomy

Provence cuisine is characterized by locally grown vegetables, flavourful olive oil, seafood and aromatic herbs. The most famous regional dishes highlight these products.

Bouillabaisse

This traditional Provençal fish stew comes from Marseille. It was originally made by fishermen who wanted a way to use the bony fish that they found difficult to sell at the market. However, today, it’s made with all kinds of fish. One thing that all chefs tend to agree on, is that bouillabaisse starts with a good stock flavoured with fennel, and often Pastis - an aniseed-flavored spirit.

Ratatouille

Courgettes, peppers, and aubergines come together in a deep tomato sauce to make this vegetable stew. It is served warm alongside meat as the main course and occasionally cold as a starter. However, experts say it is important to cook each vegetable separately and then combine them at the end.

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Traditional Ratatouille recipe in Provence

Pistou soup

Don't confuse it with Italian Pesto because Pistou is a soup of summer vegetables. Indeed, it contains a spoon of “pistou” which you swirl into the soup before you eat it. With some crusty baguette and a glass of wine, this soup is Provence in a bowl.

Pissaladière

This savory tart, which has much in common with pizza and is a classic dish in the city of Nice. It is thicker than that of a traditional pizza. The traditional topping for a pissaladière is onions, black olives, and anchovies.

It’s usually a starter but in the past, it was breakfast food, sold on street stalls early in the morning.

Find out more about Provence Wine Region:

Frequently Asked Questions about Provence Wine Region

1. Where is the Provence wine region located?


The Provence wine region, or Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, is a region in the south of France. Bordering Italy to the east and sharing the Mediterranean Sea to the south with Monaco, Provence has an authentic terroir.

2. What are the most famous sub-regions and appellations in Provence?


There are nine main sub-regions in Provance which are also appellations (AOC). Côtes de Provence, the largest one, is responsible for about 75% of all wines produced in the whole region. Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, Coteaux Varois de Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Cassis, Bandol, Palette, Bellet, and Pierrevert are the other AOC in Provence.

3. What are the main grape varieties in Provence?

The main grapes on the Provence wine region are the whites Rolle (aka Vermentino), Clairette, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano), Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne. On the red side, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignan, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Counoise are the representatives.

4. What is the best wine to try in Provence?


When visiting the Provence wine region give a try to bold red Bandol Rouge. This wine offers, often, black cherry and blackberry notes, pairing graciously red meat or game trophies.

5. What wine is Provence known for?

The Provence wine region is mostly known for the Côtes de Provence Rosé wines. These wines are a highlight of the region, developing incredible flavors when aged in oak barrels.

Discover Provence With Local Wine Guides

Check out our local wine tour guides with their wine tour offers to have everything organized when visiting the Provence wine region.

Displaying 1-8 of 8 local wine guides

Laurent

Laurent

You will be able to go on an excursion with me from Marseille for half a day or a day according...

€95.00
Christopher & Laurent

Christopher & Laurent

OohProvence is for people in search of inspirational private tours & custom-made travel...

€435.00
Julia

Julia

Offers tours in:
Bellet, Provence, France

My knowledge comes from academic courses, constant self-education, numerous field trips and...

€41.00
Rémi

Rémi

We're are a team of expert sommelier WSET 3 approuved We organize, drive and guide the clients...

€900.00
Smartour Riviera

Smartour Riviera

Available for you on our team, we are your trusted allies to discover the treasures of southern...

€430.00
Bourdareau

Bourdareau

Offers tours in:
Provence, France

Travel in a luxurious and fully equipped vehicle : tablets with videos, internet access, snacks

€280.00
La Belle Echappee

La Belle Echappee

We offer visits and tastings on the vineyards of our beautiful Provence aboard our vintage...

€419.00
Vanessa

Vanessa

Hello, my name is Vanessa and I created my company "Une Escapade en Provence" which organizes...

€29.00

Map of Wineries in Provence

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Subregions in Provence

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