Beaumes de Venise WIne Region Guide

Beaumes-de-Venise is a Rhone appellation in the south of France. That is a location where they make their distinctive wine according to their own set of criteria. There are just a few towns with their appellation in the Southern Rhone. The word "beaumes" comes from the Provencal word "bauma", meaning "cave". There are many such caves in the surrounding hills that were inhabited during the Iron Age.

The village gives its name to the sweet wine named Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. It also gives its name to a dry red wine, formerly Côtes du Rhone Villages Beaumes-de-Venise, now AOC Beaumes-de-Venise.

What is special to discover about  Beaumes-de-Venise? We say olive groves, grapes, sustainable agriculture, apricots, and of course, amazing wines and wine tastings! 

Check out wine tastings and tours in Beaumes-de-Venise!

Where is the Beaumes-de-Venise  Wine Region?

Beaumes-de-Venise is located on the "wine trail" (la route des vins) in the Vaucluse department in the Provence region, in southeastern France, 26 kilometers from Avignon, the capital of the department. Located at the foot of Montmirail Mountain, well protected from the Mistral, crossed by the La Salette River, and surrounded by vineyards. The village of Beaumes de Venise is pretty popular in summer and appreciated in winter for its mild climate. 

Unique Terroir of Beaumes-de-Venise Appellation

Beaumes-de-Venise is located in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail and their jagged peaks of Jurassic limestone, a terroir composed of three types of soil. Beaumes-de-Venise soil is the most notable of which is the rocky outcrop known as Le Trias, remarkable soils that create a particularly specific sort of wine.

Mediterranean seashores have an impact on the climate of Beaumes-de-Venise. The Dentelles de Montmirail buffer the area from the Mistral wind, therefore temperatures are high.

History of Beaumes-de-Venise AOC

Beaumes-de-Venise has been producing wines since antiquity. Much of the vineyard was destroyed by phylloxera in the late 1800s, but it was recovered in the early 1900s and is currently thriving. Beaumes-de-Venise joined the Côtes du Rhône production area in 1957; in 1978, the wines were accorded Côtes du Rhône Villages Beaumes-de-Venise designation, and on June 9, 2005, Beaumes-de-Venise red wine officially became a distinct Côtes du Rhône Cru.

What is Beaumes-de-Venise Wine?

Beaumes-de-Venise received AOC designation in 2005 for its high-quality, full-bodied, rich, aromatic red wines. These wines have a complex and expressive scent of roasted red fruits (cherry, blueberry, black currant) with spices and licorice.

This region is more known, though, for its sweet, fortified muscats, which have their own AOC, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is surprisingly gentle and refreshing, despite its minimal alcohol content of 15%, low acidity, and high sweetness, with a beautiful flowery scent and delicate, pale golden grapefruits. It is made exclusively from the best variety, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, by adding pure grape alcohol to the wort when it reaches 5% ABV. It should be enjoyed as quickly as possible, slightly chilled, as an aperitif, with dessert, or after dinner (where it goes well with ice cream).

Beaumes-de-Venise red wines are soft yet have a decent structure, so they take a few years to mature. Beaumes-de-Venise grapes for the red wines are at least 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest from various kinds, up to 5% of which may be white.

Beaume-de-Venise also produces white and rosé wines, however they are categorized as Côtes du Rhône.

Food to Pair With Beaumes-de-Venise Wine

Pan-fried Foie Gras with Red wine

Foie gras is considered a delicacy. It is produced from the liver of a fattened, overfed duck or goose. The meal results in a rich, buttery delicacy that tastes like meat and melts on your tongue. Finding the ideal wine might be challenging due to the peculiar flavour and texture of foie gras. But here is the answer—moderately dry, with mild tannins and spicy aromas red wines of Beaumes-de-Venise are something that goes beautifully with pan-fried foie gras. 

Profiterole with Ice Cream In Pair With Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

Profiteroles – airy, light and classy pastry puffs filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with peppermint. A gorgeous and lovely holiday dessert.  Classic profiteroles, commonly known as profiteroles au chocolat, are a choux pastry-based French dessert. They come in thin, crispy shells that are stuffed with ice cream and covered in chocolate sauce. Yummy!

Places To Visit in Beaumes-de-Venise

A Tiny, But Gorgeous Town of Beaumes-de-Venise 

Walking through several beautiful flower-lined streets and alleys of Beaumes-de-Venise town, you will climb a short staircase and discover beautiful old houses with some beautifully restored doors. Then you can continue on to the ruins of a 12th-century feudal castle at the highest point of the village.

On the other side of the village, on the road to Vacqueyras, is the chapel of Notre-Dame d'Аubune, whose bell tower is a fine example of Romanesque art of the 9th century, and its monastery is listed as a historical monument. 

 Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Aubune

The Notre-Dame d'Aubune chapel, a true masterpiece of Romanesque art, originates from the 12th century, and its bell tower is a historical landmark. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built to commemorate the Franks' victory over the Saracens. There is a lovely medieval garden where you can immerse yourself in the Middle Ages.

Prehistoric caverns (or baumes) Ambrosi and Rocalinaud, which give the hamlet its name, can also be visited. They have long been used as a shelter by many families since they are built on a hill.

Check out the best wineries in Beaumes de Venise!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beaumes-de-Venise