There are certain wine regions around the world that are closely associated with high-end, luxury wine tourism. The Rhône experience is altogether more authentic and down-to-earth. Rather than being served by sommeliers or greeted by cellar door staff, here you’ll more likely be greeted by a member of the winemaker’s family – or the winemaker themselves. Not just seasonal employees, but real people that have lived there all their lives; incredible sources of knowledge – not just of wine – but local cuisine, spots for a picnic, walking routes, wildlife… you name it. So for smaller wineries in the Rhône, it’s best to call in advance – English is usually fine if you don’t speak French.
Below are some suggestions that make excellent wines and offer an experience that’s a cut above the average. But there are literally hundreds of wineries that will be happy to receive you throughout the Rhône Valley. If you’re passing a property with a sign that says ‘Degustation – vente’ (tasting and sales) – try your luck!
Entries in each section of the guide are listed roughly north to south. Visiting details were correct at the time of publication but it’s always worth contacting wineries in advance to ensure there are no unexpected changes to their routine. See our full list below of the best Rhône Valley winery tours and tasting experiences.
At a glance: 29 of the best Rhône Valley wineries for tours and tastings
- Guigal
- Domaine Barge
- Domaine Niero
- Cave Yves Cuilleron
- Domaine Laurent Fayolle
- Chapoutier
- Delas
- Domaine Melody
- Domaine Alain Voge
- Domaine Rémy Nodin
- Domaine Peylong
- Domaine Saladin
- Domaine Vallot
- Domaine la Cabotte
- Domaine des Escaravailles
- Domaine Alary
- La Ferme Saint Martin
- Moulin de la Gardette
- Domaine des Bosquets
- Domaine la Monardière
- Château Pesquié
- Domaine de Cristia
- Domaine Durieu
- Domaine de Beaurenard
- Château la Nerthe
- Château de Manissy
- Domaine de la Mordorée
- Château la Verrerie
- Château de Nages
29 of the best wineries to visit in the Rhône Valley
Northern Rhône
Guigal
Ampuis
No family has had such an impact on the wines of modern Côte-Rôtie as the Guigals. Today they are one of the biggest players in the Rhône Valley, with further properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel. Close to their headquarters in Ampuis is Le Caveau du Château, a grand, 19th century home that has been beautifully renovated to receive visitors. Here they offer various themed tasting, including workshops around food and wine matching. You can also organise visits to their vineyards or cellar – both of which are spectacular. They also have a winemaking museum and a sizeable garden that children can explore while you sip a sample of La Turque in the sunshine. It’s possible to drop in without an appointment, but for more in-depth guided tastings and visits it’s better to reserve a place on their website.
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Domaine Barge
Ampuis
Julien Barge took over the family estate in 2019 and he’s proving to be one of the most dynamic and inquisitive winemakers in the region. The Barge family have lived on the same street in Ampuis for 200 years, and it’s easy to access on foot from the village. There, you can taste his Saint-Joseph, Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie. Thanks to his innovation in the vineyards, his wines have a lovely sense of finesse and delicacy, but can be remarkably long lived, too. To book a visit, call + 33 (0)4 74 56 10 80 or email contact@domainebarge.com.
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Domaine Niero
Condrieu
Rémi Niero is the third generation in his family to make wine in Condrieu, and today their estate is unquestionably one of the leading producers of this mind-bendingly luxurious white wine. Two major projects are currently coming to fruition – in 2026, they should receive organic certification (a three-year process), and they are also due to open their new tasting room. Here, you’ll be able to sample their wines (they also make Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage) and order some local snacks at the same time. It’s in the old office de tourisme on the main road, and in keeping with the spirit of the old building, they’ll be happy to point you in the direction of the best places to eat, stay and explore in the village and further afield. To book in advance, call +33 (0)4 74 56 86 99 or email contact@vins-niero.com.
Chapoutier
Tain l’Hermitage
Even before Tain l’Hermitage saw many tourists, Chapoutier – famous for the quality of its stellar Hermitage wines – had a permanent cellar door open to visitors. It’s always busy, and is now open every day of the week – even on Sundays (rare for France!) As wine tourism has warmed up in this part of the Rhône, so has Chapoutier’s offering. Today, they have a hotel called Fac et Spera that includes a wine bar and restaurant, not to mention a small gîte, La Tour du Pavillon in the vineyards of Hermitage itself. You can book tastings at the boutique across different themes, ranging from €39 per person up to €130 per person for their top vineyards. They even hire out e-bikes.
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Cave Yves Cuilleron
Chavanay
Yves Cuilleron, based in Chavanay at the northern pole of the Northern Rhône, is one of the most important winemakers of his generation. He’s the third generation of winegrower in his family, and took over the estate in 1987 – which at the time amounted to just 3.5ha. Today, he produces over 400,000 bottles per year from 75ha hectares. Though he makes wine across six main appellations from Côte-Rôtie down to Saint-Péray, he’s best known for his various Condrieu bottlings, which are reliably brilliant. To organise a visit and tasting, visit their website.
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Domaine Laurent Fayolle
Gervans
The village of Gervans, north of Hermitage, is surrounded by a small enclave of granite that makes for particularly elegant wines. Domaine Laurent Fayolle is one of the several excellent Rhône wineries to be found here, and he makes some of the best wines in Crozes-Hermitage. He produces several different whites and reds, starting with the entry-level Sens, to Les Pontaix (made of 40-year-old vines) up to his Clos les Cornirets (from 60-year-old vines). He also bottles small quantities of red and white Hermitage too, and a very fine Saint-Péray. Winery visits and tastings are welcome, but must be booked in advance on +33 (0)4 75 03 33 74; the price varies depending on the wines tasted, but it’s typically between €15 to €20 euros per person.
Delas
Tain l’Hermitage
The large merchant house of Delas was somewhat in the doldrums before being bought by the Champagne Louis Roederer group in 1997. Since then, every part of the business has been bolstered to reclaim its place in the Rhône premier league. A major part of this was constructing a new winery in the heart of Tain l’Hermitage, which is among the most architecturally impressive in the region. You can see for yourself with a tour of their new facility, along with a tasting of their wines. There are various options, depending on the wines you want to try, ranging from €40 to €65 per person. There is no on-site restaurant, but resident chefs can organise a personalised lunch if desired (needs to be booked in advance). To arrange a visit, email contact@delas.com.
Domaine Melody
Mercurol
Marc and Marlène Romak are among the most dynamic of the new generation of winemakers in Crozes-Hermitage. Focussed on quality, they have vineyards in some of the region’s best villages, they only pick by hand, and they work organically. Visits and tastings are free, but it’s worth booking in advance: contact@domainemelody.fr. They also have limited quantities of older vintages available for sale at the domaine and a play area to keep younger visitors happy while you taste.
Domaine Alain Voge
Cornas
Let’s be honest; the village of Cornas doesn’t thrum with attractions. It doesn’t even have a restaurant (though there is a bakery if you need a snack). But from the main street you can see the legendary hillside that rises up abruptly beyond the houses, which gives birth to some of the most captivating and powerful reds in the Northern Rhône. Park in the main car park and make your way to Domaine Alain Voge to taste some great examples. Alain was a pioneering winemaker before he passed away, and the winery and barrel rooms are still underneath the family home. They’re also celebrated for the quality of their white Saint-Péray. Visits can be organised by email contact@alain-voge.com.
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Domaine Rémy Nodin
Saint-Péray
Easily located in the pretty village of Saint-Péray, Rémy Nodin is a passionate young winemaker who knows the region inside-out. Along with still wines, he also makes delicious sparkling Saint-Péray – once prized, but now almost forgotten. You can pop in for a tasting of their wines for a modest fee on Fridays and Saturdays. Even better, add a tour of their winery or vineyards with a series of matching dishes to enjoy alongside. To book in advance, call +33 (0)4 75 40 35 90. There are good options nearby for lunch or dinner (Auberge de Crussol, Aux Coeurs Fidèles) and an independent wine shop (Les Crus d’Sol). A day in Saint-Péray can be an appealing option.
Southern Rhône
Domaine Peylong
Suze
The Drôme Valley makes a refreshing contrast to the rest of the Rhône Valley – dramatic, green and, mountainous. They do things a little differently here – most of their output is sparkling, and they grow lots of varieties that aren’t found elsewhere in the region. At under 4ha, the organic Domaine Peylong might be a small estate but they grow 13 different varieties and make some intriguingly original wines that offer extraordinary value for money. The cellar door and garden is open every day from Monday to Saturday, 5pm to 7pm for a free tasting. If you book in advance, they also offer guided tours around the vineyards, pizza and pétanque, or larger meals made from local products – see their website for details or call +44 (0)6 02 50 83 64.
peylong.com
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Domaine Vallot
Vinsobres
Vinsobres feels a little wilder and more wooded than some of the better-known Rhône appellations. There are lots of Rhône wineries in this region that are worth visiting however, such as the biodynamic Domaine Vallot, who has been working according to the phases of the moon since 2007. The estate is now in the hands of Anaïs Vallot, and her wines have great intensity and verve. She offers free tastings from Monday to Saturday; even better, book in advance to order a platter of local goat cheeses, olives and dark chocolate to accompany your wines. Winery tours are available for groups. To book, call Anaïs on +33 (0)4 75 26 03 24 or email her at anais@domainevallot.com.
Domaine la Cabotte
Mondragon
There’s a huge wooded hill to the north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape called the Massif d’Uchaux – it’s one of the 21 Côtes-du-Rhône Named Villages, and undoubtedly one of the best. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of it, you’re not the only one; but thanks to its discreet nature, it’s home to plenty of wines which punch well above their price tag. Take the wonderfully fresh wines of biodynamic Domaine la Cabotte, for example. It was originally the holiday home of Gabriel d’Ardhuy, owner of Domaine d’Ardhuy in Burgundy. Given the potential of the vineyards that came with the house, he was joined by one of his seven daughters, Marie-Pierre, and together they developed the estate. Her husband Eric Plumet arrived in the late 1980s, and since 2016 they have worked together with their son Etienne. You can drop in for a free tasting without an appointment. For a tour of the estate and winery, and a more detailed introduction to their approach, book in advance on +33 (0)4 90 40 60 29, or email domaine@cabotte.com. It’s not the easiest estate to find, but it might just be your most memorable visit.
Domaine Saladin
Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche
The Saladin family have run their farm in the village of Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche for 21 generations, and they have always worked organically. If you find yourself in this corner of the Southern Rhône, it’s one of those wineries that is the perfect place to stock up. The estate is currently in the hands of friendly sisters Élisabeth and Marie-Laurence, who make Natural wines of great charm, precision and immense drinkability. The cellar door is open Monday to Friday; on weekends it’s advisable to call in advance on +33 (0)4 75 04 63 20.
Domaine des Escaravailles
Rasteau
Escaravay is the word for beetle in the local dialect. It’s the nickname that the inhabitants of Rasteau used to use for the Black Penitents, monks of Avignon that owned this estate in the 17th century. The Ferran family purchased it in 1964, and it’s now in the hands of third-generation Madeline Ferran, who makes brilliant Rasteau of serious depth and concentration. You can drop in to their cellar door at the estate for a free tasting, it’s open all year round, Monday to Saturday. They also have a boutique in Vaison-la-Romaine called Jas Laurine, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday, May to September. In summer 2026, they plan to open a 2km path around their estate with views across the valley – feel free to take a picnic!
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Domaine Alary
Cairanne
On the wall of their cellar door, the Alarys have a family tree dating back to 1692. That’s the length of their winemaking roots – which in part explains why their wines are such faithful expressions of Cairanne: they are among the best in the village, year in, year out. All are worth tasting, but their Cairanne ‘Estevenas’, made of Grenache and a large dollop of old-vine Syrah, is particularly special – it crackles with black olive, mocha and cardamom aromas, making for one of the most distinctive reds in the appellation. Their whites are no less thrilling. Their cellar door is open from May to November (otherwise by appointment only); you can call in advance on +33 (0)4 90 30 82 32 or enquire via their website.
La Ferme Saint Martin
Suzette
To visit La Ferme Saint Martin, take a drive from the village of Beaumes de Venise up into the mountains beyond. Keep going; keep going a bit further… and you’ll eventually be rewarded with one of the most incredible views the region has to offer. Some beautiful wines too; Thomas and Sophie Jullien make Natural wines of wonderful clarity, freshness and drinkability. They offer plenty of entertainment at the winery, from simple tours and tastings, to concerts and dinners, food and wine matching sessions, blending workshops… even massage and tasting under hypnosis! For more details and to book, visit their website.
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Moulin de la Gardette
Gigondas
The name Gigondas is thought to come from the Roman word ‘jocunditas’, meaning great pleasure or enjoyment – which is exactly what the village has in store for you. It’s partly thanks to the beauty of the settlement and its surrounding countryside, and also thanks to the quality of the wines – and those of biodynamic Moulin de la Gardette are among the very best. Jean-Baptiste Meunier has recently been joined by his daughter Zoë and together they make three different Gigondas cuvées from their 25 plots of vines, all of which are delicious. They have a lightness of touch and spellbinding perfume that make for a particularly distinctive style. The Meunier’s have a boutique in the Gigondas village square which is open for tasting and sales (closed Sundays); visits to the vineyard can be organised with advance notice by contacting moulingardette@wanadoo.fr. One of the finest wineries to visit on your trip to the Rhône.
Domaine des Bosquets
Gigondas
This estate has a winegrowing history dating back to 1376, but Julien Brechet’s wines feel distinctly modern. He doesn’t always play by the rules, and thank goodness for that – his wines have huge impact, vibrancy and an undeniable wow-factor, often working on a ‘single variety, single vineyard’ philosophy which is unusual for the appellation. The cellar door is open Monday to Friday during the low season, Monday to Saturday during high season, where you can taste a range of their wines for free. Booking in advance is recommended, and essential for tours or visits; call +33 (0)4 90 65 80 45 or email caveau@domainedesbosquets.com.
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Domaine la Monardière
Vacqueyras
Not many Rhône Crus make wines in all three colours; it’s even more unusual to find an estate that excels at all three. Domaine la Monardière is one of them. Damien Vache took over the family estate in 2007, the same year that they gained organic certification. He now makes wines of wonderful freshness and vitality from 15 different varieties. Their bright cellar door is open from Monday to Friday from November to March, then Monday to Saturday from April to September. They don’t charge for informal tastings for groups of less than six people. For a more in-depth tasting of five wines and a tour of the winery, you need to book in advance at info@monardiere.fr or call +33 (0)4 90 65 87 20.
Château Pesquié
Mormoiron
Those intrepid enough to explore Mont Ventoux and its surrounds will be richly rewarded – rugged, unspoilt terrain, fabulous views and some excellent wines that offer surprising value for money. One of the first private estates to set up here was Château Pesquié, established by the Chaudière family in 1990. Now run by brothers Alex and Frédéric, the 100ha estate offers a host of activities. Drop in for a free tasting without a reservation any day of the week (closed on Sundays between October and Easter). They also offer self-guided walks around the estate with audio and video snippets from the owners (€5); order in advance and you can add a generous picnic for €25 per person. Or go for the full guided tour with extended tasting for €20 per person. They put on various events throughout the year: concerts, truffle dinners, their famous White Party in July… For enquiries, email reception@chateaupesquie.com; you can book via their website.
Domaine de Cristia
Courthézon
The Châteauneufs of Domaine de Cristia often come out at the top of blind tastings thanks to their combination of power and finesse. Owner Baptiste Grangeon owns vineyards across a range of other appellations that makes for an interesting comparison – and don’t miss his two ‘Chapelle Saint Théodoric’ Châteauneufs that are fast gaining cult status. Drop in for a tasting (€8 per person, deductible against a purchase), or book a more in-depth visit with optional snacks or picnic from €29 to €75. They also have a modern guest house with five independent rooms to rent in the vines near Courthézon, and can offer homemade breakfasts and packed lunches on request. To book or enquire, call +33 (0) 4 90 70 24 09, or email contact@cristia.com for tastings, reservation@cristia.com for rooms.
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Domaine Durieu
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
A young, up-and-coming estate in the heart of the village, Domaine Durieu was established in 1976 by Paul Durieu and is now run by his sons Vincent and François. The wines here seem to get better every year, displaying a polished and velvety style. They offer a range of different tasting experiences ranging from €25 per person for an introduction to wine tasting, up to €65 for half-day tours and tastings or food and wine matching workshops. In 2026, their winery is due to finish its renovation and they’ll be offering additional attractions, including the return of their much-loved pop-up restaurant. In previous years it has been one of the most exciting places to eat and drink around Châteauneuf, so its return will be most welcome. To book, email oenotourisme@domainedurieu.com
Domaine de Beaurenard
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a big name in the world of wine, but many of its estates aren’t geared up to receive tourists. Domaine de Beaurenard however is happy to have visitors all year round – which is particularly good news given that its wines are among the best in the appellation. The Coulon family are a friendly and welcoming bunch, and you can learn a lot here – they use all the 18 permitted grape varieties, so they can tell you about all of them. They farm biodynamically, and are happy to explain the more esoteric aspects – like burying cow horns filled with dung… Additionally, they are particularly adept at making rare white Châteauneuf. The tasting room is open during the week with or without a booking. During the weekend, they don’t even close for lunch. Visits to the cellars and their winemaking museum are available by request, but must be booked in advance via their website.
Château la Nerthe
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
If you don’t have long to explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then a visit to Château la Nerthe is a good option for several reasons. With roots going back to 1560, it’s one of the oldest and most historically important wineries in the Rhône. It’s also one of the most picturesque estates in Châteauneuf, consisting of a large mansion house in wooded parkland. Crucially though, the wines are excellent – they have 100ha of excellent holdings in some very desirable parts of the appellation. Unusually, their whites are just as good as their reds. Informal tastings are available in the estate shop without an appointment seven days a week from May to September; closed on Sundays outside this period. More in-depth tastings and visits are recommended however, ranging from €25 to €100 per person. To book, call +33 (0)4 90 83 59 04 or email visit@chateaulanerthe.fr.
Château de Manissy
Tavel
An ancient estate based just outside Tavel, Château de Manissy dates to the 17th century. After the First World War, it was bequeathed to a group of monks, who still live in the grounds today. As the Brothers grew older, they decided to find a someone to take over the estate, and in 2003 they chose Florian André, a seventh-generation local winemaker. Since his arrival, he has converted the entire 60ha estate firstly organic, then biodynamic. They make elegant wines across various appellations, but don’t miss their Tavel Tête de Cuvée. Tastings are free; for visits (€10 per person) or workshops (€20 to €35), call in advance on +33 (0)4 66 82 86 94 or contact them via their website. Closed on Sundays.
Domaine de la Mordorée
Tavel
Founded as recently as 1986, Domaine de la Mordorée has rapidly established itself as a leading player in Tavel, Lirac and Châteauneuf-du-Pape thanks to it’s powerful, expressive and vibrant wines. Based in the village of Tavel, the estate is now managed by third generation Ambre Delorme, who has recently converted the estate biodynamic. Free tasting at their cellar door, no appointment necessary. Open Monday to Friday, open Saturdays during high season, closed Sundays. Private tastings in their tasting room and vineyards tours are available by appointment. To book, call +33 (0)4 66 50 00 75 or email info@domaine-mordoree.com.
Château la Verrerie
Puget
If you’re visiting the Southern Rhône, it’s well worth dipping a toe in the Luberon – you could stay for a week and not get bored in this achingly picturesque part of France. Puget is an easy drive that’s less than an hour from Avignon, and is surrounded by pretty villages. It’s also home to Château la Verrerie, one of the first private estates to be established in the Luberon, in 1981. They make bold, sun-drenched wines and offer various of wine-related activities on their 56ha organic domaine. There are various types of tours and tastings available, and you can also order a well-stocked Provençal picnic basket for your visit. To book, call +33 (0)4 90 08 97 97 or email boutique@chateau-la-verrerie.fr.
Château de Nages
Caissargues
The area around Nîmes and the Camargue, the coastal Regional Nature Park just south of Arles, makes for a great day trip while you’re exploring the Southern Rhône – it has a unique, dreamy coastal vibe. Drop into Château de Nages while you’re there, a leading proponent of regenerative agriculture. They have a 2km self-guided trail around the property that explains their philosophy and practice. Other free activities include tasting their wines, visiting their aromatic garden, and various games for young children. Of the many wineries available to visit in the Rhône, this one is perfect for families. They also offer VIP tastings by reservation on a variety of themes: blind tastings, an introduction to Rhône Valley grape varieties, vertical tastings, blending workshops, and more. Each includes food pairings and ranges from €20 to €40 per person. For info on the events throughout the year, visit their website. For groups and private tastings, book in advance at info@chateaudenages.com or by phone at +33 (0)4 66 38 44 33.
