RUSTIC TRAILS HOLIDAYS - Trip Notes - Rhone Wine Tour

Highlights

-Four days as a small group, touring superb wine estates of the Rhone Valley, led by French and English speaking wine expert.
-Meet the winemakers, discover their wines.
-Wine tastings including Hermitage, Cote Rotie, Chateauneuf du Pape and many more.
-Luxurious accommodation in a beautiful setting with private swimming pool.
-Delicious home cooked cuisine, served with a selection of superb Rhone wines.

Introduction

The Cotes du Rhone wine region is one of the largest in France, and extends over 200km along the right and left banks of the Rhone river. Some 6,000 estates cultivating over 75,000 hectares of vines produce in excess of 400 million bottles of wine each year. The region is divided into two sub regions, the north and the south. The northern part is geographically just outside the climatic influence of the Mediterranean, and is characterised by cold to very cold winters and hot, dry summers. The southern part has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. There are also distinct differences in soils types, exposure to the mistral wind, and landscape.

Only four grape varieties are permitted in the northern Rhone; Syrah (Shiraz), is the only red grape, the whites are Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Some of the greatest wines in the world are created here, among them Hermitage, Condrieu and Cote-Rotie.

Over twenty different grape varieties are permitted in the southern Rhone, and wines created from blends are the norm. The main red varieties are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault. The main whites are Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Chateauneuf du Pape is the most famous wine from the southern Rhone, but there are many other stars, and we discuss them below.

Itinerary (this is a typical itinerary and may differ slightly from the actual)

Day 1.
Transfers from Lyon and Valence, arrive in Saillans in time for a relaxed evening meal, introductions and a short briefing.

Day 2, day 3.
After quite an early breakfast, we meet your guide and briefly discuss the day ahead. Travelling by minibus south, we spend each of these days visiting estates and sampling their wares, including some big reds and whites from Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau and Vinsobres, and we also sample superb dessert wines from Beaumes de Venise. Along the way, we'll come across 100 year old vines giving tiny yields, and we'll meet fourth generation owners/winemakers, and learn about their craft. Lunch is either taken at a nice local French bistro, or is a buffet style picnic al fresco using local produce. Return at the end of the day to La Maison Rose for a swim, drinks and a delicious four course meal.

Day 4.
Another early start, heading north to visit estates and enjoy some fine examples from Cote-Rotie, Condrieu, St. Joseph, St. Peray and Cornas. We taste Syrah and Viognier at their dazzling best and discover a lesser known but superb Marsanne / Roussanne blend. Lunch is either taken at a nice local French bistro, or is a buffet style picnic al fresco using local produce. Return at the end of the day to La Maison Rose for a swim, drinks and a delicious four course meal.

Day 5.
For the last day's touring, we head north for a second time to visit estates and sample legendary wines from Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage. We then work our way back via Brezeme, a unique outpost of the appellation revitalized by Jean-Marie Lombard, and finally Saillans for the excellent and almost unknown Clairette de Die. Lunch is either taken at a nice local French bistro, or is a buffet style picnic al fresco using local produce. Return at the end of the day to La Maison Rose for a swim, drinks and another delicious four course meal.

Day 6.
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and set off to Valence TGV and Lyon airport for those requiring transfers.

Practical information

Minimum group size is 2, maximum 8. Minimum age: 18 years. There is one guide / leader who will lead for each of the four wine touring days. A guide will not be provided for anyone not participating in the wine tours.

What to bring

In addition to your usual clothes, you will need the following:-

-Lightweight comfortable walking shoes.
-Waterproof / windproof jacket
-Sun hat and sun cream
-Day rucksack or similar
-Swimming costume

Joining the trip - transfers

There is the possibility an airport transfer to and from Lyon St Exupery or to and from Valence TGV if you coordinate your flight or train travel to coincide with it. If you are taking this option you will be given further details with your joining instructions. Alternatively you may prefer to make your own arrangements, in this case please arrive at your accommodation from 4pm onwards on your arrival day.

Passports

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents.

Insurance

It is a requirement of our terms and conditions that you have taken out appropriate travel insurance in respect of your holiday.

Extra expenses and spending money

If you are intending to buy wine during your wine tour, some winemakers accept Mastercard/Visa, but you should bring some euros with you, or use the cashpoint in the village. You will need cash for out of pocket expenses such as souvenirs or unscheduled coffee breaks.

Transport

A mini-bus is normally used as your support vehicle throughout the week, and all transport costs for the normal programme are included.

Accommodation

Your accommodation has three double and two twin bedded rooms with en-suite facilities. You will have full use of the large sitting room, dining room, terraces, swimming pool and garden. The house is a short walk from the centre of the village and two minutes from the river Drome.

Meals

Breakfast will be provided each morning on the terrace. It is self-service and comprises cereals, yoghurt, seasonal fruit, boiled eggs, croissants, baguettes and wholemeal bread, jam, marmalade and honey, selection of teas and coffees.
Lunch on each of the four wine tour days is included in the price of your holiday and, depending on the weather, is either taken at a restaurant in the vicinity of the day's wine tour (from the fixed price menu), or is an al fresco buffet style picnic lunch taken at a suitable location.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are served on your return from the day's outing, time permitting.
Evening meal; five delicious home cooked meals including aperitifs plus four courses, using local or home grown ingredients including unlimited wine, mineral water, tea, coffee.
We do not offer a choice of meals but if you have a food allergy or are vegetarian please discuss your requirements with us.

Facilities

A washing machine is available (nominal charge), and a fridge/freezer for any food items. Free wi-fi is available.
The library contains a broad selection of books; there are also maps and guidebooks to borrow.
The swimming pool is open from 8 am each day. Any wine purchased during your stay may be stored in our cellars. Most UK terrestrial channels can be viewed on the satellite television in the lounge. Drinks with meals are free and unlimited; a minibar and wine list is available for drinks at other times, for which a nominal charge is made.

Rustic Trails Holidays,124 City Road,London

enquiries@rustictrails.co.uk

+44 (0)845 680 0475

Trip Notes