Stunning Châteauneuf du Pape is set smack bang in the middle of the Vaucluse region, 10km south of Orange and 19km to the north of Avignon. Whilst the region is famed for its marvellously complex vintages, it is also a beautiful village to visit in itself, especially when you find yourself tasting fine wine in one its millenia-old vineyards.

The town has a long lineage of fine wine production, as well as some pretty fascinating religious history, being the summer location for the 14th Century popes who had moved to Avignon to escape Rome’s political fragility.

So, whether you’re there to experience a fine Chateau Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape, or to experience some of the region’s fascinating history, here is why you should make the detour to this dazzling wine focal point:

But first, a little history

Monks first cultivated this enchanting wine region over 1,000 years ago, with the Avignon popes continuing to cultivate the region in the 14th Century. The AOC tightly controls the composition of Châteauneuf du Pape wines, which are a blend of 13 grape varieties, of which the principal varieties are grenache, mourvedre and syrah.

The wine is organically farmed under strict regulations that the producers must follow in order to hold the incredibly prestigious title of AOC Châteauneuf du Pape. The specialised conditions in which the grapes must grow are a testament to their unwavering quality.

The wine grapes are known for being grown on rather stony ground, with the stones heating up from the sunshine throughout the day and then slowly releasing heat after nightfall, thus keeping the vines warm at all times.

Then, the mistral wind that blows from the north keeps pests and insects at bay, which means producers don’t have to use any artificial pesticides to produce such fine wine, a wine which, whilst on the expensive side of buying, is a distinct, rich and gloriously complex drop that is perfect for a chilly winter’s night.

What to do in Châteauneuf du Pape

Onto the fun stuff, now, and there is a myriad of cultural activities you can enjoy in this divine region. First, there are the winemakers, a convivial group of locals who will happily welcome you in for tastings and tours (although some are by appointment only).

Then, there are the caves, where one can taste stunning local wine free of charge, as well as caves where you can pay a small fee to learn all about the winemaking process and sample some local cheeses, too.

Once you get to the village centre, you are also spoiled for choice, as you can receive an awesome introduction to the region’s winemaking prestige, with the tourist office being more than happy to point you in the direction of places that will teach you all about their vintages.

Once again, it’s a good idea to arrange vineyard tours in advance, calling the specific domaines before you arrive, or you can book a guided tour that provides everything from tastings to workshops and visits.

There is also the Musee du Vin which takes you on a fascinating journey through the region’s wine making history and teaches you about the ancient presses and tools. Finally, be sure to head to the chocolatier, Chocolat & Compagnie at the end of the village, where you will find fine wine and chocolate in great abundance!