A Vinous Wonderland

The sun-drenched vines of the South of France – stretching from Provence to Languedoc-Roussillon and the Southern Rhône – have commanded attention from wine critics and gastronomic travellers alike. Seduced by the stunning landscape, with vineyards straddled between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountainous terrain of the Alps, revellers come to unearth the hidden gems and classic wine styles that have made these historic winemaking regions so enduring and captivating.

A destination for some of the best wine tasting in France, Provence comprises nine sub-regions, known as Appellation d’Origine Protegée (AOPs), that boast an array of grapes and wine styles. Provence – particularly the areas of Côtes de Provence and Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence – are most commonly known for the salmon-pink rosé wines that have become synonymous with the blue skies and heady lifestyle of the French Riviera. While it is equally pleasurable quaffing on a glass of chilled rosé with abandon, producers such as Clos Saint Vincent in the appellation of Bellet and Château Simone in Palette are seeking to craft more elevated and characterful expressions of this celebrated wine style.

Textural whites and seductive reds from this relatively small corner of the South of France are also not to be missed. Domaine de Trevallon – located 30 miles south of Avignon – blaze their own trail outside of any official appellation. Their textural and aromatic whites favour classic Rhône varieties, Marsanne and Roussanne, while their reds lean towards Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and are highly sought after by those seeking cellar-worthy wines. Journeying back to Bandol on the Côte d’Azur, the reds here nod to the famous garrigue tasting note – a heady mix of cassis and spice – which perfectly reflects the wild landscape and limestone soils found in the South of France. Nowhere is this more encapsulated than in the iconic wines of Domaine Tempier – a winery in Bandol famed as much for its enigmatic red wines as for its previous patron, Lulu Peyraud, whose culinary prowess has shaped much of what we know about Provençal food today.

The Maybourne Riviera is perfectly positioned for all your vinous adventures in the Côte d’Azur and beyond. From exclusive visits and wine tastings at some of the best vineyards on the French Riviera, such as Château de Crema and Château de Bellet, our concierge can curate unforgettable wine and gastronomic experiences  on your behalf. Our talented sommeliers at Riviera Restaurant and Michelin-starred Ceto have curated an exceptional list of wines and producers that speak to our unwavering commitment to terroir. Our exquisite tasting menus have been thoughtfully paired with distinctive wines to celebrate the flavours and gastronomic culture of the Riviera.