About the location
Located in the shadow of Provence’s majestic Mont Ventoux, an 18th-century French farmhouse provides the picturesque setting for exploring the wines of the Rhône Valley. Surrounded by hills, olive trees and vineyards, you’ll find it hard not to relax in the unspoilt surroundings of this peaceful rural retreat.
Situated just 30 minutes from Avignon and within easy-reaching distance of Marseille and Nîmes, the farmhouse offers two fantastic wine tasting courses welcoming wine novices and budding connoisseurs throughout the year.
Recognised by UNESCO, the surrounding countryside is home to rare plants and flowers, as well as red deer, mountain sheep and 120 species of birds. The farmhouse is nestled among the vineyards of some of France’s finest wine producers. The nearest village, Carpentras, lays just 3kms away and is home to one of the largest and most famous truffle markets in France. The village also boasts Chez Serge, the acclaimed restaurant of France’s 2008 Sommelier of the Year, Serge Ghoukassian.
Just 30 minutes away, you'll find the world-famous wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe. Gigondas, considered one of the world’s prettiest wine villages is nearby, as well as Beaumes de Venise known for its Côtes du Rhône Villages and its sweet Muscats. The region’s antiques capital L’Isle Sur la Sorgue, often dubbed the "Venice of Provence" is also close, with Luberon Valley, the setting of the BBC series A Year in Provence, under an hour's drive away.
Your host Linda is a qualified wine tutor recognised by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She is renowned for her contagious enthusiasm for wine, her in-depth knowledge of the Rhône wine region and her well-stocked cellar.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable rooms in the rustic and homely farmhouse she owns with her partner Chris, and where her lively teaching and tasting sessions also take place. Set within an acre of rolling lawns, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, as well as a relaxing dip in the outdoor pool. Breakfasts and meals are served under a canopy of wisteria on the farmhouse’s terrace, where guests can look across the almond, apricot and cherry orchards to Mont Ventoux. While summer gives guests the chance to laze on the terrace and take in annual fêtes and produce fairs in the local villages, winter also proves a great time for wine tasting at the farmhouse, where the fire roars and there are magnificent views of the snow-covered mountains.
Features
-All-inclusive option available offering accommodation, wine, gourmet restaurant dinners, meals at the farmhouse and excursions to vineyards and wine villages
- Set in an area with excellent gourmet restaurants and brasseries nearby
-Situated in the heart of the Rhône Valley wine region just 30 minutes from esteemed winemaking villages including Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe
-Located just 30 minutes from Avignon airport and 1 hour 15 minutes from airports at Marseille and Nîmes
-Unique opportunity to sample the region's finest wines and local specialities
-Friendly and welcoming host Linda is also a qualified wine educator
-Comfortable accommodation in a rustic and tranquil French farmhouse with, stunning mountain views
-Feel at the heart of the winemaking region amid acres of vineyards and orchards
-Relaxing ambience with outdoor pool and terrace
-Just 3km from Carpentras, home to one of France's largest truffle markets and acclaimed restaurant Chez Serge
-Courses suitable for complete novices or connoisseurs