Three Châteaux, One Glorious Hangover
Three Châteaux, One Glorious Hangover
What the tour is about
In Vino Veritas: The Provençal Edition
The title of this programme sounds a bit dry (which is ironic considering it’s a wine tour). Rather dull, even. I mean, who hasn’t been to a wine tasting? But here’s the thing:
I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time roaming around this region, sipping my way through châteaux and domaines. Not the worst way to spend one’s life, to be perfectly honest.
So here’s what we’re going to do: we’ll visit three very different châteaux. And we’ll try to answer the great philosophical question of our time—what exactly is the difference between pink wine, rosé, and Rosé… and how do any of them compare to Garrus?
This might be your one and only chance to taste a wine made from grapes picked exclusively by hand, at dawn, from vines over a hundred years old. Not for marketing flair, mind you, but simply because during the harvest it gets so infernally hot during the day that night is the only time you can realistically do it. Then, the grapes are sorted. By hand. Berry by berry. And that’s just the beginning of the whole business. The result? A miracle of human patience and divine intervention. And you, lucky devil, get to taste it.
Now, I personally find it endlessly amusing to buy a few bottles at each château and then taste them again later at home, blind (well, with my eyes shut in pleasure). Can I actually tell the difference? Can I separate the taste from the price tag and the winemaker’s poetic odes to the terroir?
Naturally, there’ll be more to this day than wine. We’ve got Provençal villages so pretty they make your heart ache, a lazy lunch amid the vines, fragrant air, and those postcard-perfect views that make you sigh with happiness—and relief that for once, you’re not the designated driver. Words really don’t do it justice.
Go — but why, really
1
Taste legendary rosé where it was born, straight from century-old vines
2
Discover if your palate can outsmart a price tag in blind tastings
3
Feast among the vines on food so fresh it practically introduces itself
4
Slow down and slip into the rhythm of real, untouristy Provence
5
Compare wines a vineyard apart—and feel clever doing it
6
Drive the stunning Corniche d’Or with the smug joy of not being the driver
Tour itinerary
Stop 1: Callian “Coffee First, Wine Later (We’re Civilised, After All)”
This is our gentle way of telling you—ambitious, excitable, eager to see it all—to slow down a bit. We are not, after all, alcoholics. No one should be drinking wine at ten in the morning.
We’ll start the day properly, gracefully. Easing into the rhythm of non-touristy Provence. And Callian is perfect for that. Beautiful, atmospheric, and—most importantly—delicious.
If someone were designing the set for the perfect morning coffee scene, we’d already be sitting in it. We’ll finish our coffee slowly, eat a warm, hand-made croissant (none of that frozen nonsense), brush off the crumbs, and head into the valley with a smile already curling at the corners of our mouths.
Stop 2: Château d’Esclans “The Rosé That Wears Designer Labels”
Right—no mucking about. We’re starting strong.
This is the place where pink wine, thanks to the efforts of the not-so-humble Sasha Lichine and an army of skilled people, transformed from a cheerful little summer drink you’d knock back instead of water into a chic, elegant Rosé, where 750ml can cost more than your monthly electricity bill.
This is the birthplace of the now-iconic Whispering Angel, and the home of century-old vines that whisper their secrets into the ethereal and eye-wateringly expensive Garrus.
And if you’re the sort who enjoys fashion inside and out—here’s your moment. LVMH owns 55% of the château. So yes, technically you’re drinking Louis Vuitton. Cheers.
Stop 3: Château des Demoiselles “Flirting with the Young Ladies (Legally, Through Wine)”
For those of us who are long and happily married (present company included), this is the only socially acceptable way to sip from the cup of youthful charm. That’s what the wine’s called here—Charm of the Young Ladies.
But if you manage to suppress your inner teenager and calmly explain to your spouse why we’re really here—“Let’s just see if wine from vineyards a few hundred metres apart can taste different without all the LVMH marketing pressure”—then peace shall reign.
And if we’re lucky, we’ll lunch here too.
By that time, we’ll have two châteaux’ worth of liquid sunshine inside us, and what could be more joyful than eating something gloriously local, wildly fresh, and unreasonably seasonal… while surrounded by the very vines that helped produce the drink in your glass.
Stop 4: Château Font du Broc “A Nap, a Château, and a Roman Ghost or Two”
This one’s no accident either. The journey gives us just enough time for a light twenty-minute post-lunch snooze. It’s called a siesta, and frankly, we’ve earned it. And here we are.
Recent excavations revealed that wine has been made here since Gallo-Roman times. So this château didn’t exactly pop up out of nowhere. But honestly, just look at the tasting room. Need I say more?
Stop 5: Corniche d’Or “Wine Down with a View”
This day was always going to end in indulgent bliss.
By now, we’re probably suffering what I like to call the “perfume shop effect”—everything starts to smell the same. So before our palates throw in the towel, we’ll hit pause on the wine and head for some natural splendour instead.
The road that runs along the coast between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes is called La Corniche d’Or—the Golden Corniche. (In my opinion, the French name is far more appropriate. Just say it out loud.)
It’s one of the most scenic coastal roads in the South of France, opened in 1903, snaking its way along the red cliffs of the Esterel massif, with coves, beaches, and plenty of viewing points.
And so we’ll meander home this way—slowly, with plenty of stops for photographs, gasps, and maybe even a swim—back to the place where, impossibly long ago this morning, this beautiful, delicious day began.
What's included
- Comfortable transportation, so you can just sit back and enjoy the views
- Guided tours – because wandering aimlessly can be fun, but knowing what you’re looking at is even better
- Time to explore on your own, get lost (but not too lost), and take photos that will make everyone else miserable
- All wine degustations mentionned
What's not
- Food and refreshments
- Tips for your charming driver/guide
Frequently asked questions
How many people will be in the group?
We like to keep things intimate. Our day tours usually host between 4 and 7 guests – just enough for great conversation and zero chance of being lost in the crowd
Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Our pace is relaxed, and we avoid strenuous walks or steep climbs. However, there may be short cobbled stretches or steps. If you have specific concerns, let us know in advance – we’ll do our best to accommodate you
Will there be free time or is everything guided?
Both! We believe in giving you the story and the space. Expect guided moments for context and colour, followed by time to wander, photograph, sip, or simply breathe
What language is the tour in?
Our tours are in English, French and Russian. If you speak irony, you’re in good company either way
Is lunch included?
Some tours include a light lunch or tasting – details are in the description. For others, we’ll guide you to local gems where you can eat what you fancy, not what’s pre-arranged for the masses
Where do we meet and when?
We’ll send you exact meeting details upon booking. Most tours depart from Cannes or Nice, and timings are clearly listed in the itinerary. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, we’ll make sure everything fits your docking schedule
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a curiosity for beauty. In summer, a hat and a water bottle are a must. And perhaps a sense of humour – but you probably packed that already
What happens if it rains?
We carry on unless the weather gets truly ridiculous. A little drizzle never stopped a good story or a glass of rosé. In case of serious storms, we’ll be in touch to offer options
Can I book a private version of this tour?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or just allergic to other tourists, we offer private versions tailored to your mood, mobility and mischief level
How do I book and pay?
Booking is simple via website link or WhatsApp. Payment is by card, cash or bank transfer. No hidden fees, no funny business
A full heart, an empty glass, and the sweet taste of having truly done Provence right 😎
