Toulon’s location on France’s southeastern coast makes it a fantastic base for exploring Provence’s renowned wine region. While it’s not as famous as nearby towns like Bandol or Aix-en-Provence, Toulon offers several excellent wine tours that combine scenic views, authentic tasting experiences, and fascinating insights into local winemaking. We especially appreciate tours that emphasize small-group intimacy and in-depth learning, like the Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting, which gets rave reviews for its friendly atmosphere and thorough explanations. This activity provides a genuine peek into the winemaking process at Domaine Lou Capelan, followed by tasting various wines, including white, rosé, and red—perfect for those wanting to understand what makes Bandol wines so special.
If you’re looking to combine your love of wine with a bit of adventure, the Vineyard visit in Gyropode, visit of Cave & Tasting Wines of Bandol offers an engaging mix of cellar exploration and off-road vineyard riding. For a more extensive experience, the Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence from Toulon Cruise Port is ideal for cruise travelers wanting a comprehensive day exploring vineyards, tasting a variety of wines, and visiting charming Provençal towns.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top-rated wine experiences around Toulon, ranging from quick, informative visits to full-day excursions. These include wine tastings at local cellars, small-group guided tours, gyropode vineyard rides, and private day trips to Provence’s celebrated wine regions. Each offers a different flavor of Provence’s wine culture, suited for various interests and time constraints.
1. Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French)
This tour immerses you in the winemaking process at Domaine Lou Capelan, right in the heart of Bandol. For about $13.83 per person, you’ll spend roughly an hour exploring the stages of vinification with a friendly host. The highlight is the tasting session, where you sample a variety of wines directly from the source.
What makes this experience stand out is its authenticity and accessibility. The reviews praise the warm welcome and the instructive nature of the visit: “La dégustation parfaite” and “Les explications… sont très intéressantes.” Visitors appreciate the personalized nature—a small-scale activity where the owner shares his expertise. It’s perfect for travelers on a budget who want a relaxed, informative introduction to Bandol wines without the fuss of larger tours. The tasting includes whites, reds, and rosés, making it ideal for curious wine lovers eager to learn and taste in a friendly setting.
Bottom Line: An affordable, authentic, and friendly way to start your wine adventure in Bandol, with plenty of tasting for a modest price.
2. Tasting Bandol Wines & Visit of Cellar (in English)
At number 2, this tour offers a small-group experience that combines an authentic winery visit with a generous tasting of at least six wines. For around $14.26, you get to explore Domaine Lou Capelan with a guide who explains the wine production process and the nuances of Bandol wines, famous for their powerful reds and elegant rosés.
What sets this tour apart is its English narration and limited group size (max 12), which allows for more personal attention. Visitors often comment on the passion of the guide, David, who is the son of the owner, making the experience feel more like a visit to friends rather than a commercial stop. The tasting takes place on a terrace with stunning views, adding to the charm.
Reviewers highlight the informative nature and generous pours: “The wine tasting was an excellent experience,” and many leave with bottles and deeper understanding. It’s suited for those who want a more social, detailed glimpse into Bandol’s wine scene, especially if you’re eager to sample wines not commonly found on typical tourist menus.
Bottom Line: Small-group, guided, tasting-focused experience that offers a taste of true Provençal wine-making with a friendly touch.
3. Vineyard visit in Gyropode, visit of Cave & Tasting Wines of Bandol
This adventure combines cellar exploration with a fun off-road ride in a Gyropode (Segway). Costing around $14, it lasts about 75 minutes and appeals to those seeking a more active wine experience. After a guided tour of the cellar, you’ll hop onto the Gyropode for about twenty minutes to tour the vineyard.
What makes this tour distinctive is the combination of education and fun. Participants learn about varieties of grapes and enjoy breathtaking views over Castellet and Cadière d’Azur. The review quotes mention the warmth of the hosts and their passion for the land, which enhances the experience. The activity ends with a tasting of local wines that are among the best encountered during their stay.
This tour is perfect if you’re a wine enthusiast who also loves outdoor activities or want a more interactive experience. The reviews praise the engaging host and the beautiful scenery, making this a well-rounded choice for active travelers.
Bottom Line: A lively, physically engaging way to explore Bandol’s vineyards with a knowledgeable host and memorable views.
4. Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence from Toulon Cruise Port
For those with a full day and a desire for a comprehensive Provençal experience, this private tour offers a tailored itinerary. Costing approximately $462.73 per person, it includes visits to two wineries, tasting various rosé, red, and white wines, and a lunch break in a charming town like Cassis or Hyères.
This tour is ideal for cruise passengers or travelers who want a luxury, personalized day exploring the heart of Provence’s wine country. The guide drives you in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, with flexible timing to match your ship’s schedule. Visitors comment on how knowledgeable and accommodating the guide is, with some mentioning the small, intimate group size of just eight people.
Highlights include watching wine production in action, tasting local wines, and enjoying free time in a scenic town or seaside village. While more expensive than other options, the value lies in the personalized experience and the ability to customize your day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a luxury, private day out with wine, sightseeing, and local flavor, especially if visiting via a cruise.
How to Choose
When selecting the best wine tour in Toulon, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience you value most. For those on a tight budget wanting an authentic, informative tasting, the Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting is a great choice. If you prefer a small-group experience with a more detailed tasting, the Tasting Bandol Wines & Visit of Cellar offers excellent value.
For adventure lovers, the Gyropode vineyard ride combines education and outdoor fun, while the Full Day Provence Tour suits travelers wanting a personalized, luxury experience with extensive sightseeing.
Booking early is recommended for high-demand dates, especially in peak season, and consider your physical activity preferences—some tours involve walking or riding.
To sum it up, Toulon offers a diverse array of wine experiences that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you prefer a quick, authentic tasting in a small cellar or a full-day private tour exploring Provence, you’ll find a memorable way to enjoy local wines. For first-timers or casual wine lovers, the small-group wine tour strikes a perfect balance of depth and conviviality. For those on a cruise or pressed for time, the full-day Provence tour delivers a comprehensive taste of the region’s wines and towns. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic Provençal moments.