Nice: Clos des Roses wine tasting and lunch

Nice: Clos des Roses Wine Tasting and Lunch — A Deep Dive into Provence’s Flavors

If you’re dreaming of exploring France’s south with a focus on wine, food, and scenic beauty, this private tour from Nice or nearby locations is a gem. For around $796 per group (up to 8 people), you’ll spend about 6 hours enjoying the world of Côtes de Provence wines at the esteemed Clos des Roses vineyard. Led by knowledgeable guides and including hotel pickups, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s rich vinicultural heritage.

What truly makes this tour appealing is the combination of a guided estate visit—with a peek into the cellar—and a chance to sample three exquisite wines. Plus, with the optional addition of a three-course lunch in a charming setting, you get a complete day of indulgence.

Two standout features for us are the personalized attention of a private group, which makes the experience more relaxed and engaging, and the scenic drive between glamorous Cannes and Saint-Tropez, offering lovely views of the Provençal countryside. One potential consideration is the additional cost for drinks during lunch and optional extras—so plan accordingly if you’re looking to keep expenses predictable.

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups who appreciate authentic wine tasting, delicious regional cuisine, and the chance to learn about Provence’s wine-making in a friendly, intimate setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: A small group for a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
• Comprehensive Tour: Includes estate visit, cellar tour, wine tasting, and optional lunch.
• Scenic Drive & Location: Between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, with beautiful views along the way.
• Educational and Tasty: Guided tasting paired with regional delicacies.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Pick-up from Nice and other nearby towns, with optional add-ons.
• Good Value: High-quality experience with transportation, guide, and wine included.

Exploring the Clos des Roses Experience

When considering a wine tour in the South of France, the Clos des Roses tour offers a compelling balance of education, scenery, and indulgence. The estate, a classified growth of Côtes de Provence AOC, is located conveniently between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, making it an accessible yet exclusive escape into the world of French wines.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The journey begins with pick-up options from four locations: Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. This flexibility means you can start your day comfortably from your hotel or residence. The transfer is in an air-conditioned minivan, with a professional guide providing live commentary throughout—adding context about the region and wine-making process.

The core activity centers around the vineyard visit. You’ll explore the estate’s vineyard fields, learn about their wine-growing practices, and enjoy a guided tour of the cellar—a highlight for many. The winery’s setting is stunning, with broad views of the Provençal countryside, which makes for excellent photo opportunities.

Wine Tasting & Food

After the estate visit, you’ll get to sample three of the estate’s wines—a chance to appreciate the diversity of Côtes de Provence offerings. Many reviews emphasize the excellent wine selection—noted to be both “delicious” and “well-balanced,” with some calling it “a true taste of Provence.”

Adding the lunch option transforms this into a full culinary experience. The meal is a three-course affair, including a starter, main course, and dessert, served in a charming restaurant. While drinks during lunch require an on-site purchase, the food has been praised as delicious and authentic, with some reviewers mentioning the tapas-style approach as a delightful way to enjoy regional flavors.

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Scenic Drive & Views

The scenic drive through the Provençal landscape offers plenty of photo-worthy views. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s a “gentle reminder of how beautiful this part of France truly is,” with rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages passing by the window.

Additional Highlights

Beyond the core activities, there’s the opportunity for shopping at the estate and exploring the surrounding area. Many guests mention feeling like they’ve gained not just wine knowledge but also a better sense of local culture.

The Practicalities and Value

The cost of $796 per group is reasonable considering the inclusions: hotel pickup, professional guide, transfers, cellar tour, wine tasting, and lunch (if added). This makes it a very convenient and all-inclusive way to experience Provence’s wine scene without the hassle of organizing transport or tastings independently.

The duration of about 6 hours** strikes a good balance—enough to enjoy a rich experience without feeling rushed. The private group format guarantees a more relaxed atmosphere, enabling more meaningful interactions with your guide and fellow travelers.

One important note: if you’re outside Nice, there’s an extra fee of 90 euros for pickup, payable directly to the driver. This is worth considering for those staying in nearby towns.

What We Like Most

• The personalized attention in a private setting enhances the learning and tasting experience.
• The scenic drive and stunning views provide a perfect backdrop to your wine journey.

Potential Drawbacks

• The additional cost for drinks during lunch might catch some off guard if you’re expecting an all-inclusive experience.
• The extra charge for pickups outside Nice could be a concern for travelers staying further away.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love wine, enjoy regional cuisine, and want to learn about Provençal wine-making in an intimate setting, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager for a culinary and culture without the crowds.

A Well-Balanced View of the Tour

This experience offers a worthy introduction to the vineyards of Provence, especially suited for those who appreciate authentic wine tastings paired with regional food. The estate’s reputation for high-quality wines shines through, and the guided tour adds educational value that will resonate long after the day ends.

The scenic drive and charming estate add to the charm, making this tour more than just a tasting—it’s a mini-vacation in itself. For wine lovers, this is a chance to savor delicious local wines while soaking in the beautiful Provençal landscape.

Final Thoughts

This Clos des Roses wine tour is a solid choice for travelers seeking a personalized, authentic French wine experience. It balances leisure and learning beautifully, offering a taste of Provence’s best in a manageable, enjoyable package.

If your idea of a perfect day involves good wine, scenic drives, and regional cuisine, then this experience will meet and likely exceed your expectations. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small, private groups where you can really connect with your guide and fellow wine enthusiasts.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or families?
Since the main focus is wine tasting and lunch, it’s best suited for adults who are comfortable with wine. Non-drinkers might find the tasting less appealing, but the estate visit and scenic drive still offer plenty to enjoy.

Can I customize the lunch?
Lunch is included if you choose it during reservation. Specific menu options aren’t detailed, but it’s a three-course meal, so you might find it satisfying.

What if I don’t want to add lunch?
You can opt out of the lunch option during booking. The core experience, including estate visit and wine tasting, remains the same.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on wine tasting suggests this is geared towards adults. Minors may not be permitted to participate in tastings.

How long is the drive from Nice?
The tour includes a scenic drive from Nice or other pickup points. The exact duration isn’t specified but is part of the 6-hour total experience.

Is parking included?
Yes, parking fees are covered as part of the tour.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

Will I get a chance to buy wines at the estate?
Yes, shopping opportunities are available, allowing you to purchase bottles directly from the estate.

Is this experience suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely. The guide provides live commentary, making it informative for all levels, from beginners to connoisseurs.

This detailed look at the Nice: Clos des Roses wine tasting and lunch tour reveals an experience well worth considering for those eager to explore Provence’s wine world in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply love good food and scenery, this tour offers a lovely slice of the region’s best.

You can check availability for your dates here: