13 Best Provence Wine Tours From Nice & Beyond (2024)
When crafting an unforgettable itinerary in France, indulging in the exquisite flavors of wine and gastronomy inevitably tops the list. And if you’re on the French Riviera, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French viticulture than by embarking on one of the lovely Provence wine tours! Renowned for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional wines, Provence beckons wine enthusiasts and lovers to discover its terroir and taste its liquid treasures. This post details the top Provence wine tours from Nice and other destinations along the French Riviera.
Provence Wine Region France
Before I explain the best tours, I want to explain some background information on the famed Provence wine region. That way, you have a little foundation and better understand what you have to look forward to! 🤠
First, France’s Provence wine region has been making wine for over 2,600 years. This makes it the oldest viticultural (wine-producing) area in all of France, eclipsing the well-known Bordeaux wine region by about 600 years! With such a long-standing history, there are understandably quite a few wineries in the region… as in over 400 of them! Talk about being a vineyard-rich countryside. 😅
This region of France can produce so much wine because of its favorable climate, which is largely thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea regulates the weather such that there are plenty of sunny days and a few rainy days.
In addition, the region has something called the “Mistral” wind, which also helps to keep the vineyards dry and free of pesky bugs. Add the unique geography and soils infused with limestone and crystalline schist (granite); the region has perfect conditions for growing an assortment of grapes! As a result, there are a total of 9 regions or AOC (Appellation de’Origin Contrôlée) in Provence. I won’t dive into all 9 as you’ll learn about them on the tours, but there are about 450 AOCs in all of France!
Which Wine Is Provence Most Famous For?
The Provence wine region is renowned worldwide for its exquisite rosé wines. That’s right, 88% of Provence’s wine production is the beloved, delicate pink-hued wine! There’s even a one-of-a-kind research institute dedicated to studying and perfecting the art of crafting rosé.
Currently, a rosé from Provence is usually a harmonious blend of Grenache, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre. And while rosé may steal the spotlight, it’s important to note that Provence is also home to exceptional red and white wines. Thus, you can expect to taste a good mixture of rosés, reds, and whites in your wine-tasting experience.
Map of Provence Wine Region
If geography isn’t your strong suit, here’s a little map to give you an idea of the general Provence area in relation to a few popular cities along the French Riviera. As you can see, Nice is located near the Italian border with the rightmost pin. About 30 minutes from Nice is Cannes, which is renowned for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival.
The pin that is almost directly beneath the purple pin is Toulon, which is a much smaller port city. Thus, you’ll find a lot of ships, warships, and maritime-related activities in the city if you visit. To the left of Toulon, about 1.25 hours west via train, is Marseille. This is the second most populous French city and one of the oldest cities to be established in France. It functions as one of the most important port cities and as you explore the city, you’ll notice distinct Brutalist architecture!
Finally, the leftmost pin is Avignon, which is a quaint medieval town, much like the historic city of Carcassonne. This small city was once the center of Christianity with 7 generations of popes residing in the Palace of the Popes!
13 Best Provence Wine Tours (2024)
Alright, now that you have a bit of background knowledge on the prolific and famous Provence wine region, it’s time to dive into the best Provence Wine Tours! Just as a heads up, I’ve broken the tours up by location, this way you can easily find a tour that fits your itinerary based on where you’re based. I’ll start with Nice in this first section. But, if you’re staying somewhere else, feel free to click below to jump to that section of the post.
- Provence Wine Tours from Marseille — jump to section
- Provence Wine Tours from Avignon — jump to section
- Provence Wine Tours from Cannes — jump to section
- Provence Wine Tours from Toulon — jump to section
Provence Wine Tours from Nice
🍷 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re short on time and want a quick overview of the Provence wine tours from Nice I’ll be discussing, jump to the recap section.
Provence Wine Tour From Nice
1. Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour From Nice
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 70+ 50-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour From Nice includes:
- Touring through 3 top-notch & picturesque wineries in Provence
- Discovering 2,000 years worth of wine-making history
- Enjoying a wine-tasting masterclass with an expert
- Tasting 15 different rosés, reds & whites
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in Nice
- Personalized, private tour
🍷 Looking for an exclusive and very personalized wine tour? During this full-day experience, you’ll tour 3 highly-rated wineries, including an 18th-century château with a countess still in residence, learn about the terroir, and appellations, and get to taste some of the finest vintage wines! In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a family-owned vineyard that’s the first vineyard in Provence to be fully certified organic!
And, to ensure your day is completely hassle-free, this is one of the few wine tours that include direct pick-up from your housing in Nice! So, if you’re ready to make your way to the picturesque countryside and learn about the world-renowned wines of Provence, be sure to check out this tour!
“Wine tasting trough Provence: our driver and tour host, Peter, could not have been better. Extremely knowledgeable! We learned about the wines but also the long history of each of the vineyards. Would highly recommend this tour – especially with Peter!”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
Provence Wine Tour From Nice
2. Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour From Nice With Tastings & Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour includes:
- Visiting 3 wineries & learning about all aspects of the wine-making process
- Sampling a nice mix of 15+ rosés, red, & white varietals
- 2-course lunch in the garden of a lovely local bistro
- Round-trip transport from an easy meeting point
- Small group limited to 8 guests
🍷 In search of a wine tour that includes a tasty multi-course meal? On this small-group full-day tour, you’ll meet at a pre-determined meeting location in Nice’s city center and make your way to the village of Les Arcs Sur Argens. Along the way, your guide will provide live on-board commentary about the region’s long-standing history and background.
Once in the quaint village, you’ll visit 3 different wineries, including one of Provence’s oldest and largest wine estates! As you tour through each winery, you’ll not only sip on the finest wines but also gain an in-depth understanding of each wine’s flavor profile and how they are produced.
And to give you the full experience, you’ll also indulge in an excellent 2-course meal in the gardens of a lovely local bistro! Thus, if you’re looking for a delightful and educational tour, this Provence wine tour from Nice is worth considering!
“Cedric was a wonderful, professional and very knowledgeable guide, with an engaging style. The tour was great value and a lot of fun; the lunch was most enjoyable. We would strongly recommend this tour.”
– Warren a. (See More Reviews)
Provence Wine Tour From Nice
3. Côtes De Provence Small Group Day Trip From Nice
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 55+ 5-star reviews | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Côtes De Provence Small Group Day Trip From Nice includes:
- Explore 3 wineries in the wine region of Côtes de Provence
- Guided wine tastings of various rosés, reds, and whites
- Free time for lunch (at your expense) in a small village
- Learning about the full wine-making process
- Round-trip transport in a comfortable minivan
- Can accommodate up to 8 people
🍷 Seeking a more affordable small-group full-day wine tour? On this full-day, comprehensive wine adventure, you’ll have the chance to go behind the scenes at 3 marvelous wineries. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through every step of the wine-making process, from grape picking to the aging process while explaining the soil, climate, grape varieties, and more.
In addition, at each winery, you’ll get to enjoy expert-led wine tastings of the region’s famous, rosés as well as aromatic reds and whites. So, if you’re traveling with a smaller budget but still want an educational and immersive wine tour that will level up your wine knowledge, this is it!
“This wine tour was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made it fun. We visited 3 wineries and then had lunch in a small town. The food was very good and everyone had a good time. I would recommend this tour to anyone who loves wine.”
– Fernando P. (See More Reviews)
Provence Wine Tour From Nice
4. Nice: Provence Village Tour With Wine and Produce Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 – taken by 275+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 9 hours
The Nice: Provence Village Tour With Wine and Produce Tasting includes:
- Tasting regional products and French olive oil in a historic oil mill
- Admiring the scenic views from the medieval village of Gourdon
- Exploring the gorgeous village of Tourette-sur-Loup
- Sampling 6 wines at a wine estate in Saint Jeannet
- Visiting the 40-meter-high Gorges du Loup waterfall
- Transport from accommodations in Nice
💐 Want to sip regional wines & explore the region’s beautiful villages?
For those looking to see a bit more of the surrounding area, this full-day tour takes you to several idyllic villages! First, you’ll go to Opio, where you’ll taste the rich nuances of locally produced Olive oil in the ambiance of a functioning oil mill dating back to the 15th century. Afterward, you’ll witness the panoramic views of the French Riviera and see a 9th-century château in the beautiful hilltop village of Gourdon!
Finally, you’ll see the enchanting village of Tourette-sur-Loup, visit the Gorges du Loup waterfall, and cap the day off with a wine-tasting session in the charming village of Saint Jeanne! Thus, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path and get in a mixture of sightseeing and wine tasting, this is a fun, comprehensive tour worth checking out!
“Very enjoyable trip with our guide Matt. He is very knowledgeable and friendly, passionate about the area and what he does. We saw some spectacular views and villages, and had a comfortable, informative visit to a small vineyard. Would definitely recommend.”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
Provence Wine Tour From Nice
5. Nice Local Vineyards Small Group Half Day E-Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 375+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 hours
THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY NOT BOOKABLE! BUT I WILL UPDATE IT AGAIN WHEN IT IS!
The Nice Local Vineyards Small Group Half Day E-Bike Tour includes:
- Riding an electric bike around Nice and to the local countryside
- Learning about the Nice’s history & thriving culinary scene
- Discovering the vineyards & estate of a family-run winery
- A guided wine-tasting session of the estate’s fine wines
- A picnic lunch (at your own expense)
- Tour limited to 10 guests
🚴♀️ Don’t have time for a full-day tour? Embark on this wildly popular and affordable e-bike tour through Nice and its nearby vineyards. Over 5 hours, you’ll get a little tour of Nice and then make your way to the beautiful countryside. Once there, you’ll stop by a small family-run winery, where you’ll meet the winemakers, learn about their unique wine-making process, and get to try the estate’s signature wine, Collet de Bovis.
Afterward, you’ll have time to eat lunch before taking the scenic route back to Nice’s city center! Therefore, if you’re looking for an affordable and less time-intensive experience that still provides excellent value, I’d recommend this Provence wine tour!
“Fantastic experience with an amazing guide. Cycling on the e-bikes was great and they made cycling up the hills really easy. The wine tastings and tour around the vineyard was really nice and the wine maker was very passionate and friendly. Probably the best thing I did whilst visiting France.”
– Joshua M. (See More Reviews)
Other Provence Wine Tours
If you recall, in the beginning, I said that I would be covering Provence wine tours from Nice and beyond. Well, if you aren’t staying in Nice and are instead vacationing in some other cities and towns along the French Riviera, which 10/10 recommend because there’s more to see than just the big cities… Here are some other Provence wine tours to check out that may be leaving from where you’re staying.
Provence Wine Tours from Marseille
Châteauneuf Du Pape Intensive Vineyard & Fine Wine Experience
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours
- Private tour of 3 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries for wine tastings
- Visit a wonderful artisanal chocolate manufacturer for chocolate tastings
- Enjoy lunch at a traditional bistro (price not included)
- Includes hotel pick up and drop off
Full-Day Wine and Cheese Tour Around Aix-en-Provence From Marseille
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 7.5 hours
- Full tour of 2 wineries with a specialist wine guide
- Participate in cheese tasting at an authentic, local goat farm
- Free time to explore the charming city of Aix-en-Provence!
Provence Tours from Avignon
Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 – 330+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
- Explore at least 3 châteaux vineyards & participate in multiple wine-tasting sessions
- The tour is led by Roman, who is an extremely passionate and knowledgeable guide
- Can accommodate up to 7 guests
Provence Cru Wine Small-Group Half-Day Tour From Avignon
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 / 5 – 190+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 hours
- Visit 3 wineries in Vacqueyras, Gigondas, & Chateauneuf du Pape
- Learn the intricacies of French winemaking & wine appellations
- 3 tasting sessions of Provence’s prestigious Cru wines
- Includes direct hotel pickup
- Limited to 8 guests
Provence Wine Tours from Cannes
Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour From Cannes
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 – all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours
- Personalized private tour of 3 award-winning wineries
- Chatting with the local winemakers & learning about their unique techniques
- Wine-tasting masterclass with an expert on Provençal wines
- Easy, round-trip transport from your housing in Cannes
Provence Wine Tour – Small Group Tour From Cannes
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 – 20+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours
- Visit 3 top-notch vineyards & with tours by the wine-makers
- Guided wine-tasting sessions with an expert
- Small group limited to 8 guests
Provence Wine Tours from Toulon
Vineyard Visit in Gyropode
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 – nearly all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1.25 hours
- Guided tour of estate & cellars, learning about the wine-making process
- Tour of the vineyard on an all-terrain segway
- Enjoy beautiful views of nearby villages
- Tasting the local wines, Mont Caume & Bandol
- Max of 4 guests
Bandol Wine Tour and Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 5 / 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 hour
- Visit a boutique winery in Bandol (near Toulon)
- Discover the production process on a guided tour
- Taste 6 different wines (mix of red, whites, and rosé)
- Max of 12 guests
Provence Wine Tours Comparison
Whew! Yeah made it! Alright, I’m someone who likes visuals to quickly tell the differences between my options. So, if you’re like me or have simply forgotten the nuances of each of the Provence wine tours that leave from Nice, here’s a little table summarizing them. If any of the tours interests you, simply click the name and you’ll be linked to the full page that contains the fine details.
🇫🇷 PRO TIP: Oh and if you’re viewing this on your mobile, consider turning your phone sideways such that the words are reading across the long side. I find that this enhances the chart’s readability.
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Provence Wine Tour | 8 hrs | > Tour 3 wineries & enjoy 15 wine tastings > Cover 2,000 years of wine-making history > Private tour with direct pickup & drop off |
| Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour | 8 hrs | > Visit 3 wineries and sample 15+ wines > Multi-course lunch at local bistro > Limited to 8 guests |
| Côtes De Provence Small Group | 8 hrs | > Stop at 3 wineries & taste multiple wines > 1.5 hours for lunch (at your expense) > Limited to 8 guests |
| Nice: Provence Village Tour | 9 hrs | > Visit 3 wineries and sample 15+ wines > Multi-course lunch at a local bistro > Limited to 8 guests |
| Nice Local Vineyards Ebike Tour | 5 hrs | > Bike tour through Nice & countryside > Tour a family-run winery & try their signature wine > Limited to 10 guests |
Is a Wine Tour in Provence Worth It?
My very biased two cents is yes, a wine tour in Provence is worth it. Let me explain from a broke adult perspective lol… because I wouldn’t know what it’s like to be a financially stable adult — yet. 🤠
First, these tours take you directly to la crème de la crème Provence wineries where you get to sip on the region’s renowned wines and indulge in local gastronomic delights. And, as mentioned previously, there are hundreds of wineries in the region, so finding the best ones can be difficult. Not to mention, if you aren’t planning a road trip through the region, transportation to the wineries is quite challenging.
Moreover, a wine tour allows you to embark on this journey with a knowledgeable guide who possesses an intimate understanding of the region, its vineyards, and its cultural heritage. When I first solo traveled, I wouldn’t do tours because I was so broke (typical college student vibes I know 🥲). However, I now often prioritize these incredible experiences over staying in super nice hotels. I’ve realized how tours grant you the valuable opportunity to deeply explore the local culture, which is way better than reading from your phone.
Finally, these tours provide a chance to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts from around the world. One of my favorite bits about traveling is just getting to meet new people. These tours create an easy outlet for swapping stories and making lasting connections with people who share a common appreciation for wine, culture, and exploration! So, if you have the means (because I am not trying to endorse going into debt lol) I wholeheartedly believe in embarking on a cultural experience through the breathtaking region of Provence!
Tips for Planning Your Provence Wine Tours
- ✅ Book ahead of time: Whether you’re traveling through Paris or Toulouse, drinking wine is like the national pastime in France…okay, maybe next to protesting. 😅 Regardless, I recommend booking ahead of time to ensure you get your preferred time slot and experience. Some of these small group tours may even be canceled if you wait until the last minute because the tour operators don’t think there’s any interest and have a minimum requirement to run.
- 🍴 Have dietary restrictions?: If your food tour includes lunch, make sure to inform the guide beforehand about any dietary restrictions or allergies you have. They are usually able to make accommodations as long as you give them advance notice.
- 🍷 Don’t drink on an empty stomach: The golden rule of drinking is always to eat beforehand! I didn’t know that my first time and had to learn the hard way… 🥲
- 💧 Water Bottle — Similarly, although you will be consuming a lot of wine, it is crucial to still drink some water.
- 🌞 Check the weather: Check the weather before you leave and plan accordingly. I.E. Don’t forget to sunscreen!
- 🚗 Check departure points and times: Please ensure that you verify the meeting location for your tour and consider the travel time from your accommodation. Note that only a few tours offer hotel pick-up.
- 📸 Bring your Camera: Make sure to document your experience by taking lots of pictures so that you can share the story with your loved ones when you return home!
- 🤠 Enjoy the experience: And of course, remember to have a fabulous time fully immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Provence wine region.
Where to Stay in Nice
If you are staying in Nice, here are a few recommendations on where to stay based on where I’ve stayed and the research I’ve done for my multiple visits to Nice!
Low-Cost Stays
- Hostel Ozz & Bar — Lively hostel that I loved staying at! | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Villa Bougainville by Happyculture — Stylish and fun 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- La Pérouse — Upscale 4-star hotel next to Castle Hill & with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — Beautiful 4-star hotel w/ beautiful terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Hotel Palais Saleya — Excellent 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Le Negresco — Historic 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options.
Provence Wine Tours: FAQ
Yes! You can visit wineries in Provence even if you decide to not go on a tour. You would just need to make a reservation for touring. If you go this route, I recommend renting a car as public transportation is very limited outside the city.
Depending on the experience, a Provence wine tour can range from about $100 USD to $500+ USD for the more exclusive, private tours.
Although summer is when people are usually available to travel, I’d argue the best time of the year for a wine tour in France is April – June or September to October. I’ve been to France during both of these times of the year and it’s so much more enjoyable. You don’t have to deal with throngs of crowds, hotels cost half the price, and some of the tours will even provide small discounts! Additionally, it’s worth noting that harvesting season typically runs from August until October. Thus, vintners are often busy in the fields, so you’ll want to be sure to book in advance as supply tends to dip.
Most people will argue that Bordeaux is the region of France with the best wine. However, I’d argue that it depends on the type of wine you prefer. Other wine regions in France include the Rhône Valley & Beaujolais wine region, Loire Valley, Burgundy, Champagne, and Saint Émilion to name a few.
From my experience, this is the one French stereotype that always holds true. The French love their wine and they will drink it every chance they get!
Wrap-Up: 13 Best Provence Wine Tours (2024)
Provence’s most famous wine is undoubtedly its exquisite rosé. With its iconic pale hues, delightful aromas, and refreshing character, Provence rosé embodies the essence of the region’s winemaking tradition. That said, the region also offers elegant reds and vibrant whites that reflect the unique terroir and passion of the winemakers, making Provence a true paradise for wine lovers. So, if you’re keen on delving into the rich wine culture of the South of France, be sure to take a fabulous Provence wine tour during your stay on the French Riviera!
Explore More of France
- 🏰 Toulouse: Thinking of visiting Toulouse, the capital of France’s Occitanie department? Don’t miss out on these fun excursions!
- 🏖️ Nice: Planning your trip to Nice and looking for things to do around the French Riviera? Be sure to explore Nice’s thriving food scene and taste all the traditional Niçose dishes! Or, do a short trip to Monaco, the land of the wealthy. It’s less expensive to visit than you would think.
- 🏄♀️ Biarritz: Planning a trip along France’s west coast? Here’s what to know about visiting Biarritz and all that it has to offer!
- 🌸 Paris: Looking for things to do in Paris? I loved visiting the grandiose Opera House, walking around the museum in Tuiluries Gardens, attending the iconic Roland Garros Tournament, and seeing the original landscapes that originally inspired Monet’s famous paintings.
