I am sitting here in my hotel room in Aix-en-Provence as my press trip to the South of France, sponsored by the wonderful people at Vins de Provence, has now come to a close. I am spending another day here, traveling down to Marseille this afternoon to meet with a friend, but as I pore over my photos, it is clear that it has been quite a week.
Before I run off to catch the train, I thought I would share a few of them (with many more posts to follow).
We started in the Eastern part of Provence with an overview of the different appellations at the Rosé Research Center in Vidauban.
Then it was off to a picnic lunch and tasting at Château Thuerry.
At Château Theurry.
A walk through the charming medieval village of les Arcs.
An evening tasting at Château du Rouet.
A morning boat ride took us to the legendary Saint Tropez for the final boat race of the season.
And a stroll through the old part of town, including the fish market.
We were then whisked off to Domaine de la Croix.
The afternoon was marked by two of my favorite tastings: Château Malherbe, known for their agreeable whites…
…and Clos Cibonne where we tasted some fantastic aged rosés.
The following morning started with a trip to the impressive Château de l’Escarelle.
Followed by the gorgeous Château Margüi.
Maybe my favorite white of the trip: Château Margüi.
At Chateau Henri Bonnard, I was apparently missing the more popular view….
The last tasting was certainly memorable: a vertical tasting of rosé from 1996 to 2015 at Château Bas.
the drunken cyclist 
#jealous. Love the wines of Provence and the area, particularly in the shoulder season when many of the tourists have buggered off.
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It is a lot nicer to be there without the crowds!
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Lucky thing and the weather has been perfect! (Just down the road at Narbonne)
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We really did have spectacular weather while there!
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Great pics – you captured Provence nicely. I like the idea of a Rose research centre, that’s a new one on me,
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Thanks! They do an incredible job at that center….
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Beautiful pics. I wish I loved Provençal rosés but I just don’t. I appreciate them. Just not my fav thing to drink. I do love Aix, though, and wish I’d known you were going sooner. Would’ve made you get a cheap slice of amazing pizza at my fav little spot. Next time!
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Aix is nice, and there are certainly some wines that are better than others there—but a beautiful place!
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Sounds like a sweet gig! My family is from Provence. Your pics make me feel like I’m there!
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Yeah, it was a great trip. From what part hails your family?
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Aix!
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Very nice!
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