Visiting a Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate in winter is a fascinating experience
Are you planning to spend a few days in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the wintertime? Excellent choice! The town is ideal for a winter getaway with family or friends that is both decadent and unusual. As a renowned appellation in the Rhone Valley, it boasts delicious wines to taste and a rich wine heritage to explore. Because yes, if there is one experience that leaves its mark on wine enthusiasts, it is visiting a cellar in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in winter. More particularly, Château La Nerthe which has a memorable experience in store for you, in more ways than one…
Château La Nerthe, an exceptional setting to enjoy the stunning winter landscapes of the Rhône Valley
Imagine this. In the calm of winter, you leave the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape heading south. In less than 2 km, you come upon an alley lined with cypresses, olive trees and holm oaks, before discovering a gorgeous park with magnificent plane trees and centuries-old pines. Nestled in the heart of this natural setting is the elegant 18th century residence of Château La Nerthe.
You will remember the view from its terrace for a long time, as it is unparalleled in the Vaucluse. A true belvedere, from where you can see the Rhône to the west and to the east the impressive Mont Ventoux, the emblematic summit of Provence. You can also admire the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards below, especially those of our Clos de Beauvenir, or catch a glimpse of the ancient city of Popes in the distance.
And if you thought that our Rhone vineyard is motionless in the winter season, think again! During your visit, you may come across our winemakers busy pruning the vines. You will also learn about some of the Château’s commitments to biodiversity. You will be able to spot our nesting boxes designed to shelter chickadees, bats and owls when the temperatures drop, or meet some of our special guests: the sheep! Their grazing, mostly between January and March, enables the eco-friendly maintenance of the estate’s plots.
Several offers for tasting exceptional Castel-Papal wines, in the heart of historical cellars
After savoring this idyllic setting, you may want to warm up at bit. What perfect timing! Now it’s time to explore the estate’s cellars, where our bottles are stored, and immerse yourself in our know-how: a fascinating journey into five centuries of history, deeply intertwined with that of the village. To cater to different tastes, we offer guests 3 different visiting experiences, followed by Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tastings.
- The “Discovery” Experience, with a 1-hour guided tour and a tasting of 5 of our wines, including the remarkable Cuvée des Cadettes.
- The “Terroir” Experience, with a 1:30 guided tour and the opportunity to discover 7 of our wines, including a rare old vintage, as well as the iconic Cuvée des Cadettes and Clos de Beauvenir in white.
- The “Passion” Experience, with a 2-hour private tour, including a candlelit tasting in our secret cellar, and a tasting with our sommelier featuring 8 wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Among them, Les Clavelles, our most exclusive cuvée…
In short, these are privileged moments to be experienced over the weekend or while on vacation, or to be given to your loved ones in the form of gift certificates!
The surroundings are rich in activities to complete your winter visit to the cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Thanks to the ideal location of Château La Nerthe, you can easily complete your itinerary, even in the coldest weather. After enjoying our wines, you can seek refuge in one of the delicious restaurants of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Among the best addresses in the area, there is the Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches, a gastronomic restaurant that will surprise you with its incredible view of our estate. La Mère Germaine is also worth the trip, to either their Michelin-starred establishment or their bistro with its warm and friendly atmosphere. At the top of the village, Le Verger des Papes creatively reinterprets the terroir, while La Maisouneta and La Mule du Pape offer a cuisine that is both simple and refined.
Finally, for history buffs, the region is full of activities to do in the winter: on the one hand, you must visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its must-see tourist sites, such as the remains of the Palais des Papes and Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church. On the other hand, you can discover the magnificent Palais des Papes in Avignon (where we recommend the Michelin-starred restaurant La Mirande for lunch or dinner), or admire the Théâtre Antique and the Arc de Triomphe in Orange…
So, are you ready to explore our Châteauneuf-du-Pape cellar this winter? And if you are looking for inspiration for another weekend mixing wine and tourism, a visit to the Château de Corcelles vineyard in Beaujolais also promises an unforgettable day!