Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise: wine tasting at the foot of the Dentelles

Gigondas: power and finesse in one glass

The name says it all. Gigondas comes from the Latin 'Jucunditas', meaning joy and delight. And indeed, anyone strolling through the cobbled lanes of this little village, with the imposing Dentelles de Montmirail as a backdrop and a glass of red wine in hand, immediately understands where the name comes from.

Gigondas nestles at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail and has the authentic charm of a typical Provençal village: stone lanes, shady fountains and quiet little squares. Visitors looking for crowds and spectacle won't find them here. And that is exactly its charm.

Gigondas wine: a grand cru with character

Gigondas has held AOC status since 1971 and mainly produces powerful, elegant red wines with aromas of ripe fruit, spice and garrigue, a character they owe to the stony soil and the dry, sunny climate.

The vineyards lie between 100 and 430 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Dentelles. This special setting, combined with ideal orientation, means the vines get plenty of sun while benefiting from the coolness that altitude brings. The mistral also plays a crucial role: the wind cleans the vines naturally and keeps disease in check.

Most estates are small and family-run, and in many places tastings are free. Well-known names include Domaine Santa Duc, Raspail-Ay, La Bouïssière and the easy-going Caveau de Gigondas in the middle of the village, where you'll find wines from dozens of local producers under one roof.

💡 Tip: During your tasting, ask about the differences between the terroirs: wines from higher plots have more freshness and finesse than those from the lower slopes.

More than wine: the village itself

Gigondas is also worth a visit as a village. Besides wine tastings and outdoor activities, you can explore its historic sights: the ruins of a medieval castle, a 12th-century church and the unique Sentier des Sculptures, a sculpture trail with contemporary art through the hills and the medieval village. From the highest point there is a sweeping view over the vineyards towards the Vaucluse plain.

For walkers and climbers, the Dentelles de Montmirail are a paradise. The rocky ridge is popular with hikers, climbers and mountain bikers who want to explore the area in an unusual way.

Beaumes-de-Venise: the village of sweet wine

Barely 5 km from Gigondas lies Beaumes-de-Venise, and the atmosphere changes at once. Quieter and more intimate, with a village square that fills up on Tuesday mornings with market stalls piled with fresh apricots, lavender soap and local cheeses.

The village owes its name to the many caves ('balmes' in Provençal) carved into the hillside. In the village centre you are welcomed by an elegant 17th-century fountain. Beaumes-de-Venise breathes calm and authenticity.

Muscat: a wine in a world of its own

Say Beaumes-de-Venise and you say Muscat. This sweet white wine, a vin doux naturel, has been an AOC since 1943 and is considered one of the best of its kind in France. Golden yellow, fragrant and tasting of ripe apricots and lychee, it is perfect as an aperitif or with a fresh fruit dessert.

The vines grow on the steep, sunny slopes of the Dentelles. What makes Beaumes-de-Venise special are these sloping hillsides, which give the vines a remarkable amount of sun, turning the Muscat into a naturally sweet wine that is unique in Provence.

A few estates well worth a visit: Domaine de Coyeux (high up, with a breathtaking view), Domaine des Bernardins (a family estate whose history goes back to the 19th century) and Rhonéa, the cooperative winery in the centre, which also runs cocktail workshops based on Muscat.

💡 Tip: Serve the Muscat chilled, between 8 and 10 degrees. It goes surprisingly well with goat's cheese or foie gras, not just with dessert.

The village and its sights

Beaumes-de-Venise is about more than wine. Don't miss the chapel of Notre-Dame d'Aubune: a 12th-century Romanesque building with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. Its bell tower is considered a gem of Romanesque art and was even the inspiration for the cathedral next to the Palais des Papes in Avignon.

From the ruins of the 13th-century castle at the top of the village you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view that is not to be missed. The walk up takes barely 20 minutes and leads past old wrought-iron balconies, colourful shutters and shady lanes.

How to combine both villages

Start your day in Beaumes-de-Venise: visit the Tuesday market, climb to the castle ruins for the view and taste your first Muscat at Rhonéa or Domaine de Coyeux. Then drive on to Gigondas for a drink on a terrace, a stroll through the village and a proper tasting at the Caveau. End the day with a glass of wine and the Dentelles as your backdrop. It doesn't get more Provençal than this. 🥂

Practical information

• Tasting in Gigondas: the Caveau de Gigondas in the village centre is open every day, with wines from dozens of local producers under one roof.
• Beaumes-de-Venise market: every Tuesday morning on the village square, one of the friendliest little markets in the region.
• Distance: the two villages are only 5 km apart and easy to combine in a half or full day.
• Combine with: Séguret and Sablet are close by and just as charming for an extra stop on the way.