5/24/19 Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Wine from the rocks, thats what the Châteauneuf-du-Pape area is famous for. One of the biggest wine regions in the world, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is home to dozens of Appellations, each with their specific wine identity. Red wine is the vast majority of the production here, and delicious by the way!

Leaving Uzès, driving northeast past Avignon, we passed the lovely city of Saint-Victor-La-Coste and stopped for a quick peek. Lovely city.We then headed to the city of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The destroyed castle on the hilltop was built in the 1300s for one of the Popes residing in Avignon during that time. The castle proved too costly to maintain as the Popes moved back to Rome in the late 1300s. The castle was demolished and used to build the village below. During WW2, the Germans tried to blowup the castle with dynamite, but only destroyed 1/2 until they ran out of munitions.

Today the city is a wine tourist tasting village, with dozens of Wine tasting caves, that offer various wines from the numerous Chateaus. It’s

Its a lovely area, rather touristy however, so we drove out to visit the area chateau’s, which are numerous 😎🍷

First, Domaine de Beaurenard, a lovely chateau with spectacular wines (very expensive)

Then went to a lovely spot, Chateau de la Gardine, where our new friend, Judy, gave us some great knowledge (and lots of tastings) from the numerous wineries they own.

Last stop, Clos du Caillou, lovely place, but the wine was €60 euro to €200 euro, a little rich for our blood.

FYI, all tastings are free and no appointment needed on weekdays. Everyone is very welcoming and hospitable for the French😎 The belief here is a wine tasting should be offered to guests as the wine makers welcome.

A drive of about 1 hour returns us to lovely Uzès, which is my favorite city we have stopped in. Small, walkable and very little tourists.

Tomorrow, the market here in Uzès, some laundry and possibly a nap👍😎🍷

The lovely dessert our hostess, Monique just brought us 😎👍

Excellent!

Au revoir 👍🍷🥖