Oenotouristic discovery: explore the wine route of the Drôme
The Drôme is a dream destination for wine and nature enthusiasts. With prestigious appellations such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Vinsobres, and Grignan-les-Adhémar, this region offers a sensory journey through vineyards with diverse landscapes, between the Rhône Valley and Provençal hills.
This itinerary has been designed to allow for a pleasant stay from our camping in the Drôme, in Marsanne, by organizing discovery days of the vineyards while limiting travel. You will discover large wine estates, exceptional wine tastings, as well as sublime landscapes and delicious local cuisine.
Wine route itinerary
Day 1: The Great Wines of the Rhône Valley – Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage
On the first day, head to Tain-l’Hermitage, located about 70 km from Camping Les Bastets, or 50 minutes by car. This town is the birthplace of some of the most prestigious appellations of the Rhône Valley.
Start with a walk on the Hermitage hill, which offers a magnificent view of the terraced vineyards plunging down towards the Rhône. This unique terroir gives birth to wines of great finesse, known worldwide.
Next, enjoy a visit and tasting at Maison M. Chapoutier, a reference in the Hermitage appellation. This iconic estate offers a discovery of grape varieties and winemaking techniques. Then, head to the Cave de Tain, where you can deepen your knowledge with an introduction to tasting Crozes-Hermitage wines, which are more accessible but equally captivating.
In the afternoon, stop by Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, famous for its renowned cuvée “La Chapelle”, an exceptional wine that embodies the region’s craftsmanship.
After this beautiful day, return to Camping Les Bastets for a relaxing evening in nature.
Day 2: Saint-Joseph and the Landscapes of the Drôme
On the second day, head northwest to Saint-Péray and Cornas, about 60 km from Camping Les Bastets, or 50 minutes by car. These appellations, less known than Hermitage, offer wines with great aromatic richness.
Start the morning with a visit to Domaine Alain Voge, specializing in red wines from Cornas and sparkling whites from Saint-Péray. Here, you will discover characterful wines, crafted with care and respect for the terroir.
After the tasting, go for a small hike on the heights of Vercors. This viewpoint offers an exceptional panorama of the Rhône Valley and the surrounding vineyards.
For lunch, settle in a wine bistro in Tournon-sur-Rhône, where you can enjoy local specialties such as Ardèche charcuterie, Dauphiné ravioli, and Picodon, a delicious goat cheese.
In the afternoon, head to Domaine Coursodon, one of the references of the Saint-Joseph appellation. This red wine, mainly made from Syrah, is known for its elegance and spicy aromas. End the day with a walk along the banks of the Rhône or a visit to the Château de Tournon.
Day 3: The Drôme Provençale – Vinsobres and Grignan-les-Adhémar
For the final day, head to discover the wines of Drôme Provençale, starting with Vinsobres, about 50 km from Camping Les Bastets, or 50 minutes by car. This appellation exclusively produces powerful and elegant red wines, perfect for fans of full-bodied wines.
The morning begins with a visit to Domaine Jaume, one of the pioneers of the AOC Vinsobres. After a great tasting, stop by Nyons, famous for its black olives and AOP olive oil. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover another local craft and bring home some regional products.
In the afternoon, head to Grignan, about 30 km from Nyons (35 minutes by car). This village is dominated by the majestic Château de Madame de Sévigné. Before visiting this Renaissance jewel, enjoy a gourmet lunch at Clair de la Plume, a Michelin-starred restaurant that highlights local products.
To end this wonderful day, stop at Château de la Borie, a certified organic vineyard producing fine and balanced wines under the Grignan-les-Adhémar appellation.
Practical tips for a successful stay
To fully enjoy the Wine Route of the Drôme, it is recommended to make reservations before visiting the estates, as some cellars only accept visits by reservation.
Wine tasting requires moderation, so it is advised to alternate between vineyard visits and outdoor activities, such as hikes or bike rides. If you want to taste several wines from the Drôme, consider designating a driver or opting for a private transport service.
Finally, bring a cooler to store the bottles you purchase and local products like cheese or olives.
Additional experiences not to be missed
To enhance your stay, several activities can be added to your program:
- Wine-tasting workshop at an estate to learn how to better taste wines.
- Electric bike ride through the vineyards with tasting stops.
- Wine and cheese pairing tasting, to combine Drôme wines with local specialties.
- Hike in the Baronnies Provençales Natural Park, to admire the region’s diverse landscapes.
Thanks to this itinerary, you can discover the best wines of the Drôme while enjoying a wine tourism stay in the Drôme. Between tastings, exceptional landscapes, and local gastronomy, this wine route promises an unforgettable experience.
