Provence rosé is best enjoyed by taking your time
The mineral scents of the vines tickle the nostrils, the southern sun gently warms the skin, the fresh wind slips between the branches of the olive trees… Welcome to the Var, by the sea.
Here, to enjoy the scenery and savor the moment, the estates are visited slowly. A journey suspended in time at Château de l'Aumérade, a sunbathing break, then a sophro-tasting at Château Vert are the ingredients of a wine-themed interlude where, with each sip, the aromas of excellent rosé wines from Provence contribute to letting go and wonder.
HIGHLIGHT 1
A WALK OUT OF TIME
The large wrought iron gate is open.
A country lane winds its way through a sea of vines, inviting us to continue…
It's 10 a.m. on a sunny Thursday at the end of summer in Pierrefeu-du-Var. Katerina is there, smiling, to show us around the historic garden of Château de l'Aumérade. The visit is only possible from June to September, by reservation only.
The wine of Château de l'Aumérade It was discovered by King Henry IV, right here, in the 16th century. Conquered by the quality of the wines, he ordered his minister to introduce these wines to the court and to plant magnificent plane trees which, as you can see, still adorn the castle terrace today.
With attentive ears, we listen to the history of this estate. 350 hectares, giving rise to excellent Provence wines, some of which are Classified Growths.
Strolling through the garden in the shade of large, ancient trees, by the duck pond and along the paths lined with magnificent blue agapanthus is very pleasant. It clears our minds of all thoughts.
A generous and delicious rosé wine
The palate savors a fruity aromatic profile of unique complexity… this rosé from Provence is the finest expression of the terroir of the’AOP Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu.
After a tour of the cellar, we're now in the shop to learn more about the vineyard's flagship wines. The wine course for non-experts like us is fun, clear, and enjoyable.
During the two-hour walk, tour, and tasting, we learn that this clay-limestone soil we're on is nestled between the Pierrefeu-du-Var plain and the Massif des Maures mountains, benefiting from the sea breezes. This magnificent terroir is reflected in its luscious wines with fruity notes.
Domaine La Courtade can be visited by bicycle
Not far from there, on the magnificent protected island of Porquerolles, the Domaine La Courtade Laura offers guided bike tours: she leads the lucky participants on a tour of the winery and lets them taste organic Côtes de Provence wines. And because she's so friendly, she lends them bikes for the whole day, so they can explore the rest of the island at their own pace and with complete freedom. It's a ride you won't regret—need we say more?
HIGHLIGHT 2
SUNBATHING AND RELAXATION AT THE OLD SALT MARSHES
The rosé wine, freshly purchased, goes wonderfully with our mixed salad in summer colors.
In the shade of majestic maritime pines, the Golden Islands Right in front of us on the horizon, we enjoy a simple and tasty lunch break at the Vieux Salins beach.
This piece of land still in the’wild The coastal road linking Hyères to La Londe invites you to relax and dive headfirst into the cobalt blue sea. In Provence, they know how to live by savoring every moment…
A PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE
Thirty minutes east of Vieux Salins beach is the Fort de Brégançon.
Occupied by the Ligurians in antiquity, the cape is home to a fort which, since General Charles de Gaulle's first visit, has traditionally been the holiday retreat of the Presidents of the Republic, a tradition that continues to this day. The fortress is open to visitors and well worth a visit.
HIGHLIGHT 3
SOPHRO TASTING
Eyes closed, completely surrendered… breathing slowing, muscles heavy and relaxed, we are experiencing an unusual late afternoon. The setting sun warms our faces.
It's a very pleasant first: at Green Castle, In La Londe-Les-Maures, in the heart of a magnificent 40-hectare pine forest, we savor wine mindfully during an extraordinary sophrology session.
Here, you can taste vintages with all five senses. Your body relaxes and immerses itself in this unique moment: freshness, finesse, and minerality fill the palate. But be warned, to enjoy this experience, you must book in advance!
The session ends, we slowly open our eyes, returning to the present… Smiles appear on every face, heads bow in the rosy light. The Var sky is playing artist tonight.
The day of sightseeing ended on this poetic note, with positive energy shared. How wonderful it was to experience it fully!
SOPHROLOGY, BUT WHAT IS IT?
Sophrology is a relaxation method based on breathing, to focus on the present moment and learn to listen to your body. When you close your eyes and learn to release tension, it is easier to experience sensations intensely.
This might interest you
Cabran Castle
At the gates of Fréjus, in Puget-sur-Argens, the vineyards of Cabran Castle, cultivated by the same family for two centuries, they offer a peaceful setting for gourmet visits, organic wine tastings, Provençal specialties and sometimes for yoga and Pilates classes at sunset.
Galinière Castle
Just a stone's throw from Aix-en-Provence, the Château de la Galinière is nestled at the foot of the Cengle plateau, the first limestone step of the majestic Sainte-Victoire, a magnificent viewpoint for summer after-work Chill Out & Rosés evenings.
Bern Castle
The wellness center of Château de Berne, the only Vinésime partner spa in Provence, introduces you to oenotherapy: treatments whose active ingredients come from prestigious vineyards and whose molecules, produced by the vine's immune system, help to protect the skin against the signs of aging.
