On this tour, we will cover the Mediterranean coast from the Corbières to the Spanish Frontier and the Pyrénées - the Côte Vermeille.
The mountains and Mediterranean landscape are beautiful, the Catalan influence on the culture is profound and you will see why these wines are attracting so much attention in the wine world today.
Complex geology reflects the tectonic collisions of Spain into France creating the Pyrénées. Very steep vineyards of world-class Grenache grow on fractured schist while vineyards spread in the valley below snowcapped Canigou. To the north, eleven terroirs in the Corbières demonstrate how fascinating the geology is here. With Picasso, Dali and friends, it is a painter’s paradise.
We will visit the steep vineyards of Collioure and Banyuls-sur-mer, trace the rivers of the Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, Côtes Catalanes and Rivesaltes, and learn about geology, wines the wild history of the Corbières. Meet the growers of famous vineyards and also little-known wine growers who will be the stars of the future.
Come early to explore beautiful Collioure.
You will have the opportunity to purchase and ship wine home.
What’s Included:
- Expertise of tour leaders
- Hotel accommodations for 6 nights along the tour route
- Meals as noted in the itinerary (B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner)
- Daily wine tastings
- All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
- Transportation between hotels and for all daily itineraries
- Assistance with transport at tour’s end
- All gratuities
- Pre-tour and in-tour information
- Suggested reading list
Collioure, the Pyrénées & the Roussillon
Tour Dates: October 15-19, 2023
Adventures off the
Beaten Path:
The Wines and Geology of Collioure,
the Pyrénées & the Roussillon
What’s Included:
- Expertise of tour leaders
- Hotel accommodations for 4 nights along the tour route
- Meals as noted in the itinerary (B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner)
- Daily wine tastings
- All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
- Transportation between hotels and for all daily itineraries
- Assistance with transport at tour’s end
- All gratuities
- Pre-tour and in-tour information
- Suggested reading list
What’s Not Included:
- Passport and all visa fees, photos, immunizations, or other travel documentation fees
- Airfare for flights to and from France
- Train fare or other travel before and after the tour
- Airline or train transfers and baggage handling
- Personal items such as souvenirs or wines that might be purchased for personal use
-Other items noted as optional or not specifically mentioned as included
- Optional travel insurance including cancellation/delay/lost baggage insurance
Rates: Double Occupancy: $4,900/person Single Occupancy: Add $875
• Sunday morning open air market on your own • Check in at waterfront Collioure hotel • Introductory wine tasting • Geology of southern Pyrénées-Oriental and Collioure • Light dinner together in Collioure.
• Breakfast at hotel • Geology of the Pyrénées foothills and the Côte Vermeille • Vineyards and tasting at top Banyuls-sur-mer winery • Beachfront terrace lunch in Banyuls-sur-mer • Learn the fortified wines of AOC Banyuls and why they are great with chocolate! • World’s best vinegar? You decide at Banyuls atelier. • Dinner together in Collioure
• Breakfast at hotel • Geology of northern Roussillon and the Corbières • Tour the vineyards and meet winegrowers along Canigou’s 3 rivers • Terroirs and wines of the unique AOCs in the Côtes-du-Roussillon • Ch. Queribus, the Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade • Lunch along the way • Surprises and history at the Spanish frontier • Enjoy dinner on your own in Collioure
• Breakfast at hotel • Explore Collioure’s lively outdoor market • Lunch on the terraces above Collioure’s beaches • Geology and history of Collioure and coastal Roussillon • Tour and tastings at Collioure wineries • Farewell wine dinner together in Collioure
• Breakfast at hotel • Au revoir les amis des vins et géologie • Guidance with travel to Perpignan or beyond
This itinerary and lodging arrangements are subject to change based on weather conditions and the availability of scheduled wineries/vineyards.