Wine Tour in Roussillon: Picnic & Tasting Day

Experience the Best of Roussillon’s Vineyards and Wines for $196.64

A full-day wine tour in Roussillon offers an engaging journey through some of the most scenic vineyards in the Catalan Country. Priced at $196.64 per person, this tour spans around 8 to 9 hours, making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore without rushing. Departing from Perpignan, the tour provides a mix of vineyard visits, wine tastings, and a delicious picnic, all led by an expert guide. The small group size, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

This tour is perfect for lovers of wine, beautiful landscapes, and gourmet experiences. While the day involves walking and outdoor visits, it remains accessible to most, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery. The inclusion of a gourmet picnic and three glasses of wine enhances the experience, making it a memorable way to discover the region’s winemaking traditions.

Key Points

• Full-day experience lasting approximately 8 to 9 hours in Roussillon.
• Visits to five vineyards, including organic family wineries and iconic estates.
• Tastings of at least nine wines, with a focus on monovarietals and natural sweet wines.
• Gourmet picnic lunch with three glasses of wine included.
• Small group size of up to 8 travelers for a more intimate experience.
• Led by a knowledgeable guide, often described as friendly and professional.

Starting Point at Perpignan for an Authentic Wine Day

The tour begins at Place de la Victoire in Perpignan at 8:45 am. From this central location, the tour provides a seamless start with an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you into the vineyards and countryside of Roussillon. The convenience of the meeting point and the well-organized schedule contribute to a stress-free day, allowing the focus to remain on wine tasting and scenic views.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, making it easy for participants to plan their day afterward. The small group size ensures personal interaction with the guide, who is often praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Exploring Organic Wines at Canet-en-Roussillon

Your first stop is at a family-run winery practicing organic farming in Canet-en-Roussillon. Here, the focus is on authentic, sustainable viticulture, with vines offering spectacular panoramic views of the Roussillon terroir. Visitors get to walk among the vines and see how the grapes are cultivated with care.

The highlight at this stop is the tasting session, where five wines are sampled directly from old restored casks. This provides a unique opportunity to taste wines that carry the character of traditional winemaking. The setting and the wines’ quality typically earn high praise, with many noting the exceptional views and the personal touch of the hosts.

Rivesaltes and the Gourmet Picnic Experience

After the vineyard walk, the group heads to Rivesaltes for the midday picnic. This stop emphasizes relaxation and enjoying local flavors. The picnic takes place within a winery, and includes three glasses of regional wine, enhancing the tasting experience.

The picnic setting in Rivesaltes offers a chance to unwind amid the lively atmosphere of a cellar. The pairing of food and wine allows for a better appreciation of regional specialties, with many comments highlighting the quality of the food and the friendly environment.

Monovarietal Tastings at Espira de l’Agly

Post-picnic, the tour moves on to Espira de l’Agly, where a family-owned wine estate specializes in monovarietal wines. This stop is particularly appreciated for its focused tastings, revealing the distinct characters of individual grape varieties.

Visitors can expect to taste a selection of wines that showcase the estate’s craftsmanship. The guide often explains the nuances of each varietal, making this stop both educational and enjoyable. The relaxed atmosphere and depth of knowledge shared by the guide add to the overall appeal.

Discovering the Secrets of Natural Sweet Wines in Maury

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Maury, an estate famous for its natural sweet wines. Here, the focus is on local treasures that have long been cherished in the region.

The estate’s expertise reveals the secrets behind producing these emblematic wines, which are renowned for their complexity and richness. As many reviews mention, the guide’s insights make this tasting particularly engaging. The experience deepens appreciation for Roussillon’s unique winemaking traditions.

Final Tasting and Toast in Vingrau

The last stop is at Vingrau, perched on the heights of the village. This short 30-minute visit offers a final opportunity to enjoy stunning scenery and to toast the day’s discoveries with a glass of local wine.

The panoramic views from Vingrau are often described as breathtaking. The atmosphere is relaxed, and this final toast caps off a day filled with exploration, tastings, and memorable landscapes.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Throughout the tour, the guide’s expertise and friendly manner are frequently praised. Many reviews highlight how the guide, often named Nicola, provides clear, engaging explanations about the wines and vineyards. The personalized approach and willingness to accommodate requests make the experience feel tailored and special.

The tour is well-organized, with timely transitions between stops and a good rhythm that balances walking, tasting, and relaxing. The inclusion of bottled water and air-conditioned transportation adds comfort, especially on warmer days.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour departs early at 8:45 am, and booking typically occurs 86 days in advance, reflecting high demand for this popular experience. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility, as most of the stops are accessible and involve short walks.

Cancellation policies are strict—this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. However, the small group size ensures a personalized experience, with many guests praising the professionalism and friendliness of the guides.

Why Choose This Roussillon Wine Tour?

This full-day tour in Roussillon offers a well-rounded immersion into the region’s wine culture, with visits to five distinctive wineries, tastings of various wine styles, and a gourmet picnic that complements the wines perfectly. The combination of stunning landscapes, expert guidance, and authentic local wines makes it stand out among regional wine experiences.

While the itinerary involves some walking and outdoor activities, it remains accessible for most. The small group size encourages engaging conversations and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for wine enthusiasts or anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of Catalan wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a gourmet picnic lunch, and three glasses of wine during the picnic. Bottled water is also provided.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Place de la Victoire in Perpignan at 8:45 am and ends back at the same location.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 8 to 9 hours, giving ample time for vineyard visits, tastings, and relaxing breaks.

Are the stops suitable for everyone?
Yes, most stops involve short walks and are suitable for most travelers. The tour is designed to be accessible, with most of the activities taking place at wineries or scenic viewpoints.

Can I customize the experience?
The guide is known for accommodating special requests and adjusting tastings to preferences, enhancing the personalized feel of the day.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample five wines at the first vineyard, three glasses during the picnic, and additional tastings at each estate, including monovarietal and natural sweet wines.

Is there free time during the tour?
Most of the schedule is structured, but the stops are relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.

What do reviews say about this tour?
Guests commonly praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful vineyard walks, delicious wines, and the friendly, professional atmosphere.

Is booking in advance required?
Yes, the tour is popular and typically booked 86 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended.

What if I need to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable once booked. Be sure of your plans before confirming.

This Roussillon wine tour offers a rich taste of the region’s best vineyards, combined with stunning scenery and expert guidance, making it a top choice for wine lovers seeking an authentic and memorable day out.