Vaucluse – Tasting & tour at Château Saint Estève: La Verticale

Explore the Vaucluse – Tasting & tour at Château Saint Estève: La Verticale, a 1.5-hour experience priced at $53 per person that brings you into the heart of a family-owned estate in the South of France. This tour offers a chance to taste four carefully selected old vintages, some no longer available in the cellar, and learn about the art of wine aging from an expert oenologist. With a focus on red wines and their aging potential, this session is perfect for wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of terroir and vintages.

The tour combines historical insights, an exploration of the winery and vaulted cellar, and guided tastings that highlight the estate’s craftsmanship. It is held at a château dating back to 1809, enriching the experience with its storied past. While the experience offers a personalized visit with technical explanations tailored to your wishes, it’s best suited for those interested in both wine history and tasting old vintages. Children are welcome but cannot taste wines, making it family-friendly for nature lovers and curious learners.

Key Points

• Duration of 1.5 hours makes it a compact yet enriching experience.
• Price of $53 per person provides access to four aged red wines and a detailed tour.
• Visit a historic château in the Rhône Valley, dating back to 1809.
• Includes a tour of the winery and vaulted cellar, with insights into production.
• Learn about the aging process and wine terroir from Florestan, an eighth-generation oenologist.
• Wines from vintages 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2019 are presented, with some from the estate’s wine library.

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Discover a Historic Château in the Rhône Valley

The Château Saint Estève stands as a family estate since 1809, offering a glimpse into centuries of winemaking tradition. The tour begins with an introduction to this storied property, emphasizing its role in producing wines with notable aging potential. Visitors are welcomed onto a shaded, boxwood-lined path leading to the estate, setting a tranquil tone for the experience.

Inside, you’ll explore the winery’s cellar and vaulted spaces, which serve as the perfect environment for aging wine. The estate’s artisanal approach shines through as the guide explains the production principles behind their wines. The historic setting enriches the tasting, connecting the wine’s story to its geographical and historical context.

Tour of the Winery and Vaulted Cellar

The winery and vaulted cellar form the core of the visit, giving guests a behind-the-scenes view of the estate’s aging process. The cellar provides the ideal conditions for long-term wine storage, and visitors get to see vintage bottles from the estate’s library. The guide offers technical explanations, making the tour accessible whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast.

This part of the tour highlights the artisan craftsmanship that goes into each vintage. The vaulted architecture adds a sense of timelessness, and the air-conditioned tasting room provides a comfortable setting for the wine tasting. This detailed look at wine storage and aging helps clarify how vintage differences develop over time.

Tasting Four Old Vintages and Their Aging Potential

The highlight of the experience is the tasting of four red wines, with vintages including 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2019. These are some of the latest vintages available from July to October 2025, while stocks last. Some bottles might be from the estate’s wine library, offering a rare chance to taste wines that are no longer in production.

Florestan, the octogenarian oenologist, leads the tasting and explains the principles behind wine aging. The focus is on judging wines based on their ability to age, giving participants a hands-on understanding of how different vintages evolve. This educational approach makes the session particularly valuable for those interested in terroir and vintage variation.

The Expertise of Florestan, the Family Oenologist

Florestan represents the eighth generation of the Monier de Saint Estève family, bringing a wealth of knowledge about wine production. His guidance combines technical expertise with engaging storytelling, making complex concepts accessible. Guests appreciate his personal connection to the estate and his willingness to tailor explanations to individual interests.

His passion for aging wines and terroir shines through during the tasting, helping guests appreciate the subtle differences among vintages. Whether discussing production techniques or aging patterns, Florestan’s insights add depth to the experience.

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Visiting the Cellar and Historic Vaults

The cellar tour offers a detailed look at the storage conditions and vintage bottles housed within. The vaulted cellars are part of the estate’s historic architecture, providing a scenic backdrop for learning about wine preservation. Visitors can expect technical explanations tailored to their curiosity, with some of the library bottles potentially delivered to enthusiasts.

This part of the tour emphasizes the importance of cellar conditions in wine aging, illustrating how temperature, humidity, and architecture influence the development of wine over time.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour starts at the estate’s meeting point, which is reached by walking up a shaded, boxwood-lined path. It is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with mobility needs to enjoy the experience. The estate offers shaded parking, making arrival straightforward.

The experience is offered as a private group, ensuring a personalized and intimate setting. The tour is conducted in French, English, and German, accommodating international visitors. It is also possible to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in travel planning.

What’s Included in the Experience

Participants enjoy a private visit to a historic château in the Rhône Valley, including a tour of the cellar and vaulted storage spaces. The tasting features four red wines that demonstrate the estate’s aging potential. The air-conditioned tasting room ensures comfort throughout.

The estate also provides shaded parking and the opportunity to learn from a family-owned operation with a tradition spanning over two centuries. Children are welcome but not permitted to taste wines, making it suitable for families with young nature enthusiasts.

Limited Availability and Reservation Flexibility

This experience is designed for flexibility. You can reserve your spot without payment upfront, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The availability of vintages may vary based on stock and season, so early booking is encouraged.

The small group size and private tour format provide a personalized atmosphere that invites questions and tailored explanations, perfect for wine enthusiasts or curious newcomers alike.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour appeals most to wine aficionados eager to explore vintage wines and learn about aging processes. It’s suitable for families, as children are welcome and can enjoy the estate’s environment. But it is especially fitting for those interested in terroir, wine history, and the craftsmanship behind aged wines.

Guests who appreciate guided explanations from a knowledgeable oenologist will find this experience particularly rewarding. It offers a focused, educational, yet relaxed setting to appreciate the nuances of wine aging.

Château Saint Estève La Verticale: An Authentic Wine Journey in Vaucluse

This 1.5-hour private experience offers a deep dive into the world of wine aging within a historic setting. The guidance from Florestan, a passionate eighth-generation oenologist, enriches the tour, making complex concepts understandable and engaging.

While the price of $53 covers four vintage wines and the historic estate tour, the highlight remains the chance to taste rare, aged vintages and learn about the art of wine storage. The winery’s historic architecture and family heritage add a distinctive charm to the experience.

This tour is ideal for those interested in wine history, vintage wines, and terroir-driven craftsmanship. Its personalized, small-group format ensures an intimate experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. For anyone wanting a meaningful tasting combined with insights into wine aging, this Château Saint Estève visit offers a genuine taste of French tradition in the Rhône Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, providing enough time for a thorough visit and tasting.

What wines are tasted during the session?
Four red wines from vintages 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2019 are included, some from the estate’s wine library.

Can children join the tour?
Children are welcome but cannot taste wines. The estate is suitable for children who love nature.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What is the price of the experience?
It costs $53 per person.

Are the vintages always the same?
Vintages vary from July to October 2025, based on stock availability.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in French, English, and German.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a refund.

Is parking provided?
Yes, shaded parking is available at the estate.

What makes this tour unique?
The focus on wine aging, historic estate, and the expert guidance of Florestan make this experience special.

This comprehensive review highlights the key features and practical details of the Vaucluse – Tasting & tour at Château Saint Estève: La Verticale, providing a clear picture for anyone interested in learning about wine aging within a beautiful historic setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby