Where better to indulge one's love of wine than in France? Start the day on a Wine Safari, and end it by gazing out across the vineyards towards the sunset, enjoying a glass of chilled rosé made at that very estate. We've put together a few of the best villas in Provence and South West France for those who appreciate a fine vintage.
Domaine des Côteaux, Provence
The landscape of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the craggy outcrop of the Luberon mountain range in Provence, has hardly changed in the 11 centuries that the Domaine des Côteaux has stood there. What has changed is that the estate has started producing world-beating wines.
When Nicole and Xavier arrived at the derelict property in the mid-1990s wine production was a memory, and a distant one at that. However, through passionate study, great enthusiasm, and significant financial investment the taps are flowing again. Chêne Bleu is making a splash in the world of wine.
Despite production only beginning in 2006, the awards for Chêne Bleu have rolled in; recent vintages have won multiple Golds at the International Wine Challenge, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and the Grenaches du Monde Awards.
Wine-tasting and tours of the vineyard can be arranged during an exclusive stay at the Domaine des Côteaux. Walk the grounds, make use of the tennis court, or simply relax by the pool at this wine lover’s paradise.
Pomeira, South West France
Pomeira is a charming French villa which is within walking distance of UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Emilion. Throw back the shutters each morning to reveal views across the town’s ancient walls and prestigious vineyards.
Take the villa’s bicycles out to explore the local area, enjoy a game of croquet or boules within the enclosed gardens or relax with friends and family around the large pool.
Within St Emilion there is an abundance of local cafés and restaurants with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the lush merlots and aromatic cabernet francs that this region is famous for.
Mas des Vignes, South West France
Mas des Vignes is located just a five-minute stroll from St Emilion’s main square. The villa is contemporary throughout, with four en suite bedrooms, sound system, plunge pool and air conditioning. The villa’s own bar and multiple wine fridges make it an ideal base for evenings spent tasting the local produce acquired on daily trips into town.
Sociable outdoor spaces with shady terraces and large lawns make it impossible not to relax from the moment you arrive. Surrounded by vineyards, there’s a constant reminder that you are in the heart of Bordeaux’s finest wine producing region.
Domaine de Routas, Provence
Whether residing in the ‘Viognier’ self-contained apartment or staking your claim on the ‘Pinot Noir’ master bedroom, complete with roll-top bath, a stay at Domaine de Routas, really does put you at the beating heart of a working wine estate.
This charming villa, set in the centre of the 250-hectare estate in Provence’s Var region promises much more than just a burgeoning collection of award-winning wines. A large, fenced pool, miles of cycle tracks (plus the use of the villa's bicycles) and a home cinema room also ensures this villa's popularity with families.
Whoever you are staying with, the outdoor terraces with vineyard views offer the perfect spot to get together in the evenings and enjoy a Chateau Routas sundowner.
For further information on the above or our full range of luxury villas in France please contact us on +44 (0)1242 787 800.
