More Southern Côtes du Rhône Wines
Here is a list of our favorite wineries for the smaller budget; a subjective selection, no doubt, but we have some basic criteria:
- Good quality wines between Euro 4 - 7 per bottle
- Consistency over the years
- Free wine tastings
- Friendly service even when buying smaller quantities
We cannot provide information about opening hours; they change frequently depending on the season. A number of the wineries are small and family run and it is therefore better to call beforehand. Or try your luck and just ring the bell, in general owners or their family members are very friendly and easy going. They do not mind selling directly and your wine drinking experience is so much more rewarding, if you know the winery. The larger wineries normally open Mo - Fri from 9 - 12 AM and 2 - 5 PM during the season.
In case you are looking for the upper segment of wineries - we have a number of recommendations - just click here.
Jean Marie Arnoux & Fils in Vacqueyras. Produces an excellent Vacqueyras A.O.C., try the 2003 Vieux Clocher.
Place Eglise, 84190 Vacqueyras, Tel: 04 90 65 84 18
Domaine Brusset, one of the largest producers of Côte du Rhône Village in Cairanne, now run by the founder's grandson, Laurent Brusset. Produces a wide range of wines, from reasonably priced Côtes du Rhône to a very respectable Gigondas from Montmirail. The sales outlet is at the intersection of Rt.D8 (Cairanne - Vacqueyras) with Rt.D975.
Open Mo-Sat, 9-12 AM, 2-5 PM. Tel: 04 90 30 82 16.
Cave la Contadine in Puymeras, North of Vaison la Romaine, produces a very rewarding CDR Village. We had the 2001 le Chasseur at our friend Georges' house in Puymeras.
Quartier Grand Grange, 84110 Puymeras, 04 90 46 40 78.
Château Joanny in Sérignan du Comtat, owned by the Dupond family, produces wonderful Côtes du Rhône and CDR Village wines; consistently rewarded with gold, silver and bronze medals at the wine exhibitions in Orange and Macon. Sérignan du Comtat is a historic village between Ste.Cécile les Vignes and Orange.
Rt. de Piolenc, La Renjardière, 84830 Sérignan du Comtat, Tel: 04 90 70 0010.
Domaine Champ Long in Entrechaux, a picturesque village near Vaison la Romaine. Entrechaux has two great restaurants, click here for our recommendations, and Domaine Champ Long producing excellent Côtes du Ventoux. Another tip of our friend Georges in Puymeras. Try the 2003 Cuvée Spéciale.
Quartier du Champ Long, 84340 Entrechaux, Tel: 04 90 46 01 58.
Domaine du Coriançon in Vinsobres, one of the best kept secrets in this village, which was awarded its own A.O.C appellation in 2005. The vineyard is owned by François Vallot, a 4th generation vintner. While he adheres to tradition, modern wine making methods have improved the quality. Between Nyons and Vinsobres on Rt. D94.
Quartier Hauterives, 26110 Vinsobres, Tel. 04 75 26 03 24.
Domaine Fond Croze in St.Roman de Malegarde (between Cairanne and Nyons), run by two brothers, Daniel and Bruno Long (despite the name they speak French only). Great wine making skills, consistently receives top awards at the wine exhibitions in Orange and Macon. Produce both Côtes du Rhône and CDR Village, also Vin de Pays de la Drôme and a white Chardonnay. On Rt.D 51 from Nyons to Cairanne on left side at the village exit.
Rte Buisson, 84290 St.Roman de Malegarde, Tel: 04 90 28 97 07.
Domaine des Lauribert in Visan, an wonderful historic village in the Enclave des Papes. Recommendation of our friends Sylvie and Robert, retired olive growers, in Valreas. The winery is named after Laurent, Marie et Robert Sourdon, the owners. Try the 2003 CDR Village Les Truffières and visit Visan and nearby Richerenches, the truffles capital. On Rt.D976, halfway between Visan and Valreas.
Haut Roussillac, 84820 Visan, Tel: 04 90 35 26 82.
