Winery · Avignon

Avignon - Palace of the Popes

Pope John XXII improved local viticultural practices 1316-1334. Region renamed "Châteauneuf-du-Pape" (New Castle of the Pope). Wine shop on first floor.

What to do there

TourAvignon - Palace of the PopesWhen Pope Clement VI threw his coronation party in 1342, he built wine fountains in the streets of Avignon. They ran for four weeks. Guests inside the palace drank 160,000 litres — and Clement was just getting started. He spent the next decade turning this fortress into the largest Gothic palace on earth, mostly because he needed a cellar worthy of his appetite. Seven popes lived here over 67 years, and their thirst created an entire appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape exists because the papacy needed something world-class within carting distance.

Wineries nearby

Winery · Châteauneuf-du-Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pope's vineyard: Châteauneuf-du-Pape's 14th-century papal castle ruins cap a limestone plateau where 13 grape varieties dance in power wines.
Winery · Courthézon Château de Beaucastel Organic pioneer since 1950, biodynamic since 1974—decades before the term existed.
Winery · Orange Orange Roman Theatre Built early 1st century AD, Europe's best-preserved Roman theatre (103m x 37m) hosts the Chorégies d'Orange opera festival since 1869—UNESCO World Heritage paired with Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône vineyards ramping the mountainside.