Wine tasting on the Côte d'Azur

Setting off from our apartment in Cannes, you have the Provence wine region literally around the corner. Provence is the world's best-known and largest area for rosé, and it is precisely that light, dry rosé that suits a sunny day on the Côte d'Azur. From the sprawling vineyards of the Var to the tiny appellation above Nice: a wine excursion is a wonderful way to discover the hinterland — and you don't have to drive far for it.

Provence: the land of rosé

Provence is the largest rosé region in the world. Under the Mediterranean sun and the dry mistral wind grow the grapes for the pale, dry rosé the region is famous for: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and the local Tibouren. The rolling vineyards lie among olive groves, lavender and pine trees — the very picture of a Provençal summer. Besides rosé, fresh white and robust red wines are also made here.

The Route des Vins de Provence

The easiest way to explore the vineyards is the official Route des Vins de Provence (routedesvinsdeprovence.com), a signposted wine route that runs past dozens of estates and cooperatives. You drive it at your own pace from one tasting room to the next, right through the hinterland with its picturesque villages.

The Maison des Vins in Les Arcs

If you want a broad overview all at once, head to the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence in Les Arcs-sur-Argens (maison-des-vins.fr). This official house of the appellation stocks more than 800 Côtes de Provence wines and offers free tastings with advice — an ideal first introduction before you visit the estates themselves.

Bellet: wine within Nice

Close to Cannes there is also a wine curiosity: Bellet, one of the smallest appellations in France, set on the hills within the city of Nice. Several estates welcome visitors there for a tasting.

Côtes de Provence in the Var

The large rosé area Côtes de Provence stretches west of Cannes through the Var. This is where you'll find most of the estates, from small family businesses to larger domains.

Making a wine excursion

A day of wine tasting is easily combined with a market, a village or a beach. Most estates sell their wine on site and offer tastings; preferably book a visit in advance, especially in high season. And as the driver, of course let someone else drive or taste in moderation.

Wine on the Côte d'Azur from the apartment

From our apartment in the old Le Suquet you're quickly into the hinterland. Combine a wine excursion with a day by the sea or a visit to Nice, and book your stay on the Côte d'Azur.