French Indulgences: A Wine & Culinary Journey in the South of France
Tour Overview
The South of France is one of the great regions of the world to indulge in life’s little pleasures. Come discover the region for yourself with Transcendent on this unique 7-day wine, culinary and heritage journey.
Wine and culinary tours would never be complete without visiting France, n’est-ce pas? That is why we have chosen the beautiful sunny region of Languedoc-Roussillon, now in the newly formed region of Occitanie, in Southern France, for our next wine and culinary adventure.
Description
Millions of years old, this ancient land of rugged mountains, scrublands and sea has been a haven for grapevines which are said to have grown wild before Homo Sapiens ever even existed. During the 20th century, we have seen the widespread emergence of winemakers who are dedicating themselves to producing high quality terroir-driven wines.
“Transcendent Tavel is the perfect fit for any traveler, whether a novice or a well seasoned one. Andrew is the master of detail, probably the most important characteristic for a tour leader. He plans out everything to perfection! His tours are not just informative but fun! Tours are a perfect blend of structured time with lots of opportunities for exploring on your own. And every tour comes with a very unique surprise in store for the group: something you would never be able to arrange on your own! The memories and friendships made are the icing on the cake!”
These wines reflect years of accumulated experience and wisdom on the part of winemakers and their commitments to choosing grape varieties best suited to the diverse soil types and climate conditions. This commitment, coupled with modern winemaking techniques and equipment, have created a substantial increase in international recognition and respect for this vast wine region.
One of the hallmarks of French culture has been the ability of its people to perfect the art of matching wine with food. As we make our way from the northern city of Nîmes to the southern region around Narbonne, we will journey to the source of food where growers still pride themselves in offering organically-grown products which are then transformed into imaginative, delectable dishes by Michelin-starred chefs. Savor these memorable experiences for many years to come. We will taste wine just as the Romans made it 2,000 years ago, and if you ever wondered where salt comes from, here is your chance to hop on a train and tour the largest hand-harvested salt flats in the world.
As a Sommelier, I am passionate about wine and its endless possibilities when pairing it with food. Join me as we embark on a journey of the senses while experiencing the elegant accommodations of boutique hotels tucked away among the vineyards.
I look forward to sharing the wonderful wines and gastronomical delights surrounded by the rich historical beauty of this land and the French joie de vivre that is so much a part of the French experience.
If you are like me, you just might come away wanting to come back for more.
A votre sánte!
Highlights:
Stay at the Grand Hotel du Midi in the city of Montpellier
Private tour and lunch at the Pont du Gard,
the world’s tallest aqueduct and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites
Visit and tasting of Roman-style wines at Mas des Tourelles winery
A unique train tour of the salt flats at Aigues-Mortes
Tour & tasting at internationally acclaimed wine producer Mas Amiel in Maury