We'll be in Avignon in mid-September. We're interested in a tour that would take us to see some of the vineyards that we wouldn't be able to see by using public transportation (we won't have a car). We're interested in some educational information during the tour. One member of our group is really only interested in the tastings - and from what I've read -- she might be better off visiting one of the wine cooperatives if she's only wanting to taste. She'd enjoy seeing the vineyards, but would not enjoy any lengthy explanations. Can anyone recommend a tour company or individual that would be able to accommodate 5 of us (or possibly just 4 of us)? We're trying to find something that is somewhat inexpensive -- 75 euros or so per person. Thank you.
We were in Avignon in 2014 and had two very good tours with Provence Panorama, one of which included a couple of wine tastings. Our tours involved more than wine, but they have a wine tour that is in your price range.
The always-helpful Avignon tourism office has a list of wine tours http://www.avignon-tourisme.com/divers/booking/wine-gastronomy-150-2.html Many feature Chateauneuf du Pape, the famous region to the north in the Rhone valley. The chateau itself is mostly a pile of rubble but it's surrounded by famous labels.
Wine Safari with Mike Rijken. We took this tour in 2007 or 2008 I believe. It was a Rick Steve's recommendation and it was great. Mike picked us up at our hotel in Avignon. We had pre-selected the Chatenaeuf du Pape region but you could ask for Rhone and maybe others. We did a few tastings at different wineries, saw what remains of the popes old summer home (ruins), had a lovely lunch and learned quite a bit. I think the cost was in that ballpark. I tasted my first Gigondas wine and its now my FAV! But here is the website....
Thank you for the replies. I'll research each of your suggestions. It all sound wonderful!