Hello everyone my name is Anne Hellstrom and this will be my husband Eric and my second Rick Steves tour! We did the Myway Italy tour back in 2019 and had the most unbelievable time! We wanted to reach out to see if anyone on our tour would be interested in joining us for an all day winery tour on 10/13 out of Avignon with Olivier Hickman who is mentioned in Rick Steves book as an expert to the varietals in that region. He can show for up to six of us and I’ve included the information below!
During the tours we visit the vineyards and cellars of four leading wine
domaines in any of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Cairanne, Crestet and
Chateauneuf du Pape.
As we visit the scenic vineyards I explain the local appellation and the
local wine-growing culture - in particular the notion of "terroir". I
explain key elements of the winemaking process as we visit the cellars.
We taste four to five wines per estate during which I explain the
tasting characteristics of the Rhône grape varieties, the ageing
potential of the wines and the varying influences of the terroir and
cellar methods on the wines that we taste.
At most of the domaines we visit I supply a small selection of cheese
with which to taste and appreciate the wines.
The cost to join a group half day two winery tour chauffeured from
Avignon would be a total of 190 euros for the two of you.
The cost to join a group full four winery day tour chauffeured from
Avignon would be a total of 280 euros for the two of you.
My maximum group size is 8 persons, of which 6 persons can be chauffeured.
His direct email is: olivier.hickman@orange.fr
Cheers! Anne and Eric Hellstrom