Private Wine Tasting at Your Holiday Rental

Private Wine Tasting at Your Holiday Rental: A Cozy Sip in the South of France

If you’re dreaming of tasting the best of Provence and Rhône wines without leaving your holiday home, this private wine tasting experience might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally booked it, the reviews and details paint a picture of a relaxed, personalized tasting led by a knowledgeable host. It’s a chance to enjoy regional wines in a setting that feels both special and comfortable, especially if you prefer a more exclusive and tailored experience rather than a crowded tour.

What really appeals to us are the bespoke nature of the tasting—created after a consultation to suit your preferences—and the comfort of being at your own rental, which means no rushing, no transportation, and plenty of time to soak in the flavors and stories behind the wines. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the price point—$351 per group for up to six people—meaning it’s more of an intimate experience than a budget-friendly group event.

This experience is ideal if you’re a wine enthusiast who appreciates learning about regional wines in a relaxed environment, or if you’re looking for a special activity that blends education with leisure. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small groups, or friends wanting a private, customized tasting without the fuss of visiting multiple wineries.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Tailored to your wine preferences after a consultation.
• Expert Guide: Led by Anna Spooner, a qualified wine educator with a relaxed, friendly style.
• All-Inclusive Setup: Includes glassware, tasting notes, and wines chosen to meet your expectations.
• Location Flexibility: Conducted at your private holiday rental in Provence or the Rhône.
• Duration & Size: A 75-minute session suitable for groups up to 6 people.
• Additional Offerings: Options for food pairings, premium wines, and larger groups available separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This wine tasting is designed to be an intimate, flexible affair, with the main draw being its customized approach. Before the session begins, there’s an initial consultation where Anna Spooner, the host, discusses your wine likes and expectations. Whether you’re curious about the famous reds of the Rhône, the up-and-coming whites from southern France, or even the rosés of Provence, she can craft a tasting that hits the right notes.

The setting is your holiday rental, which means you can enjoy the experience in your pajamas or amidst a stunning view—it’s all about convenience combined with a touch of elegance. Since the experience lasts about 75 minutes, it’s a manageable, yet immersive session that allows for plenty of tasting and discussion without feeling rushed.

Anna’s background as a DipWSET and her current pursuit of the Master of Wine exam shine through in her approach. She’s described as a relaxed but well-informed host, making wine accessible regardless of your experience level. Reviewers have appreciated her easygoing style and the way she makes the conversation engaging and unpretentious.

The wines are carefully selected based on your preferences, and if you opt for the tasting notes and glassware, you’ll leave with a good understanding of what you’ve sampled. It’s worth noting that food pairings are available at an extra cost—think cheese, truffles, or even dinner options—but they’re not included in the base price.

While the session doesn’t include transportation, the convenience of having it at your own property can save time and energy, especially if you’re traveling with a group or family. The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is an added plus for those with mobility needs.

What You’ll Love

The real beauty of this experience is how personalized it is. You’ll get to focus on the wines that interest you most, whether that’s discovering the secrets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or exploring Provence’s lesser-known whites. Plus, having the wines, glasses, and tasting notes provided makes it feel like a mini wine course you can enjoy in your own space.

And for those who enjoy a learning component, this isn’t just about drinking wine; it’s about understanding what makes regional wines unique. Anna’s expertise means that you’ll be told stories about the wines and regions, adding context that elevates the tasting beyond just sipping.

Price and Value

At $351 for up to six people, the price works out to about $58 per person, which might seem steep for some. But considering it includes all the wines, glassware, expert guidance, and tasting notes, it’s quite reasonable for a private, tailored experience in a beautiful setting. If you’re a small group or couple wanting a special activity that combines education and leisure, this could be a memorable way to spend an afternoon or evening.

It’s also flexible—you can choose the themes or styles you prefer, and Anna can customize accordingly. Plus, the ability to add food pairings or upgrade to premium wines offers opportunities to tailor the experience further, should you want to indulge more.

What to Expect During the Session

The session begins with an initial consultation, which sets the tone for the entire tasting. You’ll likely discuss your wine experience level and preferences—whether you favor reds, whites, rosés, or want to explore a specific region or style.

Once the wines are selected, Anna will pour the tastings at your rental, guiding you through each glass. She’ll share insights into the region’s wine production, discuss what makes each wine special, and answer any questions you have. The relaxed atmosphere means you can take your time—savoring each sip and soaking in the stories.

The wines from Provence and the Rhône are well-known, but the session offers insights into famous wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as newer, less mainstream whites. If you’re curious about the region’s wine culture, this is a fun and educational way to get an overview.

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Additional Tips and Considerations

• Location: The experience is hosted at your holiday rental, so think about outdoor spaces—sun protection (hat, sunscreen, water) is recommended if it’s a sunny day.
• Group size: Suitable for small groups up to 6—larger groups have options but may require separate arrangements.
• Booking: Advance booking is necessary to ensure wine selection matches your preferences, and flexible cancellation policies make planning easier.
• Food: While not included, you can arrange for food pairings separately to enhance the tasting.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for many travelers.
• No transportation included: You’ll need to be at your rental, but that’s part of the charm—no fuss, just relaxed sipping.

Who This Experience Is Best For

If you love wine and want a personalized, educational experience without the hassle of winery visits, this is a great choice. It suits couples, small groups, or friends who enjoy relaxed, intimate activities. It’s especially appealing if you value expert guidance but prefer not to be part of a large tour or bus.

This is not a group experience for those seeking a budget option or a lively, party-style tasting. It’s more about quality time with a knowledgeable host and enjoying regional wines in your comfort zone. If you’re traveling as a family with children or pregnant, this might not be suitable, but for adults, it can be a memorable, enriching part of your Provence holiday.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tasting is intended for guests over 18 and does not cater to children or pregnant women, as they cannot participate in wine tasting.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get a private wine tasting session, guided by a qualified educator, with wines, glassware, and tasting notes provided. Food pairings are available separately at an additional cost.

Can I choose specific wines or regions to focus on?
Yes, during the initial consultation, you can specify your preferences, whether it’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Provence rosés, or white wines from the region.

How long does the tasting last?
The session lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a cozy yet comprehensive experience.

What if I want to include food?
Food pairings are available for an extra fee—think cheese, truffle, or even a full wine dinner—though they are not part of the standard package.

Is there an option for larger groups?
The experience is designed for groups up to 6, but there are options for groups of 6-12 or 12-20, which may be arranged separately.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a private, tailored wine experience that combines education with relaxation, this tasting at your holiday rental hits the right notes. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who appreciate quality over quantity, and who want to enjoy the wines of Provence and the Rhône in a comfortable, personal setting.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value lies in the customization, expert guidance, and convenience. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the regional wines, some new favorites, and perhaps a few stories to share over your own bottle back home.

For anyone wanting to deepen their appreciation of southern France’s wines in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, this experience could be a highlight of your trip. Just be sure to book in advance, especially if you have specific wine preferences or special requests.

You can check availability for your dates here: