Wine Tour in Roussillon: Picnic & Tasting Day

Exploring the Roussillon Wine Tour: Picnic & Tasting Day — An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of a day spent wandering through sunlit vineyards, sampling wines straight from the barrel, and enjoying a delicious picnic amid stunning scenery, this Roussillon wine tour might just be what you’re after. We haven’t done it ourselves but have gathered enough details to give you a genuine sense of what to expect and whether it’s worth your time.

Two things really caught our attention: first, the intimate setting led by a former cellar master, promising a personalized and knowledgeable experience. Second, the combination of scenic vineyard walks with tastings and a picnic is a laid-back way to connect with the local wine culture.

Of course, no experience is perfect. The tour’s price point, at around $196.64 per person, might seem steep for some, especially since it’s a full day with multiple stops. But considering the inclusion of transport, tastings, and a gourmet picnic, many find it offers solid value.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy wine, appreciate good scenery, and want a taste of authentic Catalan hospitality in a friendly group setting. It’s not overly flashy or commercial, making it ideal for travelers craving a genuine and relaxed day in the countryside.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Led by a knowledgeable former cellar master, adding depth to the tasting.
• Scenic Vineyards: Walks through picturesque vineyards with panoramic views of Roussillon.
• Diverse Stops: Visits include organic family wineries, historic cellars, and sweet wine producers.
• Inclusions: Transport, bottled water, a picnic, and three glasses of wine included — good value for a full-day experience.
• Small Group Size: Max 8 travelers for a more intimate, attentive experience.
• Ideal for Wine Enthusiasts: Especially those interested in organic and monovarietal wines, with insights into natural sweet wines.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Start: Perpignan and First Vineyard Visit

The tour kicks off around 8:45 am in Perpignan, with comfortable air-conditioned transport to the vineyards. Our first stop is a family-run, organic farm in Canet-en-Roussillon. Here, the vines stretch out with a view that invites you to linger, and the setting feels authentic and relaxed.

What’s special about this stop is the chance to taste five wines straight from old casks — a rare treat that offers a real sense of how wine develops over time. The fact that it’s a family winery adds a personal touch, and the organic farming practices show a commitment to quality and sustainability. Multiple reviews praise the guide’s expertise here, with one mentioning the “impeccable explanation of wine” that made the experience so educational and engaging.

Rivesaltes: Picnic and Local Flavors

Next, you’ll head to Rivesaltes, a place famous for its sweet wines. This is where the tour slows down for a relaxed picnic in a local winery’s setting. Three glasses of wine are included with your lunch, giving you a taste of the region’s sweet heritage.

Travelers have loved this part — one reviewer called it a “gourmet day” filled with “beautiful walk in the vineyards” and “explanations on winemaking”. The inclusion of a picnic in a winery adds a laid-back vibe, perfect for chatting with your fellow travelers and soaking in the countryside atmosphere.

Espira de l’Agly: Tasting Monovarietals

After the picnic, the journey continues to a family estate specializing in monovarietal wines — meaning wines made primarily from a single grape variety. This stop offers insight into how different grapes influence flavor and style. It’s a great way to broaden your understanding of wine nuances. Some reviews mention how guides tailor tastings to personal preferences, making the experience feel customized rather than cookie-cutter.

Maury: Discovering Natural Sweet Wines

In Maury, you’ll explore a renowned estate known for its sweet wines, often called the “local treasure.” Here, the focus is on natural sweet wines, which are made using traditional methods that highlight the region’s expertise. An hour is allocated for this visit, and it provides a chance to learn about the secrets behind these treasured wines.

Vingrau: The Final Toast

The last stop is on the heights of Vingrau, about 30 minutes long, where you’ll enjoy a final toast to the day’s discoveries. The panoramic views from here give a perfect backdrop to reflect on the experience and perhaps buy a bottle or two to take home. Reviewers consistently mention the “beautiful landscapes” and the “interesting explanations” that kept the day engaging till the end.

Logistics and What It Means for You

The tour lasts roughly 8 to 9 hours, starting early at 8:45 am and returning to the meeting point in Perpignan. The group remains small — a maximum of 8 travelers — which helps keep things personal and allows guides to address individual interests.

The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is important considering the warm southern French climate. Bottled water is provided, but you’ll want to bring your own sunscreen or hat for the vineyard walks. The price, at around $196.64, covers all the major parts: transport, tastings, and the picnic. The reviews reflect that many find this a good deal for what you get, especially given the depth of knowledge and scenic stops.

One potential drawback is the non-refundable policy — if plans change last minute, your money is at risk. It’s worth booking only if your schedule is firm. Also, the tour ends back at the start point, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport afterward if staying in the area.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer mentions how the guide even helped with transportation after the tour, which shows the level of personal attention. The landscapes, tasting variety, and the chance to learn directly from someone who understands the wines deeply really shine through in the feedback.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wine lover eager to explore Roussillon’s vineyards in a relaxed setting, this tour is a good fit. It’s especially suited for those interested in organic wines, sweet wines, and monovarietals, as well as anyone who appreciates beautiful scenery and authentic local experiences.

It may not be ideal if you are after a quick, cheap tasting or if you prefer a more flexible schedule. The price may seem high for some, but when you consider the personalized guide, the scenic vineyard walks, the tastings, and the included picnic, many find it fair.

FAQs about the Roussillon Wine Tour

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, a gourmet picnic, and three glasses of wine. The visits to vineyards and estates are included, with no extra charge for admission.

How long is the tour?
Expect around 8 to 9 hours, starting at 8:45 am and ending back at the meeting point in Perpignan.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, the tour is generally for most travelers. However, keep in mind the tasting and vineyard walks are tailored for adults; children might find it less engaging unless they’re particularly interested in wine or scenery.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, but only if there are spots available. Most travelers book about 86 days in advance, so last-minute bookings might be limited.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking in vineyards, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and casual clothing suitable for warm weather.

Are there any group discounts?
Yes, the tour offers group discounts, making it a good choice if you’re traveling with friends or family.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s primarily designed for adults interested in wine and scenic walks. If your family includes children, consider whether they’ll enjoy the vineyard environment.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The picnic is included, but if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact the tour provider ahead of time.

What’s the best way to get there?
The meeting point is centrally located in Perpignan, near public transportation, making it accessible without a car.

Final Thoughts

This Roussillon wine tour offers a well-rounded experience for those wanting to explore French wine country in a relaxed, friendly setting. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll walk through stunning vineyards, learn about different wine types, and enjoy a carefully curated picnic. The small group format ensures personalized attention, which many reviews note as a highlight.

While the price might seem high for some, the inclusion of transport, tastings, and a gourmet meal makes it a fair deal, especially for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of the region’s offerings. The scenic stops, charming estates, and friendly guidance make this a memorable day for anyone interested in authentic Catalan wines and regional landscapes.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, educational, and scenic wine adventure in Roussillon, this tour is a solid choice. Just be sure to book in advance, keep an eye on the cancellation policy, and prepare for a day full of flavors, views, and good company.