From Sanary sur Mer Cruise Port Provence Wine Tour Shore Excursion private

Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the Provence Vineyards located around Cassis & Bandol. After a short drive composed of breathtaking panoramic views, your minivan tour will arrive near the typical fishing port of Cassis. The village is well known for its calanques national park, beaches, and beautiful port overlooked by a medieval chateau.

Reach the Cassis Wine Producing region

Established as an Protected Appellation (AOP) in 1936, Cassis was one of the first in the region to obtain this qualification for the wines produced. The village is one of the few local appellations of the south of France composed of a single, tiny commune.

While most nearby appellations were originally cultivated by Greek outposts, Cassis is of Ligurian origins. The village of Cassis is Blessed by 3,000 hours of annual sunshine. The cool maritime winds make it truly a spot set aside for gorgeous wines. 

Taste local Cassis Wines

Cassis is the only region in Provence to produce a majority of white wine, regulated to contain at least 80% Marsanne. This varietal adds beautiful aromatics and finesse, an elegant profile for the refreshing, high-quality white wines of Cassis. Clairette is also a common component, adding fresh acidity to balance the body of Marsanne. A touch of red wines and a strong showing of rosé wines are also cultivated in Cassis – blends of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

After your wine tasting, discover the cute small fishing port of Cassis and its calanques listed by Unesco as a world heritage national park. The land & sea area is known for its white cliffs and turquoise water.

Free time for lunch (at own expense) & personal discovery

Enjoy a picture stop at the highest sea cliff in Europe that is named Cape Canaille where you will enjoy a stunning view over the bay. Enjoy some free time for lunch, personal discovery, relax on the beach or if time permits, board a motor boat for a 45-minute cruise (tickets not included) to admire the natural beauty of the local creeks (Calanques).

Arrive in Bandol and taste more wines

After your exploration of Cassis, your shore trip will continue heading to Bandol. It is a popular coastal town and wine growing region in the western part of the Cote d'Azur. Your visit to Bandol will start by a local wine tasting. 

The Bandol vineyard lies in a natural amphitheatre where the vines are planted on terraces over approximately 1,600 hectares. Sheltered by the massif of Sainte Baume to the North culminating at 1,147 metres, the Bandol vineyard descends in terraces towards the sea in a magnificent amphitheatre of wooded hills.

Bold red wines

The expression of the terroir comes together in the range of wines produced in the area: red wines, white wines and rosé wines. Bandol is a resolutely red wine, mainly produced from the Mourvèdre variety, known as the king of the appellation. Mourvèdre is the chief grape variety in the blend (50% to 95%). It is harmoniously combined with Grenache and Cinsault, the former bringing generosity to the wine, the latter giving it refinement.

Elegant white wines of Bandol

To penetrate the secret of Bandol, one must also taste its white wines. The wine-growers take delight in surprising wine lovers with this type of wine, produced in very low quantities. Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Bourboulenc are the base of the varietal mix.

Gourmand rosé wines

Bandol rosés are enchanting. Their roundness and generosity make them different from other rosé wines. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault combine to give, by direct pressing, a well-structured, refined, pale-coloured wine with delicate salmon hues.

Visit the village of Bandol

Then, enjoy some free time for a walk around the harbour with some lovely pastel painted houses. The centre of the traditional village of Bandol is around a square called the Place de l'Europe immediately behind the promenade. This square is actually a series of three squares separated by raised terraces where a large fountain, shady plane trees and lively cafes combine with the view across the harbour to make a very attractive traditional Provencal square. 

At the top of the square is one of the most important historic monuments in Bandol, the Church Saint-Francois de Sales. The streets around the square are also interesting to explore with a surprise around every corner for example an ancient fountain, a tiny ancient house and flower boxes or a grand Belle Epoque villa.

This private guided tour will give you an opportunity to taste the local wines and visit 2 domains. You will also have some free time in both villages of Cassis & Bandol. Your private guide will point out the main attractions that can be found in the villages. After your tour, we will drive back to your cruise ship.