Hidden Jewel of France - Provence

It may seem like a long way to travel, but the end goal will be well worth the journey. If you are planning a vacation to the south of France, so much the better. You will be treated to 60 wine growers whose passion is exquisite, quality wine production. In a small, but incredibly beautiful area called "Ctes de Provence," this tiny plot of land is immense in its love of wine. Taking in parts of Var as well as a part of Bouches-du-Rhne, Provence is a wonderful stop on an incredible tour to experience the fine wine from France.

An indigo sky, azure sea and miles of white, sandy beaches welcome you to an area where limestone cliffs and medieval villages give way to miles of sharply-scented pine forests that provide shelter to tranquil lakes and lazy rivers.

On the flipside, there is a bustling metropolis complete with all modern conveniences, or you might elect to stay in an old world style country house with 17th and 18th century antiques and explore the wine regions of South West France. In Provence, all of this is possible as you take leisurely walks along sunshine filled paths that are warm and inviting. You will enjoy the lush nights, scents of jasmine, wild thyme and lavender filling your senses with joy.

One of the more breathtaking scenes of beauty is the Mediterranean Sean with its plentiful tourist attractions in place like Nice, Cannes and other places along the French Riviera. There you will find companies that give traditional wine country tours in France and in spite of Provence's excellent wines, it is often overlooked.

The Phoenicians setting in France over 2600 years ago and created vineyards to honor the God of Wine, Bacchus, leaving behind a legacy of wines that sparkle, are full-bodied and come with the fullness that is as rich as the area in which the grapes are grown.

Warmth, spontaneity and a "joie de vivre" is what defines the people you will encounter everywhere in the Mediterranean as well as Provence. It will not take very long for you to realize that these are master oenologists or winemakers who are proud and delighted to show you the wines they have gained fame for, and share the history of the region.

If you have luck on your side, your host will be in a generous and share some of the tightly held secrets of blending food with the correct wine to create some that most French winegrowers have a passion for.

Throughout all of France and in Provence, as well winemaking is a serious business. Winegrowers have won the privilege to include the prestigious "AOC" designation, which is the Appellation d'Origine Controlee on their wine bottles. This is a mark of honor and assures the buyer that the vintage is guaranteed from a designated region. Winegrowers must pass a set of rigorous tests and inspections in order to win the privilege of being designated an appellation wine.

It is a coveted award bestowed only by the Ministry of Agriculture in Paris and is a truly a prestigious title of an AOC labeled wine.

From that first delicious sip, you will find that the Ctes de Provence winegrowers are expert in their field fully utilizing time-honored methods and harvesting techniques in making their wines. The winegrowers who live in the south of France respect the soil, climate and the diversity of the grapes that goes into making a quality tasting wine.

Located in the heart of Provence's winemaking region, the "Maison des Ctes de Provence" boasts an outstanding selection of appellation wines.

You must throw away your concerns about a widening waistband and wallet as you visit one of the best restaurants in the south of France, one of many called "Bacchus Gourmand" where you will be delighted by real Provencal cuisine accompanied by the perfect selection of Ctes de Provence wine.

Or try sampling a home-cooked meal at one of the many out of the way cafes you'll find tucked away on a narrow side street in any village, where your host is also often your chef, and he will be delighted to recommend a wine to you.

Your tour can include a wine tasting course, if you choose, at one of the many vineyards. You will be treated to an education and deeper understanding of wine from its robe or color, to its bouquet (perfume) as well as its body or strength and all that goes into the servicing and conservation of the wines from wine cellars to table.

Provence has some of the most wonderful vineyards and wineries, where you can take an experience of a lifetime with you back home as you savor Provence wines.

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