From Marseille: Aix en Provence Wine and Cheese Tour

A Delightful Day of Wine, Cheese, and Provençal Charm

This Aix en Provence Wine and Cheese Tour from Marseille offers a well-rounded taste of Provence’s culinary and scenic delights. For about 7.5 hours, you’ll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan through the stunning countryside, visiting two family-owned wineries and a traditional goat farm. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll taste a selection of exceptional wines—rosés, reds, and whites—and sample fresh goat cheeses, all while learning about the region’s wine classification, grape varieties, and cheese-making process.

What I particularly like about this experience are two things: First, the small group size—limited to just 8 participants—which makes for a more intimate and personalized tour. And second, the expert guidance from hosts like Eric, who are not only passionate about wine and cheese but also eager to share their local insights and answer every question, no matter how detailed.

The only caveat might be the walk to the goat farm, which involves a small dirt path requiring decent footwear—so if you’re prone to discomfort on uneven terrain, be sure to bring suitable shoes. Otherwise, the tour is quite smooth, and the variety of stops keeps things lively, balancing tastings with sightseeing and free time in Aix-en-Provence.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring attentive guides and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Eric are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience.
• Authentic Visits: Tours include visits to family-run wineries and a traditional goat farm, offering genuine insights into local production.
• Diverse Tastings: Sampling a wide range of wines—rosés, reds, whites—and goat cheeses makes for a flavorful day.
• Flexible Itinerary: Includes free time in Aix-en-Provence for shopping, exploring, or simply soaking in the elegant atmosphere.
• Good Value: At $171 per person, considering all tastings, transportation, and guides, the tour offers a rich experience that can feel quite worthwhile.

Exploring Provence’s Finest Wineries and Cheese

I love the way this tour balances wine, food, and scenery without feeling rushed. You’ll start from a central spot in Marseille, meeting your guide at Place du Mazeau, a convenient location easily accessible by bus. Once underway, you’re whisked away into the countryside, where the rolling vineyards and cypress trees set a perfect backdrop.

The first stop is a visit to a goat farm. Here, you’ll learn how goat cheese is made and enjoy tasting some fresh, flavorful cheeses. Be aware that access involves walking along a small dirt path, so comfortable shoes are a smart choice. As one reviewer pointed out, “access to the goat farm is on foot via a small dirt path,” but most find it manageable and well worth the experience. The farm offers a glimpse into traditional cheese-making—a quiet, authentic moment in a region famed for its dairy.

Next, you visit your first winery, where a guided tour (about 30 minutes) introduces you to the winemaking process and local grape varieties. The hosts here are small, family-run estates, which often means more personalized attention and a more authentic taste of Provence. You’ll sample rosé wines—known worldwide for their elegance—and learn how Provence’s climate and soil influence the wines.

The afternoon includes a visit to a second family winery, where you’ll taste various wines, including more robust reds and aromatic whites. These tastings, combined with the stories from your guide (like Eric’s detailed explanations of wine classification and regional specialties), deepen your appreciation for the region’s produce. As one guest noted, “Eric was incredibly knowledgeable of the area and all things wine-related,” making every question an opportunity to learn.

In between, you have a generous 1 hour and 45 minutes of free time in Aix-en-Provence. This is your chance to wander the elegant streets, browse shops, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. The town, famous for its Cours Mirabeau and charming squares, is a highlight on its own.

In the early evening, you visit the second winery for a final tasting session. The guided tour here lasts about 75 minutes, giving you ample opportunity to savor the wines and get recommendations from your guide. The scenery here is stunning, with views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain—famously painted by Cézanne.

The return journey wraps up around 4:30 pm, bringing you back to Marseille with a head full of impressions and a few bottles of wine if you couldn’t resist.

The Value of a Guided Small-Group Tour

At $171 per person, this tour strikes a balance between value and quality. You’re paying for expert guidance, private visits to small wineries, and the chance to try a broad range of local wines and cheeses—an experience that might cost more if you tried to replicate independently. Plus, transportation is included, saving you the hassle of arranging multiple taxis or car rentals.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized approach—guides like Eric are praised for their attentiveness and ability to adapt the experience to your interests. The small group size fosters conversation, making it more than just a tasting but a real insight into Provençal life.

Despite the price, many reviews highlight the generous tastings and the knowledge shared, making it a worthwhile investment for wine lovers or those seeking an authentic Provençal experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you have a curious palate, enjoy learning about wine and cheese, or simply want a scenic day outside Marseille, this tour fits well. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small groups and personal attention. The stops in Aix-en-Provence offer a wonderful break from wine tasting, providing time to enjoy the town’s sophisticated charm.

This experience is less ideal for children under 10, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues, due to walking and the nature of some visits. Also, if you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or have animal allergies, the cheese tasting might not be suitable.

Price and Logistics

The $171 price covers all tastings at two wineries, the goat farm visit, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide. It’s a good deal considering the breadth of experiences packed into the day. The tour departs from central Marseille, with pick-up and drop-off included, which simplifies logistics.

The itinerary is well-structured—visits are timed to give you enough time to enjoy tastings and explore in Aix. The day ends comfortably around 4:30 pm, leaving you plenty of time afterward to relax or explore more of Marseille.

Final Thoughts

This Aix en Provence Wine and Cheese Tour offers a genuinely enjoyable way to explore the region’s flavors and scenery. The combination of small-group intimacy, expert guides like Eric, and authentic visits makes it a highlight for anyone interested in Provençal food and wine.

While the walk to the goat farm requires some effort, most find it a small price to pay for the insight and delicious cheeses that follow. The free time in Aix-en-Provence is a real bonus—giving you a taste of this elegant town’s cafes, shops, and pretty streets.

For those who value expert guidance, authentic experiences, and the chance to sample Provence’s best wines and cheeses, this tour is a smart choice. It balances education, scenery, and tastings into a memorable day that captures the essence of Provence.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan is included from the meeting point in Marseille to all stops and back.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Place du Mazeau in Marseille, near a bus stop marked for Bus 49. Your guide will meet you holding a “Provence Wine Tours” sign.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really—it’s best for travelers 10 years and older. The focus on wine and the walking involved aren’t ideal for very young kids.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
The tour includes cheese tasting, so vegans and those with dairy restrictions may want to consider if it’s suitable for them.

How much free time do I get in Aix-en-Provence?
You’ll have about 1 hour and 45 minutes, enough for a quick lunch, shopping, or a relaxing stroll through the town’s beautiful streets.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for the walk to the goat farm. Also, sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a reusable water bottle are advisable to stay comfortable during outdoor stops.