Wine and Walking - A walking holiday for wine enthusiasts

As the name suggests, this wonderful week combines leisurely walking with wine tasting. It's a very informal affair, the emphasis is on enjoying the spectacular views and sampling some delicious local wines. Above all, this is a walking holiday rather than a wine tour, but if you enjoy drinking wine, this holiday is for you.

We're in the heart of the Drome valley, gateway to the alps. The beautiful scenery, gorgeous Provencale sunlight and clear blue skies define our collection of wonderful day walks put together by Philippe to emphasise the diversity of our region. To the north and east, the rugged terrain of the southern alps and the Vercors National Park is our objective: higher altitude but easy walking, above 1200 metres, with spectacular views, eagles and vultures, chamois and ibex.

To the west and south, it's wine country, and we combine shorter walks with some wine tasting. We're within striking distance of some remarkable wines, the legendary vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Cotes du Rhone Villages, Beaumes de Venise, Tavel, Vacqueyras. We will tour some of these areas during our week, selecting wine producers and sampling their wares, and learning a little about grape varieties, the effect of climate, soil, and vinification techniques.

Each evening, we think you will be bowled over by the excellent four course meals taken on the terrace at La Maison Rose, freshly prepared using local ingredients, and washed down with a broad selection of wines of the region, and other areas of France.

At a glance:

Holiday dates: Week commencing 26 June 2010.

Walking grade: Easy.

Price: £865

Flights: Click here

Booking: Click here

Accommodation: Click here

Guests' comments about our holidays: Click here

Photos from our holidays: Click here

Check holiday availability: e-mail: info@rustictrails.co.uk

Download Trip Notes: Click here