Navigate the best of the best the south of France has to offer, from rosé with delicate purity and big reds, to the salty Vermentino of Sardinia and the robust Sciaccarello of Corsica that are just a stones throw away
For wine connoisseurs, chartering a luxury yacht on the French Riviera brings an exciting opportunity to tailor the trip towards tasting the best wines the region has to offer.
This stunning coastline is dotted with exceptional wineries that are well worth a visit, and having a tasting onboard means you can bring the wine to the boat, overlooking the vineyards themselves.
Have the crew curate a selection of the region’s best offerings before you even board, so that your entire voyage is geared towards sampling the very best.
What Wine Treasures Does The Region Have To Offer?
The south of France has a rich viticultural history that houses a huge array of styles. Its neighbours, Corsica and Sardinia, are markedly different worlds, and just a short cruise away.
There is so much to choose from when planning your luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera, from the refreshing rosé that Provence is known for to the bold Rhone red blends that inspired a generation of American winemakers.
N.B. Most wineries in the region are not open to the public and require prior arrangement should you wish to taste on site. Consult a sommelier to make appointments for you.
What Do The Wines Of The French Riviera Taste Like?
The bottlings from this region are characterized by the warmth of the area, bringing armfuls of ripe fruit and rich texture. The best producers can build freshness into the wines and capture warmth and lightness in the same glass.
Rosé is the prevailing style, but also expect generous whites with big peachy fruit profiles, and reds with juicy structure and wisps of garrigue (the mix of wild herbs, rock, and soil that make this area so special).
Book an Onboard Sommelier for Your Yacht Charter
- Specially curated tastings that unveil the best-kept secrets
- Tailored pairings to your chef’s fantastic food
- Insider knowledge on the region, so you can access the best
An onboard sommelier can work in tandem with the fabulous crew of your yacht, consulting the service team on wine temperature, best serving practices and stemware. They can also work alongside the kitchen team to integrate the wine and the food, so you can enjoy high-level wine pairing from the comfort of your yacht.
Top Wine Stops for Your French Riviera Yacht Charter:
Bandol
This area houses some of the very best wineries in the Provence region. A beautiful seaside port, the hills roll back dotted with vineyards and farms. Several phenomenal producers are located here, and the wines are diverse, from bold reds to classic Provençal rosé. If you can get an appointment, Domaine Tempier is the pinnacle of what this region can do.
Le Pradet
A little further along the coast, this little resort town is quaint and quiet. The perfect spot to relax and take in the waterside views from the yacht. Journey ashore to visit Clos Cibonne, the premier winery in the area.
Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
A stunning beachside town with azure waters to swim and play in. Vineyards rise up from the town, with big opportunities to visit several winemakers.
Nice
A city that is littered with fantastic spots to drink wine from the area. Go to Babel Babel for the best terrace in the city and a wine list to rival Michelin restaurants, and head to Chez Palmyre for the best French classics and amazing drops.
Saint-Tropez – La Part Des Anges
La Part Des Anges does bistro food and classic French cuisine extremely well, with a simple but hard-hitting wine list that scratches any itch.
Antibes
Sister to the unmatched Mirazur in Menton, Miraé by Mauro Colagreco is the premier spot for an extended wine list, excellent service and al-fresco dining.
Corsica & Sardinia
Further afield are the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, each with their own unique history and wine traditions. Journey to Corsica for unique grape varieties and traditions. Head to Sardinia for bottarga and sherry-like wine that is unmatched in complexity, along with Grenache in a rustic and earthy style.
Side Trip
Further west along the coast France’s oldest wine producing appellation, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, has a rich history and intensely eye-catching vineyards. Filled with galets (small rocks that capture heat), this is a must-visit for wine lovers, but involves a longer detour in a westerly direction.
Our Favorite Wines from the French Riviera
These classic examples of Mediterranean French wine are well-suited to seafood, bouillabaisse, or just sipping on the aft deck. Talk to your crew so that they can be stocked and cold, waiting for you on embarkation. This can be pre-arranged on your preference sheet.
Wine List
2023 Clos Cibonne Tradition Rosé
- Complex and refreshingly salty rosé with a unique story.
- One of the only producers in the region using a rare grape called Tibouren,
- Imparting gentle vegetative notes, red berries and a salty edge.
- Perfect with seafood plucked straight from the water.
2023 Château de Pibarnon Rosé
- A generous, fruit-forward wine that lends itself to food.
- More structure than is typical in local wines.
- Juicy, more-ish and perfect from the ice bucket.
2023 Domaine du Gros’Noré Bandol Blanc
- A blend of white grapes, this combines the warmth of the south with refreshing acidity.
- Excellent with a crudo of raw seafood, or as an aperitif in the sun.
- Can stand up to hearty dishes and cheeses.
2023 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge ‘Cabassaou’
- The godfather of the Bandol appellation, helping to establish it in the 1940s.
- Every single ‘cuvée’ is world-class; this Mourvèdre blend is no exception.
- This is a hearty, fireside red wine for late nights and smoldering cigars.
2020 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Normally, wines from this region are a blend of up to 13 grapes – this is 100% Grenache.
- A premier producer, making some of the best wines in the area
- Delicate strawberry fruit gives way to slick tannins and structure.
2010 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- The pinnacle in the region
- An absolute must-have for any fine wine collector, it may be difficult to find
- Intoxicating aromas of rose petal, spice, and earth
