Wine tasting is a different experience in France. In many countries, including the U.S., wineries are open on week-ends and this is usually the most popular time to visit. In the Southern Rhône valley, as in all of France, this is not the case since the week-end, especially Sunday, is sacred. Since many wineries do not have their own tasting rooms, and those that do are usually closed on week-ends, Vinadea is the place to know about. Winemakers got together to open the shop so wine lovers would have place to taste on week-ends and holidays. But it is a wonderful place to go any day of the week.
Vinadea is absolutely the best of the multiple-winery tasting rooms in Châteauneuf. I live nearby and have been going here since 2005. Vinadea is a sales co-op of about 85 wineries in Châteauneuf, with hundreds of bottles from the very best wineries. Among others you can find Château de Beaucastel, Château la Nerthe, Domaine de la Solitude, St Préfert, Vaudieu, Marcoux, Gardine, Sénéchaux, Beaurenard, Janasse, Saint Dominique, Clos du Caillou, and many, many more.
Every day there are about 6-10 bottles of the rare white as well as the red Châteauneuf available for tasting—free. In addition you can purchase bottles at winery prices, unlike at many places in town. I have made some fabulous discoveries here, including the very first vintage of Domaine St. Préfert—I fell in love with it. (Or as we say here, it was a coup de coeur. ) The staff is excellent, friendly and helpful; they are quite knowledgeable about the wines sold and some speak English. For wine lovers spending time in this tasting room is like being a kid in a candy store! So much choice! The atmosphere is very convivial, bringing together wine overs from all over the world. Occasionally a generous visitor will purchase a bottle of their favorite wine to share with the rest of the visitors.
This is truly a “not –to-be-missed” stop in Châteauneuf. As always it is polite to purchase a bottle.
Vinadea can ship your wine purchases within France, and to the US, except to the states of Mass, Pennsylvania, and Utah. (Wineries will not ship to the US because of potential competition with their importers.) Shipping is not possible to the UK or Belgium. Price of Châteauneuf du Pape wines start at about €16 per bottle, and go up from there. There are also some Côtes du Rhône wines for sale, but not for tasting.
They are open every day of the year except Christmas, but close at lunch, around 12:30 to 1:30 or 2:00, depending on the season.
The shop is located in the center of the village. On foot from the Tourist Office, turn right past the Café Mule de Pape and go down the street Maréchal Foch. The shop is located at the top of the double stairway on the left side of the street. The stairway is right next to the horrible public WC.
8 rue Maréchal Foch, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 84230
+33 (0) 4 90 83 70 69
Written by Sharon deRham
