In my opinion it's not worth a 3 hour round trip in summer - I wouldn't even contemplate it in winter.

I've always found the town distinctly unwelcoming - living off it's obvious association but making no effort whatsoever to actually merit anything much beyond a cursory dalliance.

Just my opinion though, others may not share my view.

Dr D.

You might contact Chateau Beaucastel and see if you can get an appointment for a tour and tasting. Excellent wines and they've recently partnered with Jolie-Pitt to produce their wines. The family has vineyards all over the Rhone valley and markets wines at all price points.

Thanks Judy, I've just emailed them.

On the road into CnP is a chocolatier that is worth a visit also. We enjoyed a tasting in a vineyard just outside of town--I don't know if if is the one mentioned above, but it was in a beautiful "house".

The original Chateau, a summer home for the Avignon popes, is a pile of rubble on a stony hill. Vineyards can be pretty bleak in winter, row upon row of sticks stripped of leaves and fruit. The wine itself is the only attraction. Wineries are not exactly hubs of activity outside of harvest and pressing times. So you get a drive in the country, a bit of atmosphere, and a few sips. An organized tasting in the vicinity where you are staying will teach you more.

We've visited and explored CdP on many occasions and I'm certain a search will give you our thoughts. A "longish" drive in the winter would prove a challenge, especially the drive back. The town is not particularly tourist friendly--very few open tasting rooms and what is open feels overly touted. The producers are at their estates and most have very modest facilities for tasting. We've yet to experience a good restaurant in town that didn't feel stuffy or awkward.

All that being said, the area abounds with good producers of the heralded Chateauneuf du Pape as well as the lesser Rhones. I enthusiastically endorse the idea of an appointment with Beaucastel--a highly rated representative of the region with immense passion for their product. Its a 2-3 hour tour with lots of info and energy on the outskirts of the appellation. You won't get tipsy and you will get exposed to the philosophy of the region

Actually, if I couldn't get into Beaucastel, I'd go to Gigondas for a tasting in town and lunch at L'Oustalet (also owned by the Perrin family of Beaucastel)

It is a more picturesque area with great wines and likely an equidistant but prettier drive, though I'm not sure where you're coming from. The area is east of CdP.

We are coming from St Saturnin les Apt.

Check with Michelin but I'd bet the driving times are close, though CdP would be more highway driving, I think.

Dismal on most winter days.