Making it to all the vineyards in Vacqueyras for tastings would take a few days and surely disrupt more than a few hard working winemakers but YES(!) you can taste the best Vacqueyras has to offer and it can be done with just one stop at the charming Caveau du Vacqueyras in the heart of this little wine village.
We were returning from Barolo with a car full of nebbiolo and had only a few hours to stop for some Gigondas and Vacqueryas. Short on time, we were thrilled to find this caveau that had opened since our last visit. Do remember to turn off the main road towards the Mairie (Mayor) and wind around to this little stone Caveau across from the town bar and massive trees but DO NOT get it mixed up with the large modern building on the main road "Les vignerons du Character" (which is a glorified gift shop with no character, selling only a few brands of wine which are not great.) We made this mistake several times before finding the much more authentic Caveau du Vacqueryas and it's lovely owner Laura, who decided to get back to her family roots and open this cave. Her grandparents were in the wine business in Vacqueyras years ago.
Laura is knowledgeable and a very helpful young woman and knows the nuances of every different wine from all the many winemakers in Vacqueyras. She and her staff can help point you to wines just perfect for your particular palate. She is a pleasure to buy from with her great knowledge but also because of her incredible prices which are the same as you get if visiting and buying directly from the vineyards.
And please do buy if you can (we want her to stay open!)... the tasting is free but remember you are there in Vacqueyras not just to enjoy this precious wine but to take some of it's incredible yummy-goodness home with you or on your travels at the very least. You'll pay a fraction of the cost that you would anywhere else in Europe or the states or even in other parts of France for Vacqueyras so stock up and store this nectar for years to come. And do not forget the white wine of Vacqueryas --it too is divine! Laura and staff can help ship it home for you if needed. We're thrilled to have found this cave in one of our favorite wine villages and we will be back to add new years to our collection in the future. Bonne chance Laura et Merci beaucoup! read more
