This organic vineyard with its award-winning wines and comfortable and completely outfitted gites (self-catering apartments and homes) on the property are my idea of a piece of heaven in Provence. The pools help make it even better in the summer, relaxing with a glass of Carmin Brilliant, a fantastic organic wine made from grapes on the property. Vacqueyras is a fabulous destination if you want an authentic and central place to use as a base to tour the countryside of the Vaucluse region....just make sure you have a designated driver to stop at all the other vineyards you pass as you make day trips to include Nimes, Vaison la Romaine, Carpentras, Arles and of course, you get there from Avignon, about 30 minutes away by car. My friends stopped there on their honeymoon and said that it was the best part of their tour through France due to the warm welcome they received including suggestions from the owner, Henri Bungener, as to what to do and see in the area. I go back every time I am in France! read more

take the time to visit Henri Bungener's excellent family winery in Vacqueyras. He carefully explains his specific terroir and how he has adjusted his wine making to accommodate the varied soil types caused by ancient land uplifting dating back to pangea times. My favorite was his 2010 Lao Muse (more expensive at 50 Euros) which was fruity and bold. Good wine prices for his other wines and a chance to meet an excellent wine maker while viewing the Dentelles of Montmirail! read more