Vineyards to visit from iconic anchorages in France and Italy
by Sarah Mackenzie/West Nautical 19 Aug 2021 23:00 PDT
The Monastery located in Les Iles de Lerins, just off the coast of Cannes in France © Photo supplied
The French and Italian Riviera are two of the most popular destinations for Superyacht owners during the summer months in the Mediterranean and we can certainly see why.
With gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants and incredible scenery and views to enjoy from the privacy of your own yacht.
These two iconic areas are also conveniently located near to some world-class wineries where you can enjoy a day of wine tasting accompanied by a lovely lunch in the vineyards after which you can return to your yacht for an evening under the stars.
Here are some of the best vineyards to visit when cruising on your yacht in both the French and Italian Riviera.
France:
Chateau de Berne, Provence
Just over an hour's drive from Saint Tropez, Chateau de Berne vineyard produces reds, rosés and white wines and is known to be some of the best in the region. Here you will be able to enjoy a cellar tour and enjoy a guided tasting session where you will learn about the wine making process and be able to sample some of their best wines.
This exceptional winery also has many dining options from fine dining to a more casual al fresco dining option with menu options from their own garden. Chateau de Berne is a sanctuary for gastronomy and relaxation.
Château St. Martin in Taradeau, Cannes, France
Passing by some fantastic vineyards in the well-known region of Cotes de Provence, this beautiful winery is located just an hour's drive from the exciting port of Saint Tropez. You will reach the village of Taradeau in les Arcs where Château St Martin is located, a winery dating back to Roman times. The Domain, "Cru Classé" has belonged to the same family since 1740 and remains in the family until today.
Enjoy beautiful sights, vineyards and have a special tasting of their exceptional wines.
Chateau de Bellet
This vineyard is in the hills of Nice overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. You will also be able to marvel at the Alps and Var Valley when visiting Chateau de Bellet.
This region benefits from the wind from both directions as it assists in the slow maturation of the vines, which creates the freshness and elegance of their wine.
This winery produces white, rosé, and red wines with white being their most well-known. Their wines have been served at iconic occasions such as Prince Albert of Monaco's wedding.
Italy:
Conti di San Bonifacio, Porto Santo Stefano, Italy
This exceptional vineyard is located just half an hour's drive from the coast, nestled between the Maremma Hills and the plains of the Tuscan coastline.
The garden vineyard and boutique Cantina produces beautifully crafted wines, made with passion and authenticity. Savour a glass of the second-best Syrah in the world, which also ranks as third-best organic wine in the world, on your visit or enjoy the finest Tuscan cuisine at Maremmana restaurant, where all ingredients are locally sourced, and the chefs have given innovative twists to traditional recipes.
Poggio dei Gorleri
The wine region of Liguria is most well-known for its crisp dry white wines born from the perfect environmental factors of the hills and ocean. This exceptional vineyard is located just five minutes away from the town of Imperia and is an idyllic location for an al fresco lunch and wine tasting in the Mediterranean sunshine. You will be able to enjoy an incredible range of wine from a light bodied, complex Vermintino to a fruity white Pigato; not forgetting the Riviera red Granaccia.
Agriturismo Torre Pernice
Surrounded by the mountains and sea, Torre Pernice is a family-owned wine estate located in Albenga Plain, a short drive from the coastal town of Alassio. There is a tower built in the 1500's from which the winery gets its name. This winery produces a range of white, red, sparkling, and fortified wine and has a beautiful restaurant serving traditional dishes and speciality cuisine from the Ligurian region.
These iconic cruising areas have endless possibilities for the most incredible holiday so why not enjoy it from the luxury of your own Superyacht. Make the most of the hills and the beaches, the cuisine, and the sites but most of all, enjoy the vino!