Full-Day Wine and Cheese Tour around Aix-en-Provence from Marseille

Travelers looking to combine wine tasting, local cheese, and a taste of Provence’s charm often turn to organized tours, and this full-day experience from Marseille hits the sweet spot. Covering two distinct wineries, a traditional goat cheese farm, and a leisurely exploration of Aix-en-Provence, it offers a well-rounded taste of what this celebrated region has to offer. With a small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of tasting opportunities, it promises a satisfying day for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly love about this tour is the personalized attention you get from your guide, along with the chance to see vineyards, cellars, and bottling rooms, which adds a layer of authenticity often missing from larger, more commercial tours. The inclusion of cheese tasting at an authentic goat farm is a lovely local touch that elevates the experience. On the flip side, some might find the limited stops for cheese a bit underwhelming, especially if they’re cheese aficionados.

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy wine, local food, and scenic towns, especially those based in Marseille or cruise passengers looking for a day trip. It’s ideal if you appreciate guided experiences that balance education and leisure without feeling too rushed. Keep in mind, the tour isn’t suitable for kids under 10 or travelers with mobility issues, as it involves some walking on uneven paths and a full day out.

Key Points

• Personalized, small-group experience ensures more attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Two wineries offer contrasting styles of Provence wines, including celebrated rosés, reds, and whites.
• Cheese tasting at a goat farm adds a local flavor to the wine journey.
• Leisurely free time in Aix-en-Provence allows for exploration, shopping, or a relaxed lunch.
• The 7.5-hour duration balances sightseeing with tasting, making for a fulfilling day.
• Expert bilingual guide enriches the experience with stories and insider knowledge.

An Authentic Look at the Provence Wine and Cheese Tour

The Starting Point and Transport

The journey begins at Place du Mazeau in Marseille, where your English-speaking guide greets you for an 9:00 am departure. Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, which we think is a smart choice for staying relaxed and cool, especially during warmer months. The small group size (up to 8 travelers) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the driver—Eric—creates a friendly atmosphere and shares a good dose of local knowledge.

The First Stop: A Goat Farm and Winery in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire

Your first stop combines a visit to a goat cheese farm and a winery. Expect to see the bottling rooms, cellars, and perhaps even get some insight into the production process from knowledgeable hosts. The cheese farm, run by a family, is small but authentic, producing delicious goat cheeses that are quite popular among reviewers. “Our tour guide Eric explained the wine process very well,” one reviewer noted, highlighting the educational quality of this part of the tour.

While the goat farm visit involves walking on a small dirt path, bringing suitable footwear is advised. In case of windy or rainy weather, this part might be canceled and replaced with an additional vineyard visit, so flexibility is key.

Wine Tasting at the First Winery

In the morning, you’ll enjoy a tasting session with rosés, full-bodied reds, and aromatic whites. One review mentions that the wines from this region are delightfully diverse and that the guide’s explanations helped participants understand what makes Provence wines so special. For many, the standout is Provence’s celebrated rosés, but reds and whites here shouldn’t be overlooked—they’re well-balanced and lively.

Lunch and Free Time in Aix-en-Provence

Next, you’ll have roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore Aix-en-Provence on your own. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, bustling cafes, and the iconic Fontaine de la Rotonde. Reviewers suggest grabbing a quick sandwich from a local boulangerie or enjoying a leisurely lunch at a terrace in Cours Mirabeau, about 200 meters from the famous fountain. It’s a chance to relax, take photos, or just soak in the Provençal atmosphere.

The Second Winery: An Afternoon Stop

Back on the road, the tour continues with a visit to a second winery. This stop allows you to sample more wines—likely reds and whites that contrast with the morning’s offerings. The wineries are described as distinct but representative of the Provence style, giving a well-rounded perspective of regional production.

One guest appreciated the stunning visuals of Mount Victoire, which is close to the first winery, making for excellent photo opportunities. The guides are praised for their deep knowledge, as one reviewer noted, “Eric’s explanations on winemaking in Provence were exceptional.”

Return to Marseille

The tour wraps up with a return to Marseille around 4:30 pm. It’s a full, engaging day that balances guided visits, tastings, and free time, all wrapped in a relaxed, friendly environment. For those on cruise ships or with tight schedules, note that return times aren’t guaranteed to match cruise departure times, so planning ahead is advised.

The Experience: Value and Authenticity

What makes this tour stand out is its value for money. At around $173, you get transportation, two winery visits with tastings, a cheese farm experience, and free time in Aix-en-Provence. Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide Eric, who combines friendly service with a wealth of local insights. Guests appreciated the varied wine styles and learned practical tips on what to look for when buying rosé—a notable benefit for wine enthusiasts.

The small-group format ensures a more personal and immersive experience. Several reviews mention how Eric’s friendly personality and humor made the day enjoyable. The customized visits (like the option to visit a third vineyard if weather cancels the goat farm) add to the flexibility and authenticity.

The Downsides?

Some reviewers felt the cheese tasting was limited, with only one goat cheese farm visited and just one cheese sampled. If cheese is your main passion, you might wish for more. Plus, the lunch in Aix can be busy during peak tourist season, so planning ahead or choosing a quick bite is advisable.

Who Would Love This?

This tour is perfect for adults who enjoy wine and local food and desire a relaxed, educational experience. It suits those who appreciate small-group intimacy and want to get a glimpse into Provence’s wine-making process while also exploring a charming town. It’s not suitable for children under 10 and may challenge travelers with mobility issues due to walking on uneven paths.

The Sum Up

This full-day wine and cheese tour from Marseille offers a genuine taste of Provence’s vineyards, culinary traditions, and scenic towns. Its small-group size, expert guide, and varied stops create an engaging, authentic experience that balances education, leisure, and cultural insight. The inclusion of cheese tasting adds a wonderful local dimension, and the free time in Aix-en-Provence means you can customize your visit—whether for sightseeing, shopping, or simply relaxing.

Priced at around $173, it delivers good value considering the two winery visits, transportation, and guided insights. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts who seek a personal touch and want to learn more about Provençal wines while enjoying stunning views and a lively town. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, authentic, and friendly tour, this experience should definitely be on your radar.

FAQ

How many wineries will I visit during the tour?
You will visit two wineries in the afternoon and morning, each offering tastings of different styles of Provence wines.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have around 1 hour and 45 minutes in Aix-en-Provence for your own meal, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear and bring?
Bring sun protection like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. Also, a water bottle is recommended. For the goat farm visit, wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on dirt paths.

Can I bring my luggage?
If you need to take luggage, please inform the tour provider about the quantity and size. The provider isn’t responsible for any lost or stolen luggage.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 years old due to walking and the full-day schedule.

This tour strikes a good balance between educational wine tasting, authentic local experiences, and leisurely exploration—making it a worthwhile pick for anyone wanting to taste Provence’s best without the hassle of planning all the details themselves.