Around the Dentelles de Montmirail: Diverse terroirs – a paradise for winegrowers and nature enthusiasts

Around the Dentelles de Montmirail, vines grow on gentle slopes as well as steep hills and dry terraces. 

Soils include calcareous clay, sand, red and black clay, gravel and pebbles of varying sizes, and the ochre-hued Triassic soils. 

The vines grow cheek-by-jowl with forests of holm oaks, Aleppo pines, olive trees, caper bushes and garrigue scrubland with its Scots pines and rosemary.  

These unique terroirs are home to a wide range of grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Muscat à Petits Grains, both white and red. 

This diverse array different varieties allows winemakers to create blends for no fewer than eight distinct appellations, including the famous Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise AOCs.

The area around the Dentelles de Montmirail is also home to countless beautifully preserved churches and chapels, and charming hilltop (‘perched’) mediaeval villages, some of which give their names to Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs – Sablet and Séguret to name just two. 

The architectural heritage is uncommonly rich and dates back to ancient times, and many buildings are either open to the public or host regular cultural and social events.  

The Hospices de Gigondas, for example, is a feudal castle dating from the 13th century; along with the upper, mediaeval part of the village, it hosts year-round exhibitions, often featuring imposing semi-monumental sculpture and other artworks. There are also sensory workshops: why not try exploring the magic of wine through its aromas?

Around these majestic mountains, there are vines wherever you turn: a natural backdrop to a variety of activities ranging from sports to mindfulness. 

The three limestone chains are famous for offering an unbeatable climbing experience. Mild weather conditions make climbing possible all year round, with the north face being sheltered from the searing sun, and the south from the cold and the Mistral wind. And all around are breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding vineyards. Trail runners and mountain bikers won’t be disappointed either: with terrain featuring plateaux and slopes of varying steepness, there’s a route suitable for every level of runner or rider.

And for walkers, hikers and cyclists, there are countless well signposted routes through the vineyard. One such route is the Vacqueyras Vineyard Trail, a 3-hour, 8-kilometre footpath exploring the heritage and terroir of the Vacqueyras AOC. 

Horse-riding tours are also a regular feature, often finishing with a wine tasting at one of the many wineries.