European Heritage Days 2026: explore the Rhône Valley in a new way

Heritage Days often offer a chance to discover what lies behind the facades of wine estates. This year, several properties are inviting the public to go behind the scenes and explore their history.

At Château Malijay in Jonquières, visitors are welcomed with sparkling wine, followed by a guided tour of the estate and a tasting of AOC Ventoux wines—a convivial way to discover this historic site.

Over at Domaine de Longue Toque in Gigondas, visitors can explore a wine-growing heritage shaped by generations, starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday. A full immersion in the vineyards and cellar awaits, led by the estate’s sommelier.

For lovers of magnificent vineyard landscapes, the Côte-Rôtie Tour offers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the history behind one of the Rhône’s most iconic wine regions. Tours run from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday through Sunday.

Finally, on Saturday at Néovinum near Ruoms, visitors can go behind the scenes with the Vignerons Ardéchois to discover the final stages of winemaking, from blending to bottling.

An added bonus: many of these activities are free or offered at very affordable rates—making it a perfect opportunity to plan a last-minute getaway.
 

What makes the Heritage Days so captivating is their ability to create a dialogue between cultural heritage and winemaking heritage.

Throughout the weekend in Beaucaire, at the Mas des Tourelles, visitors can step back into the Gallo-Roman era and discover wines crafted from ancient recipes in a reconstructed cellar. It is a fascinating dive into wine history, serving as a reminder that the Rhône Valley has cultivated this expertise since antiquity.

The Brotte Wine Museum opens its doors to share nearly a century of family and winemaking history—a visit that offers insight into how traditions are passed down and evolve over time.

Families and fans of interactive fun can try an immersive escape game at the Espace Rabelais in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, while nature and geology enthusiasts will delight in the Aven d’Orgnac in Ardèche. This "Grand Site de France" offers tours focusing on the cave’s history, its biodiversity, and—above all—the wine cellar housed within it.

What we love: the variety of options. Within just a few kilometers, you can travel from a Gallo-Roman cellar to a modern winery, or from a wine museum to a spectacular cave.