Paulo59

Can anyone recommend someone who can drive us for an 8 hour day in Gigondas/Chateauneuf area? We don't need a guide or a tour as I know a reasonable amount about the wineries in the region and I'm usually successful at being able to book appointments with the wineries to taste their wine. I speak a workable amount of French so I can probably also handle asking any questions I have about their wine-making. So I will find the wineries and book them, but would love to have a driver pick us up in Gigondas and drive us to wineries in Chateauneuf and possibly elsewhere. .
We are staying in Gigondas and plan on checking out the wineries there and in nearby Vacqueras on another day but thought it might not be the best idea to drive 1/2 hour to Chateauneuf, taste lots of wine then drive back the 1/2 hour to Gigondas. We will probably do one tour (Beaucastel?) then want to really taste a lot of different wines from some of the wineries I am interested in.
And yes, we will "spit" too but we will want to taste some of it I am sure.

Thanks for any suggestions and contact info you have.

Paul

MmePerdu

From time to time I need a driver and no matter what part of the world I'm in, invariably those who operate the accommodation where I'm staying, modest to more upscale, know good people and are happy to make arrangements. Their reputations depend on exactly these sorts of services. Have you asked the people where you're staying?

Paulo59

Thanks. Yes. No luck with asking hotel owner. They referred me to a tour guide who has a set tour.

MmePerdu

Another suggestion, the closest tourist information office?

Paulo59

Thanks very much. Just sent them an email.

tomboy

Have you considered asking the Tourist Info office in Vaison-la-Romaine? It's what...8 miles away, and far bigger (more apt to know a driver). Particularly now, in winter, when they have time to go out of their way to accomodate. Or Vacqueyras.

Judy

I can't help with the driver but, last year had a Beaucastel tour and booked lunch first at the Perrin family's restaurant in Gigondas, l'Oustalet.

When I mentioned that we needed to be finished at a certain time to get to the winery, they offered to have the chef prepare a tasting menu based on the Perrin wines. It was the best meal we had in Provence!

I'd highly recommend this restaurant. You may want to ask at Beaucastel if they can recommend a driver.

Whathello

And asking the wineries ? They must know somebody no ?

Judy

Exactly, Whathello! Beaucastel is the winery they plan to visit. I feel certain they can help here.

tomboy

l'Oustalet. Not enough superlatives to describe it.