Wineries close to Villefranche
 

We will be on a cruise ship making a one day stop at Villefranche. Are there any good wineries close by where we can take the train and locate it easily?
Suggestions are appreciated.

also, how long does it take to do a tour and wine tasting typically?

Typically, the tour, lunch, and tastings will usually last 3-4 hours, depending upon the winery, and add on the logistics of getting to/from. I would count on a good 1/2 day. ((b))

thanks Budman. That means that we could do a wine tour and then take the train over to Monte Carlo, since our cruise stop will be from 10am-11pm. Plenty of time to do BOTH.
I just have to find a winery now....

I know the area quite well, but really cannot think of any vineyards that you could visit in that area at all, let alone by train. Most of the wine areas I know about are much further west, and more inland. I hope someone else can help you out here; I would be interested to find a good vineyard to visit in that area.
Monaco, on the other hand, is very easy. And Nice is even closer, also easy by train.

I agree with Tulips. That is flower country, not wine.

Tulip, how far West is the closest vineyard? Are we talking like a 3hr train ride??

I am by no means an expert on this (I only like to drink the stuff) but the larger wine producing areas would be nearer Aix, Avignon, Bandol (very nice rosé!).

Have a look at this though;
http://www.beyond.fr/wine/p_bellet.html

That looks interesting, and close to Nice. Don't know about train access; that could be difficult.
Do let us know if you find a good winery in that area!

thank you so much Tulip, I will check out the website.

I am even willing to rent a car if we have to. My husband REALLY wants to go to a winery, it will be the highlight of the trip for him.
Unfortunately, even though we will be going to Florence, we don't have time to go to the Southern Tuscan region to do this, so we are trying to do our best to accomodate it at the Villefranche port.
The trip will not be complete to him without a wine tour.

See my other post to you on visiting the wineries. Your starting point will be Les Arcs.

how far is Cotes de Provence from Villafrance and what is the easiest way to get there?

We would rent a car with no problems, but a few years ago we went to Paris and I was scared of how people drove there (worst than NYC). Of course, I assume it is not this way since this is the country side.

Okay, I am in love with Chateau Sainte Roseline and it seems to be everything we are looking for.
Today I will go buy the "Provence and the Cote D'Azur" book as it looks very comprehensive with maps and lots of history and detailed information.
You have all been wonderful, thank you so much.

Have another look at the www.beyondprovence.com website; there is a special section on wine, there are maps that you can click.
Cote de Provence is the name of the local wine.
There are several winemakers listed with their phone numbers. Mostly these are in small villages, in the country (as you would expect), so rent a car or take a taxi (do not drive after sampling wine, especially in the mountains above Nice!)

Sainte Roseline makes excellent Rosé too!

looking at the map, Les Arcs looks pretty from Villafranche, wonder how far?? Is it actually doable within 6hrs?

what about Burgundy, how far is it from Villafranche?

it's in the Var near Frejus. and it should be about 50 miles.

okay this looks doable then.

I can take the train from Villafranche to Les Arcs and then a taxi or bus to Chateau Sainte Roseline: 83 460 Les Arcs-Sur-Argens.

Right?

From Villefrance to Les Arcs is an hour and 43 minute ride, which I can take in the morning.
At around 4pm I can take the train from Les Arcs to Monaco, which is a 2hr train ride. Walk around for about an hour or two and then head back to the ship at around 8 or 9pm, since this is only a 15 minute ride.

Do I have the logistics right?