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Wine is definitely one of the most prestigious and respected domains in the whole world. Many competitions and high-level wine tasting contests take place each year all over the planet. As a matter of fact, viticulture is older than anything you can imagine (8 000 years ago to be precise). Indeed, humans have been drinking wine since forever, and we are still doing it today with great pleasure. 

Many different types of wines exist – from red, to white, to rosé, to sparkling and much more. All of those types are produced in many countries in the world. Going from Italy, to New-Zealand all the way to Chile. The art of winemaking has been passed from generation to generation and spreaded globally. Actually, around 6000 different grape varieties exist, enough to excite all of your taste buds. As many grape varieties exist, ways of producing wine are, as well, very varied.

Without a doubt, France is one of the biggest and best wine producers in the world. France is the world’s leading exporter of wine. So you might’ve already tried French wine once in your life. And gladly for you, the region of Nice is producing its own kind of wine and discovering it is a pure delight when visiting the French Riviera. 

However, drinking and driving obviously don’t go together – that’s why we offer you to be driven in one of our 2CV Citroën vintage cars through the vineyards of the hills of Nice visiting amongst 2-3 wine domains. Let’s go through what we offer during this more than sensory tour.

2cv citroen in nice vineyards bellet

Wine in Nice

Before going through the wine domains we will bring you to, let’s see a bit why visiting the vineyards of Nice is more than a great idea.

History of the wine of Nice

Located in the north hills of Nice, the vineyards of Nice are pretty much regrouped on 50 hectares only. Therefore, it allows only a small production that can have the appellation “Bellet” more particularly. Actually, “Bellet” is one of the oldest appellations in the country (1941), which makes it historical. 

Only a few unfamous grape varieties find their joy under the hard sun and small rain of the French Riviera. We can find le Rolle, le Braquet and la Folle Noire. Other than that, Grenache and Chardonnay can be added to the blend to add some depth.

A unique and non-touristy discovery

Even if the wine of the region of Nice is not the most famous one worldwide, it’s definitely a hidden gem for those who take the time to give it a try. You’ll now become the best wine-pairer of your entourage thanks to the fact that you’ll be able to not only drink but also possess one of the only 200 000 bottles produced per year.

If the grapes enjoy the sun 300 days per year, you could do too. Not only you’ll get to try different wines and meet local producers, you’ll have one of THE best and unknown views you could get on the Côte d’Azur while visiting the vineyards.

Adding an extra card to your wine knowledges

We all heard about Châteauneuf du Pape and Champagne, but what about those small producers that are in the shadows of those big ones. Here are a few things that you’ll be adding up to your vocabulary to impress your friends and family at home.

PS: you might want to take a checked luggage to bring a few bottles home!

White wines of Nice

They are known to be a perfect match for a summer lunch by the water: aromatic and refreshing, full of aromas of citrus, fruits and flowers.

Rosé wines are a provençal speciality

You’ll find Le Braquet in the Nice Rosé wines. It gives a strong body and produces a heavier wine with freshness and good structure. This is an excellent rosé to accompany food.

Nice red wines

The main ingredient of the Nice Red Wine is la Folle Noire which literally translates to “The Crazy Black”. Generally blended with Braquet and Grenache, these are serious and elegant wines with harmonious tannins and aging potential.

vineyards of nice Bellet appelation 2CV citroën car tour guide

Vineyards of Nice

Overviewing the Var River, the Bellet Wine Production Area has one of the most pleasant and welcoming vineyards. With great knowledge, savoir-faire, and delicious products, you’ll definitely fall in love with the winemakers, the region, the 2CV Citroën and also especially because you don’t have to drive! A truly authentic and true experience awaits with those 3 vineyards.

Let’s go through 3 of the vineyards you could possibly see during our tour, depending on availability from each domain.

Chateau de Crémat

This domain is definitely the most impressive in terms of architecture and history. With a neo-toscan architectural design, you’ll find one of the most colorful domains in all France and this, since the early 20th century. 

Inside, the Château has been fully renovated to fit out the «Années Folles» with the iconic Paris Palace’s Ritz furniture. And on top of that, a panoramic view from the domain overlooking Nice is at the tip of your sunglasses.

Not only will you discover wines from Nice, but also art. The Château de Crémat has a whole room dedicated to promote Nice’s art, which you’ll be ending the visit with. You’ll start with a promenade inside the Château, knowing the history behind it, after that visiting the cellar and going though the art room to reach the tasting terrasse under an olive tree. 

And then, you’ll be tasting 3 of the wines they are producing, putting your taste buds in action, according to the work of the winemaker of the domain.

Château de Bellet

Located at the highest point of the Bellet area, this domain is known for having a chapel dating from 1873 right in the center of its vineyard. France, at its finest! You’ll have the chance to visit it, while discovering the boutique and the tasting room inside, extending itself to the amazing terrasse overlooking the hills of Nice. 

Nonetheless, the Château de Bellet’s wine has been served during many marking events including the Versailles Summit in 1982, the European Summit in Nice in 2000 and the latest wedding of the Prince Albert of Monaco and the actual Princess Charlène of Monaco in 2011.

Will you be the next lucky person to try the Château de Bellet’s wine? Jump with us and you’ll be the first one to discover everything about it during the 1h visit. It Includes different wines tasting, after getting to know more about the history and the cave of the domain.

Domaine des Hautes-Collines – Saint-Jeannet

In terms of authenticity and direct contact with the winemaker and the vineyard, nothing beats the Domaine des Hautes-Collines. Indeed, you’ll feel just like home. 

Also, they use procedures for the winemaking that none of the other domains are using. Therefore, you’ll get to discover unique ways of making wines in the Saint-Jeannet Domain. Two brothers are taking care of the well being of the vineyards, from the grapes to the label of the bottles, it’s a family business that has been going for more than 30 years now. 

You will then have the chance to try multiple of their wines while discovering the private workshop of the artistic Rasse brother, see how they label their bottles, and finally have a whole tour of the domain under the wing of one of their professional partners.

rear view mirror of vineyards nice
overview nice vineyards with blue 2cv citroen car

Here you are, mouth watering, ready to taste and discover the vineyards of Nice. Even if you didn’t particularly know the region before discovering this article, it’s never too late to do so. 

Book a tour with us and let yourself be transported in one of our Citroën 2CVs guided by a local who will further enrich your complete tour of the Bellet region.