Explore the Best Rosé Wineries on a Girls’ Getaway in the French Riviera

Grab your besties and your passports: Here’s how to spend three rosé days with the girls on the French Riviera.

Day 1: Nice

You’ve landed at Nice Cote d’Azur Airport and freshened up at the hotel — time to head straight to the vines, which aren’t as far as you think. One of France’s oldest and smallest AOCs, Bellet, covers around 1,600 acres, with approximately 125 planted with vines at elevations of 300 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Nestled in the hills surrounding the city, a few family-run wineries are prime spots to dip your toes into rosé tasting. Start at Bellet’s oldest winery, Château de Bellet, where the tasting room is situated within a 19th-century chapel. For convenience, you can arrange a three-hour winery tour with French Riviera Wine Tours that offers pick-up and drop-off in Nice.

If you prefer relaxing on a sunny beach, visit Castel Plage on Nice’s iconic Baie des Anges. Here, you can reserve a lounge chair for the day, enjoy fresh seafood, and choose from an extensive selection of Côtes de Provence rosés to sip while soaking in the sun.

Conclude the evening at one of Nice’s vibrant wine bars, such as the trendy La Treille tucked away on Rue Saint-Augustin. Alternatively, dress up and experience fine dining at Seen on the 6th floor of the city’s newest luxury hotel, Anatara.

Day 2: Château de St Martin

1.25 hours from Nice

Embark on a road trip west along the A8 motorway (note: it’s a toll road, but credit cards are accepted) to Château de St. Martin, a family-run winery since 1740. With more than 50 percent of its production dedicated to rosé, it’s the perfect destination to indulge in tasting sessions. The welcoming English-speaking staff will be more than happy to pour high-quality rosé at the barrel tables or L-shaped wooden bar. For an added experience, spend the night at the winery’s charming 18th-century bastide, which offers five cozy B&B rooms trimmed with antique furniture and surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. Guests can enjoy the pool with a chilled bottle of Grand Reserve rosé during the hot Provençal summers.

If you prefer sightseeing, visit the nearby 12th-century L’Abbaye du Thoronet, just half an hour away. If you arrive on a Tuesday morning, don’t miss the chance to explore one of the best farmers markets in the region in the Provencal village of Lorgues. Be sure to reserve a table for dinner at Bruno, also known as Chez Bruno, celebrated for its truffle-centric menus and located just a short 10-minute drive from the bastide.

Awaken to a delightful breakfast provided by your hosts, featuring fresh bread and jam, buttery croissants, and aromatic coffee served in the family dining room.

Day 3: Château de Valmer

2.5 hours from Nice

Today’s journey takes a twisty route that may take longer than an hour, so plan to stretch your legs midway in the charming hilltop village of Grimaud, famous for its flower-box-filled streets and medieval castle ruins. Once you arrive at Château de Valmer, the focus is all about wine and sea. The 42-room hotel boasts its own sandy beach just a quarter-mile away, in addition to being conveniently located near renowned rosé producers like Château Minuty (no appointment required) and Domaine de la Croix, which is the largest winery in Côtes de Provence.

Consider exploring the picturesque Saint-Tropez peninsula at your leisure, or make it fun by taking a vineyard tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV. Alternatively, for a more tranquil experience, how about embracing a relaxing yoga session set amongst the vines with your friends?

Indulge in an elegant yet relaxed lunch at La Verdoyante, a delightful spot I’ve frequented since 2006. You’ll receive a warm welcome from the proprietors and savor thoughtfully prepared Provençal dishes paired with local rosé, all while surrounded by the beauty of cru classé vines.

Conclude your getaway with a scenic drive (just six miles) into the sherbet-colored village of Saint-Tropez, where you and your friends can browse the expansive market held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Don’t forget to pick up stylish matching pairs of Tropezienne sandals, customized to your feet while you wait, and enjoy sipping rosé at Sénéquier, a prime people-watching location since 1930, overlooking the yacht-dotted harbor.