Marseille’s reputation as a port city often centers on its lively markets, historic architecture, and vibrant multicultural vibe. But what many don’t realize is how excellent the wine region surrounding Marseille truly is. Just a short drive from the city, you can find world-class vineyards, charming towns, and scenic landscapes that make for unforgettable wine tasting experiences. We love tours like the private full-day Provence wine tour that takes you through multiple wineries and includes time in Cassis or Aix-en-Provence, offering both a taste of the wines and the towns themselves. These tours combine the best of culinary delights, scenic drives, and personalized attention—all in one seamless experience.
If you’re after a luxury experience, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape private tour stands out for its private visits to renowned vineyards and a gourmet lunch in the heart of the Rhône Valley. For those with limited time, a half-day wine tasting around Aix-en-Provence offers a taste of the region’s charm without sacrificing quality. Whether you prefer a small-group local tasting, a luxury private day, or a scenic sidecar adventure, Marseille’s surrounding wine country has something to suit every taste—so let’s explore the best options.
Quick Overview
Our list features full-day private tours (like this one), luxury private excursions (such as the Châteauneuf-du-Pape tour), half-day wine tastings (including the Aix-en-Provence tour), and special experiences like sidecar rides or candle-making workshops. Each promises a distinctive way to experience Provence’s wine culture, from guided tastings at historic châteaux to exploring lively markets and picturesque seaside villages. Read on for details on the top options.
1. Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence From Marseille cruise port
This highly-rated private full-day tour takes you from Marseille’s cruise port to two distinct wineries in Provence, with visits to areas like Cassis, Lourmarin, or Aix-en-Provence. Your guide, an English-speaking wine expert, drives you comfortably in a climate-controlled minivan accommodating up to 8 people. The tour emphasizes educating visitors about the local varieties, including Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, and includes visits to aging rooms to see wine production firsthand.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and personalized approach. The guide will adapt the pace and stops to your knowledge level and interests. Plus, you get two hours of free time to explore a quaint French town, adding a cultural touch to your wine day. Most guests praise the knowledgeable guide, and the tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Provence wine, combined with a taste of local life.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for a full day of private, educational, and relaxed wine tasting, ideal for small groups or cruise visitors who want a seamless experience.
2. Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Private Tasting Tour From Marseille
For around $1,423 per group, this luxury private tour offers a full-day exploration of the legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, including stops in Avignon. The trip begins with a luxurious transfer in a private Mercedes Benz V-Class, setting the tone for a comfortable, exclusive experience. You’ll explore Avignon’s historic sites like the Pope’s Palace and Pont d’Avignon before heading into the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting notable wineries such as Domaine de Beaurenard and Les Caves Saint Charles.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of cultural sightseeing and wine tasting at some of the most renowned estates in the world. Guests rave about the personalized attention and the passion of the vinters, who share insights into the region’s unique terroir. The tour includes a delicious lunch in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, making it a perfect choice for those who want a luxurious, all-inclusive day.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a high-end, private experience with in-depth tastings and cultural exploration.
3. Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting
This half-day tour offers a relaxed way to discover Aix-en-Provence and the nearby Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards. Starting at just $129.26 per person, it’s perfect for those pressed for time but eager for a taste of Provence’s wine and charm. The journey begins with a 35-minute drive from Marseille, followed by about 1.5 hours of free time in Aix, where you can wander its markets, galleries, and cafes.
In the afternoon, your guide takes you to two family-owned wineries for guided tastings, showcasing the local grape varieties and the character of the Provençal terroir. Guests particularly enjoy the small-group atmosphere, which feels personalized. The tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing, wine tasting, and free exploration, making it ideal for travelers seeking a taste of Provence without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a short, focused experience combining Provence’s vibrant town life with its excellent wines.
4. Highlights of Provence: food, wine and seaside in Cassis and Aix
If you’re short on time but want to see multiple highlights of Provence, this private 8-hour tour is a perfect fit. For up to 7 people, it combines a morning in Aix-en-Provence’s lively markets, a visit to a château for a picnic with local rosé, and an afternoon exploring Cassis’s seaside charm. The tour is fully customizable, which means you can tailor it to your interests—be it wine, scenery, or local culture.
What makes this trip special is its personalized itinerary that blends culinary experiences with coastal views. Guests love the flexibility and the chance to see both mountain and sea, with enough time to soak in Provence’s diverse landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day seeing the best of what the region offers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a luxurious, flexible day that mixes wine, food, and seaside sightseeing in Provence.
5. Coteaux d’Aix: Ste Victoire Wine Tour & Cezanne route
This 4-hour small-group tour explores the Coteaux d’Aix wine region and the landscape that inspired Cezanne. For around $702 per group, you’ll visit two vineyards, where you taste different wine varieties and learn about the region’s geography and climate. The tour also features a stop at Cezanne’s mill, providing cultural context to the scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the connection between art and wine, appealing to those interested in Cezanne’s influence and the region’s unique terroir. The guided tastings at family wineries give insight into local grape varieties and the artistic inspiration of the landscape.
Bottom Line: A great pick for lovers of art, scenery, and wine, seeking a shorter, educational experience with a cultural twist.
6. Full private day Avignon Châteauneuf du Pape wine tasting
This full-day private tour provides a comprehensive look at Avignon’s highlights and Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s vineyards. Your private driver picks you up from Marseille, and you enjoy the flexibility of exploring Avignon’s Palace of the Popes and other landmarks before heading into the wine region. The visit includes tasting at a winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with plenty of time for personalized exploration.
Guests appreciate the personalized itinerary and the expert guidance from guides like Guy or Emil, who share their extensive knowledge. The tour is ideal for those who want a luxurious, flexible day with a mix of sightseeing and wine tasting.
Bottom Line: A perfect option for travelers seeking a customized, all-in-one day combining culture and wine.
7. From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting
As a cruise passenger, this 7-hour shore excursion hits the sweet spot. You’ll visit Avignon’s medieval streets and enjoy a wine tasting in the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. The tour includes a scenic drive, free time for lunch, and the chance to explore the Palace of the Popes.
Guests love the combination of culture and wine experience, with reviews highlighting the comfortable transport and the well-paced itinerary. It’s a straightforward, hassle-free way to experience Provence’s wine and history in one day.
Bottom Line: Great for cruise travelers wanting an easy, well-organized day with a mix of sightseeing and tasting.
8. Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting – Private Tour
This full-day private tour combines Marseille’s Old Port with visits to nearby Cassis, Le Castellet, and Bandol. The highlight is sampling wines from acclaimed vineyards in each region, including Côteaux d’Aix and Sainte-Victoire. The tour also features visits to medieval villages, olive groves, and quarry art, providing a rich cultural backdrop for your wine tasting.
Guests appreciate the personalized itinerary and the chance to explore both coastal and rural Provençal towns. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day with a mix of history, scenery, and wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a luxury experience with diverse sights and tastings.
9. Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards
This small-group tour balances wine tasting with spectacular scenery, including the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Starting from Marseille, you visit the Calanques National Park, Cassis’s charming port, and vineyards in Bandol and Le Castellet. The tour lasts between 4 to 8 hours, giving flexibility depending on your interests.
Guests rave about the stunning coastal views and the educational stops at local wineries. It’s suitable for active travelers interested in a scenic, wine-filled day exploring both nature and vineyards.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a scenic adventure combined with wine tasting in a small-group setting.
10. From Marseille: Sidecar Wine Tour to Cassis and Bandol
For a truly unique experience, this vintage sidecar tour takes you along the Route des Crêtes and past Cap Canaille, with stops at stunning viewpoints and local wineries. The tour lasts 4-6 hours and includes 3 pickup locations in Marseille.
Guests enjoy the exciting ride and the breathtaking scenery, with visits to 2-4 wineries depending on your chosen option. It’s a memorable way to combine adventure and wine tasting, especially for those seeking something different.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for adventure lovers wanting a scenic, fun, and personalized day.
11. From Marseille: Wine and Scenery around Aix-en-Provence
This 7.5-hour small-group tour takes you through three vineyards near Aix-en-Provence, with guided tastings and insights into organic wines and terroir. Starting from a central location, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive and a leisurely exploration of Aix-en-Provence itself.
Guests describe it as a well-rounded experience with knowledgeable guides and delicious wines. It suits travelers who want to learn about wine production and regional culture without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine enthusiasts interested in organic wines and Provence’s scenic landscapes.
12. Marseille: sunset sailing, buffet, and Provence wines
For a romantic or special occasion, this sunset sailing cruise aboard La Flaneuse offers breathtaking views, a buffet, and Provence wines. Lasting about 3.5 hours, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy Marseille’s coastline as the sun dips below the horizon.
Guests love the unique setting of being at sea, with many praising the wine selection and the peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a memorable evening on the water.
Bottom Line: A memorable, scenic, and relaxing way to combine sailing with local wine and regional scenery.
13. The Candle & Wine Experience
This intimate workshop invites you to craft your own Provence scented candle while sipping local wine. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it’s a perfect hands-on activity for small groups or couples.
Guests rave about the curated experience and the beautiful setting. It offers a creative break from sightseeing and a unique souvenir—your own handcrafted candle. It’s ideal for those wanting a personalized, relaxed activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for craft lovers and those seeking a memorable, hands-on Provence experience.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Marseille
Picking the right tour depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you want a full immersion with visits to multiple wineries and cultural sites, the private full-day Provence tour is excellent. For a luxury experience with in-depth tastings, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape private tour offers premium visits and gourmet lunch options.
If your schedule is limited, consider the short Aix-en-Provence tour or the Highlights of Provence, which provide a great overview without overcommitting. For travelers craving something adventurous, the Sidecar Wine Tour combines coastline views with a vintage ride.
Booking early is advised—these tours tend to fill up, especially in peak season. Consider your interests—art, seaside scenery, culinary delights—and how much time you want to dedicate. Provence’s wine country is diverse, and each tour offers a different window into its scenery, flavors, and culture.
Final Thoughts
Marseille offers a fantastic array of wine tours catering to all tastes—from luxurious private excursions to lively group tastings, scenic rides, and even creative candle workshops. For a comprehensive day, the private full-day Provence tour provides diversity and depth. Meanwhile, those seeking luxury and exclusivity will appreciate the Châteauneuf-du-Pape** experience.
Travelers short on time might prefer the half-day options, enjoying a taste of Provence’s wines and towns without the full-day commitment. And if you’re craving something truly memorable, the vintage sidecar adventure offers an unforgettable ride along the coast with tastings en route.
No matter your style, Marseille’s surrounding wine country is accessible, authentic, and full of character. Book your tour early, clarify what experience suits your interests, and get ready for a genuinely flavorful slice of Provence.