This shore tour is not yet available for purchase. Specific details for this program are not yet finalized and the tour elements are subject to change. An email announcement will be sent to all group members when the tour is open for sale

The hill of Hermitage is something to be seen. It sits behind the town of Tain l’Hermitage in France’s northern Rhône region. At only 345 acres, what this small appellation lacks for in size, it more than makes up in reputation and prestige. This is the birthplace of Syrah, and without question one of the world’s most important, impressive, and imposing winemaking terroirs.

Only a handful of winemakers call Hermitage home, and one in particular has been hailed by many as one of France’s most regarded winemakers. Michel Chapoutier’s family settled in Tain L'Hermitage in 1808. They bought some vineyards on the hill behind the town, and have been making wine here ever since. Today, the spotlight falls on Michel Chapoutier, who has gained world-wide attention from all the right people, including famed wine critic Robert Parker. An obvious fan of their wines, Parker and his publication the Wine Advocate has awarded a perfect 100 score to an impressive fifteen Chapoutier wines.

From the dock, a winery representative will meet you and lead the group on a 20-minute walk up Hermitage Hill to tour Chapoutier’s vineyards. After engaging you with tales of the historic hill, you will continue on to the winery, where you will have a private tasting of their award-winning wines, including current vintages of their Hermitage Chante Alouette, Crozes Hermitage La Petite Ruche Rouge, Saint Joseph Deschants Rouge, Cote-Rotie Les Becasses, and Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne.

Following the tasting, a three-course wine-paired luncheon will be served in the winery's new Baccarat dining room. After lunch and the return walk down the hill, you will have time on your own to wander around Tain and visit Chapoutier’s wine shop or buy world-famous chocolates at Valrhona.