Luberon wine

Luberon wines are on the up. They used to be just table wine but now some producers are improving fast, and catching up with Rhone wines.

The further up the Rhone you go towards Lyon, the better the wine gets. Just to the north of Avignon are Gigondas and Vacqueyras - less known than neighbouring Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but you are not paying for the famous name. Another hour's drive up the Rhone you reach the great Rhone wines - St. Joseph, Cornas, Condrieu, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cote Rotie.

Just about any wine grower will be set up so you can turn up and taste their wine, with no obligation to buy.

If your wine knowledge lets you down in these situations, there are 2-hour wine appreciation courses in the summer at the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin, which is in the Place de l'Horloge at the top of Menerbes.