25–28 May 2027 · An Intimate Fine Wine Escape
Northern Rhône Valley, France
The home of Syrah. The beauty of the Rhône. The pleasure of a very good table.
Dates
25–28 May 2027
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Where
Northern Rhône Valley, France
Group
Small group, sommelier-led
Focus
Syrah, Viognier & the great appellations
Price
To be announced
Some wine regions are famous. Others are genuinely unforgettable.
This May, The Food & Drink Society is planning a very special journey into one of France’s most celebrated wine regions — the Northern Rhône.
Here, impossibly steep vineyards cling to hillsides above the river. Tiny villages guard centuries of winemaking tradition, and some of the world’s most extraordinary expressions of Syrah are produced in remarkably small quantities.
Over a few wonderful days, we plan to explore legendary appellations, meet passionate winemakers, discover exceptional local food and enjoy the kind of long, leisurely meals that make a wine journey truly memorable.
This isn’t simply a wine tour. It’s an invitation to experience the Northern Rhône from the inside.
25–28 May 2027 · Four days
The proposed itinerary
A shape for the four days. The final programme, estate visits and dining will be confirmed before bookings open.
Day one
Arrival in Tain-l'Hermitage
- Arrive in the Northern Rhône and settle in beside the river, with the hill of Hermitage on the skyline.
- A relaxed evening and a first dinner at the table together, with wines of the region poured alongside.
Day two
Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu
- Estate visits on the impossibly steep terraces of Côte-Rôtie, tasting elegant, perfumed Syrah.
- A contrasting tasting of Condrieu's Viognier — apricot, blossom and spice — before a long lunch.
Day three
Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage
- The great hill of Hermitage, with carefully selected estate visits and guided tastings.
- Crozes-Hermitage alongside, comparing terroirs, winemaking philosophies and a few new favourite bottles.
Day four
Market morning and farewell table
- Time to wander a riverside market town, browse local shops and enjoy a café terrace.
- A final shared meal of regional specialities and artisan produce before the journey home.
Côte-Rôtie · Condrieu · Saint-Joseph
The Great Wines of the Northern Rhône
There are few places where the relationship between vineyard and wine is so beautifully expressed.
In Côte-Rôtie, we will explore the world of elegant, perfumed Syrah — wines of extraordinary finesse, fragrance and longevity.
Just along the river, Condrieu offers something entirely different: wonderfully expressive Viognier with its signature notes of apricot, blossom and spice.
And in Saint-Joseph, we’ll discover another compelling expression of Syrah, alongside distinctive whites from Marsanne and Roussanne.
Our proposed programme will feature carefully selected estate visits, guided tastings and opportunities to hear the stories behind the wines from the people who make them.
Hermitage · Crozes-Hermitage
In the Shadow of a Legendary Hill
For wine lovers, the hill of Hermitage needs little introduction.
Rising dramatically above the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, its famous vineyards produce some of the most sought-after and age-worthy Syrah in the world.
We plan to explore both Hermitage and neighbouring Crozes-Hermitage, comparing wines, terroirs and winemaking philosophies.
Expect an engaging introduction to the Northern Rhône’s remarkable diversity, from powerful, structured reds to beautifully textured whites.
And, of course, plenty of opportunities to discover a new favourite bottle.
French gastronomy · Regional producers
From Vineyard to Table
Because what’s a truly great wine without something wonderful to eat?
The Northern Rhône has a rich gastronomic heritage, and food will be every bit as important as the wine on this journey.
Think traditional bouchons, artisan cheeses, seasonal market produce, regional specialities and beautifully prepared French cuisine.
We’re planning memorable dining experiences where carefully chosen wines, wonderful food and good company come together.
No hurried tastings, no endless coach stops. Just time to appreciate the pleasures of the region.
Historic villages · Riverside towns
A Little Time to Savour France
Beyond the vineyards, the Northern Rhône offers charming market towns, historic streets, spectacular scenery and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life.
Our itinerary is being designed to balance discovery with enjoyment.
There will be time to wander, browse local shops, enjoy a café terrace and perhaps find that perfect little wine bar.
Because sometimes the most memorable part of a journey is the part you didn’t plan.
Proposed tour highlights
- Guided tastings in celebrated Northern Rhône appellations
- Visits to carefully selected wine estates and producers
- Exploration of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and the Hermitage area
- Regional food and wine-pairing experiences
- Memorable shared meals showcasing French gastronomy
- Beautiful vineyard scenery and charming historic towns
- Expert wine insights and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere
The final programme, accommodation, transport arrangements, inclusions and pricing will be confirmed before bookings open.
A place at our Rhône table?
We’re planning this as a small-group experience, allowing us to visit interesting producers, enjoy intimate tastings and create something a little more personal than the average wine holiday. Register your interest now for priority information about dates, pricing and reservations.
Wonderful wines. Remarkable food. Interesting people.
Your seat at the table awaits.