Wine Tastings Costières de Nîmes

Costières de Nîmes is an AOC in southern France, located in the Gard department between the city of Nîmes and the western Rhône delta. It is the southernmost appellation of the Rhône wine region and officially achieved AOC status in 1986. The vineyard area enjoys a Mediterranean climate influenced by both the sea and cooling winds, including the Mistral. The terroir features a mix of soils — notably rounded river pebbles (locally “grès”), sandy alluvia, red clay, often over deeper clay substrata — which help vines root deeply and manage summer heat.

Winetourism in Costières de Nîmes mixes history, scenery, and wine culture. Visitors can taste in family domaines and cooperatives, take cellar‑tours, stroll vineyards set on gently undulating plateaus with marvellous views toward the Camargue and the Cévennes, and enjoy wine events such as “Les Vignes Toquées” (gastronomic walks), “Nîmes Toquée,” or wine‑tasting evenings in summer. The vineyards are accessible from Nîmes, making it possible to combine cultural heritage (Roman architecture, festivals) with wine experiences.

The cuisine in Costières de Nîmes reflects its Mediterranean setting and the richness of the Gard region. You will come across seafood and fish dishes given the proximity of the coast, olives, fresh vegetables, herbs of the garrigue, grilled meats, and charcuterie. Local ingredients like lamb, pork, tomatoes, garlic, and wild herbs often appear. Reds pair well with gutsy meats and bold flavors; rosés match lighter fare like salads, grilled fish or tapas‑style starters; whites and subtle blends go beautifully with seafood, white meats, or dishes with creamy sauces. Also local cheeses and simple seasonal desserts round out the experience.

Red and rosé wines dominate production in Costières de Nîmes. The main grape varieties include Syrah, Grenache (noir), Mourvèdre; alongside accessory grapes like Carignan, Cinsault, Marselan. Whites are a much smaller slice of the output. Key white varieties include Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Viognier, Vermentino (Rolle), Bourboulenc among others. In all colors, blending is required. Reds tend to show dark and red fruit aromas (blackberry, cherry), sometimes spicy or herbal notes, with good body and structure; rosés are fresh, fruity, often dry; whites show floral, citrus, or stone fruit characteristics, sometimes with creaminess depending on the blend.

Costières de Nîmes sees over 250 sunny days per year. Summers are hot and dry; winters are mild. Most rainfall occurs in autumn (often in late‑summer storms) and in spring. The influence of the sea (sea‑breezes) helps moderate heat, and the Mistral wind plays a role in keeping the vines healthy. Day‑night temperature differences are important, which help preserve acidity and freshness in grapes. Harvest tends to happen in late summer to early autumn. Visiting in spring offers green vineyards and mild weather; summer gives heat and full vineyards; autumn gives harvest, vivid scenery, and often more dramatic skies.

A good way to explore Costières de Nîmes is to stay in Nîmes or nearby wine villages so you have easy access to both wine estates and cultural landmarks. Plan visits with producers ahead of time, especially smaller ones, to get more in‑depth tasting and vineyard tours. Walk or drive through the plateau of Costières, especially the vineyard plateaus of “grès” (pebble‑strewn terraces) to see how terroir changes across just a few kilometres. Combine wine tastings with local food: try seafood at coastal spots, grilled meats inland, and schedule a meal in a restaurant that highlights local herbs, vegetables, and regional produce. If possible, align your visit with a wine‑festival or wine walk to experience local culture in full swing, perhaps in summer or during the harvest.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Costières de Nîmes:

• Château Mourgues du Grès

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Costières de Nîmes:

• Visit and Organic wine tasting at Château Mourgues du Grès
• Apéri'Vigne: Provençal Aperitif Amidst the Vines at Château Mourgues du Grès
• The Winemaker's Picnic at Château Mourgues du Grès