Watch the goats being milked at an organic Picodon farm at the entrance to Saoû, then buy cheese at the farm. The farm also has a relais paysan for one to eight people.
On the advice of sommelier Sébastien Maucarré, the Saint-Marcellin consortium suggests Rhône whites such as Saint-Joseph. A Marsanne-Roussanne white has the weight to meet the soft style's dried-fruit, honey and cream notes.
The accords-mets-vins.fr guide names Crozes-Hermitage blanc first in its answer on white wines for this creamy, slightly milky cheese. A dry Marsanne-Roussanne white raised in used barrels cuts the richness without the heavy oak or sharp acidity the guide warns against.
INAO says the cheese goes particularly well with the white wines of the neighbouring Condrieu appellation, and the two appellations share a festival every 1 May. Viognier's floral richness meets the firm, smooth paste with its hazelnut and forest-floor notes.
Address: 180 route de Crest, Quartier de Biègue, 26400 Saoû, Rhone Valley
A 200 m2 museum route on goat farming, milking and Picodon making, with films, educational workshops, fact sheets and the ageing rooms, above the Peytot ageing workshop. Individual tasting is free per the Ardèche Guide listing.
Two-day Picodon festival in Saoû on the third weekend of July, as the organisers put it; the 2026 edition was held in July. The Picodon syndicate also lists a Picodon festival in Dieulefit in August.
Guided visit of a goat dairy making Picodon AOP, with a free tasting; guided visits are compulsory for individuals and groups. Group rates start at 20 people, and groups can be up to 55.
Guided visit of a goat farm of about 100 animals and its cheese-making room, on reservation, for individuals and groups. The cheeses run from faisselle to Picodon.
Tour of the goat house or take part in the milking at an organic Picodon farm under Mont Couspeau, by appointment, for individuals and groups. The tourist office listing dates from January 2025; the farm's Facebook page was posting in September 2026, so call ahead.
Tastings of local cheeses at the Valence fromagerie from June to September, with registration at the shop.
Private wine tour of the Rhône Valley, a day out in France tasting great wines in a unique atmosphere.
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