Hillside Beaumes-de-Venise domaine producing the classic Muscat VDN and a dry Grenache-Syrah red.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine; weekdays and Saturday
Signature wines: coyeux-muscat-beaumes-de-venise
Tip: The Muscat VDN is luscious and aromatic, best served as an aperitif or with foie gras and tarte tatin.
Traditional Beaumes-de-Venise estate long regarded as the benchmark for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise VDN, with old Muscat a Petits Grains vines.
Tasting: Tasting room in Beaumes-de-Venise; open daily in season
Signature wines: bernardins-muscat-beaumes-de-venise
Beaumes-de-Venise celebrates its Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise VDN (Vin Doux Naturel) each November following the harvest. The village cave cooperative and a handful of independent domaines pour the new vintage alongside the previous year's release, together with the red Beaumes-de-Venise AOC (Grenache-dominant). Food producers from the Vaucluse set up stalls in the village square.
Tip: Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is both a dessert wine and an aperitif in the local tradition. The cave co-operative produces the most accessible version at a price point that makes direct-buy cases worthwhile.