Chateauneuf-du-Pape

If you're even moderately familiar with wines, chances are you've heard of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Previously considered an inferior wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape reds are now held in high esteem and can put quite the dent in your wallet. But what comes as a surprise to many is that like all French wines, the name Chateauneuf-du-Pape doesn't come from thin air; it directly corresponds to where it is produced, and wine made elsewhere cannot hold the same name.
Which brings us to your delightful visit to none other than Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France! Less than a half-hour from Avignon, it's a popular stop on Provence wine tasting tours, and rightly so. But there is so much more to this town than the (delicious!) fruit of its labors.
As its name suggests - “pape” is French for “pope” - the part of papal history that takes place in France includes Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As you may know, Avignon was home to the papacy, but when it came to wine, the town wasn't so blessed. Popes had to look elsewhere for their favorite libation, and looked to the area today known as Chateauneuf-du-Pape – named as such because of the new castle (chateauneuf) built by Pope John XXII.
It is from this castle that you get amazing views of the vineyards and neighboring villages. Also of note is the town's beautifully preserved medieval architecture, most of which today is home to various wine stores and tasting rooms.