VIP Tour of the Cellars and Wine and Vermouth Tastings

Step into the hallowed halls of the Noilly Prat cellars, where centuries-old traditions and modern innovation converge. This VIP tour offers a captivating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of their renowned vermouth. Guests will be swept away by the aromatic embrace of the production process, exploring the mysterious cellar vault where the vermouth matures. A knowledgeable expert guide will lead an in-depth tasting, allowing visitors to discern the distinct flavor profiles and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. But the story doesn’t end there – the tour also unveils the pivotal role of the cooperage, showcasing the skilled techniques used to shape and toast the oak barrels that transform the vermouth.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In France.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the historic cellar vault, where visitors can witness the maturation of Noilly Prat’s vermouth in oak casks
• Exclusive tasting experience led by a knowledgeable expert, allowing participants to explore the distinct flavor profiles and aromas of Noilly Prat’s vermouths
• Insights into the intricate blending process and the importance of temperature and humidity control in the vermouth-making process
• Exploration of the cooperage and barrel-making techniques used to impart unique flavors and aromas into the vermouth
• Comprehensive walk-through of the brand’s museum, chronicling the rich history and heritage of Noilly Prat and its evolution within the cocktail culture

The History of Noilly Prat

Noilly Prat’s history dates back to 1813 when Joseph Noilly, a wine merchant, began experimenting with blending different wines and botanicals to create a unique vermouth.

He perfected his recipe over the years, and in 1855, the first Noilly Prat vermouth was produced in the town of Marseillan, France.

The company remained in the Noilly family for four generations, and in 1971, it was acquired by Martini & Rossi.

Today, Noilly Prat is one of the most renowned vermouth brands in the world, known for its high-quality ingredients and distinctive flavor profile.

The brand’s rich history and commitment to tradition continue to attract vermouth enthusiasts from around the globe.

Vermouth Production Process

The production of vermouth at Noilly Prat’s facilities in Marseillan, France, involves a meticulous and time-honored process that has been refined over generations. Skilled artisans carefully select and blend a variety of high-quality wines, herbs, and botanicals to create the brand’s distinctive and complex flavor profile.

Stage	Duration	Key Elements
Maceration	3-4 weeks	Infusion of botanicals in neutral grape spirit
Blending	4-6 months	Combination of macerated botanicals and base wines
Aging	6-12 months	Maturation in oak casks to develop nuanced flavors

This painstaking approach ensures that each bottle of Noilly Prat vermouth embodies the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition.

Exploring the Cellar Vault

As visitors descend into the cellars of Noilly Prat, they’re greeted by the rich, aromatic embrace of the vermouth-making process, where time-honored traditions and modern techniques coexist in a captivating dance.

The cellar vault is a veritable treasure trove, housing row upon row of oak casks where the vermouth matures, absorbing the subtle flavors of the region’s botanicals.

Guides expertly navigate the labyrinth, sharing insights into the intricate blending process and the importance of temperature and humidity control in crafting the perfect vermouth.

Guests can’t help but be mesmerized by the serene yet lively atmosphere, a testament to Noilly Prat’s unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity.

Guided Tasting Experience

After seeing the cellar’s captivating atmosphere, visitors embark on a guided tasting experience that unveils the nuances and complexities of Noilly Prat’s renowned vermouth.

A knowledgeable expert leads them through a carefully curated selection, enabling guests to savor the intricate balance of botanicals, herbs, and spirits that define this iconic French aperitif.

The tasting session allows participants to discern the distinct flavor profiles, aromas, and textures of Noilly Prat’s vermouth offerings.

Through the expert’s insightful commentary, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition that have made this brand a revered icon in the world of cocktails and aperitifs.

The tasting leaves a lasting impression, inspiring a newfound passion for the art of vermouth-making.

Cooperage and Barrel-Making

Visitors next journey to the cooperage, where they witness the meticulous art of barrel-making that’s integral to the Noilly Prat vermouth-crafting process.

Here, they learn about the cooperage’s pivotal role in aging and transforming the vermouth.

The tour highlights:

• The skilled coopers who carefully select and shape the oak, ensuring the barrels meet Noilly Prat’s exacting standards
• The precise techniques used to toast and char the barrels, imparting unique flavors and aromas to the vermouth
• The dedication and tradition passed down through generations, preserving the time-honored methods that have defined Noilly Prat’s distinctive style for over 200 years

This immersive experience offers guests a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle of Noilly Prat vermouth.

Brand Museum Walk-Through

The tour continues with a visit to the brand museum, where guests enjoy the rich history and heritage of Noilly Prat.

Visitors explore interactive exhibits that chronicle the development of this renowned vermouth, from its origins in the 1800s to its current status as a global icon.

They learn about the unique maceration process that gives Noilly Prat its distinctive flavor, as well as the importance of the cellar and the skilled artisans who oversee the production.

The museum also showcases the evolution of the brand’s iconic packaging and marketing, providing a comprehensive understanding of how Noilly Prat has become an integral part of cocktail culture worldwide.

Transportation and Hotel Pickup

The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, where guests are transported to the historic La Maison Noilly Prat in Marseillan.

From there, they embark on an immersive journey through the brand’s renowned cellar and cooperage, followed by educational tastings of Noilly Prat’s acclaimed vermouths and wines.

This comprehensive experience includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from a central point in Marseillan to the Noilly Prat facility
• A knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the history, production, and unique characteristics of Noilly Prat vermouth and wines
• A tasting of Noilly Prat’s diverse portfolio, allowing guests to discover the nuances of this renowned French aperitif

The tour’s seamless logistics and inclusion of transportation ensure a hassle-free and enriching exploration of Noilly Prat’s celebrated legacy.

Tour Schedule and Inclusions

Tours in German run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays at 2:30 PM, while English-language tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the same time. The VIP tour includes a wine tasting, a professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Visitors will be transported to and from the attractions, learning about the history, production, and identification of vermouth.

Tour Inclusions	Details
Wine Tasting	Sample the finest Noilly Prat vermouths
Professional Guide	Knowledgeable expert on the brand and products
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off	Convenient transportation to and from the tour
Transportation	Travel to the cellar, cooperage, and brand museum

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a wine tasting, and outside food and beverages are not permitted. All tour supplies and refreshments are provided by the tour operator.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for a guided tour. Casual attire is recommended, as the tour involves walking through the cellar and cooperage.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Guests can take photos throughout the tour, as photography is generally allowed during the educational and tasting experience. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or other participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 18 years. Children under 18 are not permitted to participate in the tour. The tour is focused on the history and production of vermouth, so the minimum age ensures all attendees can fully engage with the educational experience.

What Language Options Are Available for the Tour?

The tour offers language options in German and English. German-language tours are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays at 2:30 pm, while English-language tours are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2:30 pm.

Recap

The VIP tour of the Noilly Prat cellars provides a captivating journey into the brand’s centuries-old traditions. Visitors enjoy the vermouth-making process, tasting the distinct flavor profiles and witnessing the cooperage’s skilled techniques.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle and the pivotal role of the brand’s history in shaping its modern identity.