As superyacht crew, your job can take you all across the globe, to the most incredible destinations. However, crew life doesn’t always allow time to soak in the places you travel through, and when it does, it’s easy to fall into the habit of hitting the same crew bar in every port. And while that can be comforting and a good way to let off steam, it’s not the best way to appreciate the unique offerings of each destination.
This month, we’re suggesting ditching the usual yachtie bar scene for something a little more elevated, the best vineyard tours and wine-tasting experiences along the French Riviera. Whether it’s a crew day out, a team bonding and training mission, or a solo escape to deepen your wine knowledge, the South of France offers some unforgettable wineries near Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Tropez, all within easy distance of key yachting hubs. Expect rolling vineyards, boutique cellar doors, cycling between chateaux, and maybe even learning a thing or two to impress charter guests back onboard.
If wine’s not your thing, no problem. You’ll find some great local beer and craft brewery alternatives further down, perfect for crew days off.
Ready to sip, swirl, and savour? Let’s dive in.
Wineries on the French Riviera Worth the Excursion
Château Minuty: Iconic Rosé in the Hills of Saint-Tropez
World-famous Minuty is served on many of the world’s top superyachts, and it’s a Saint-Tropez classic. What better place to visit if you’re looking to boost your onboard wine knowledge? The chateau is famous for its pale, elegant rosés and prime location offering stunning views over the Gulf of St-Tropez. The estate includes beautifully landscaped gardens and modern tasting areas.
Tours range from free audio self-guided tours to private tours and personalised tastings. For yacht crew looking for an overnight stay, the estate also features La Bastide de Verez, an onsite guest house nestled at the foot of the Massif des Maures.
What to try: The iconic Minuty Prestige Rosé.
Getting there: Approx 20 mins from Port de Saint-Tropez by car
Website: minuty.com
Instagram: @chateauminuty
Clos des Roses: A Hidden Gem in Fréjus for Wine, Art & Relaxation
At the foot of the Esterel massif, just outside of Fréjus, lie the 10 hectares of the Clos des Roses vineyards. This family-run estate offers a beautifully curated experience for yacht crew looking to escape the dock and immerse themselves in French wine culture. There’s a modern cellar, an on-site gourmet restaurant, a small on-site chapel and rotating art exhibitions. For overnight stays there’s also the boutique spa hotel. The vineyards grow nine grape varieties, including Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle, Viognier, Carignan, Sauvignon blanc and Merlot.
Self-guided, audio and guided tours and tasting are available. Group requests can be accommodated when booked ahead. Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer make it a fantastic spot for a crew outing, with a culinary food truck on Thursday evenings and a snacking menu and an open-air yoga class on Fridays.
What to try: Signature Grenache and Syrah blends, both rosé and red.
Getting there: 15 mins from Port Fréjus or Saint-Raphaël by car.
Website: closdesroses.com
Instagram: @closdesroses
Lérins Abbey: A Peaceful Wine Escape on Île Saint-Honorat
For yacht crew based near Cannes, a day trip to the islands is a must. The island of Saint Honorat is the home to the Cistercian monks of Lérins Abbey, who grow seven different grape varieties to produce six different wines, all grown, harvested, aged, matured and bottled on the island. Tours include the return ferry trip to the island, plus a tour of the vineyard and a tasting session. The island itself is a beautiful green paradise with plenty of space for exploration, picnics and swimming. There’s also an onsite restaurant perfect for a lunchtime recharge.
What to try: Saint Pierre Blanc – a refreshing, aromatic white wine produced onsite.
Getting there: Hop over by tender, or take the regular ferry (approx. 15 mins) from Quai Laubeuf at Cannes Old Port. Tickets cost €14–€20 depending on the season.
Website: cannes-ilesdelerins.com
Château de Bellet: Hilltop Wines & Historic Charm Near Nice
Located just north of the city of Nice, at the highest point of the A.O.C., lies Château de Bellet, which offers one of the most scenic and culturally rich wine experiences on the Côte d’Azur. The vineyard dates back to the 18th century, and today the deconsecrated Chapel opens its doors all year round for visitors to experience guided tours, tastings, picnics, games of pétanque, sharing boards and of course glasses of wine on the beautiful scenic terrace. With rare native grape varieties and small-production bottles, it’s a fantastic spot to expand your wine knowledge and soak in the cultural landscape of the French Riviera.
What to try: Château de Billet Blanc with its aromas of jasmine and acacias, pear and quince.
Getting there: Approx 30 minutes by car or a 1-hour cycle if you’re up for some hills.
Website: chateaudebellet.com
Instagram: @chateaudebelletnice
Château Barbeyrolles: Biodynamic Wines & Provençal Heritage Near Saint-Tropez
Just outside Saint Tropez in the heart of Gassin lies Chateau Barbeyrolles. Owned by the legendary Régine Sumeire, Barbeyrolles is a biodynamic beauty with a rich legacy in sustainable viticulture. Expect character-driven wines and rustic Provençal charm as you wander the organic gardens. The first pale rose in Provence was created here in 1985, known as Petale de Rose, now considered iconic by sommeliers and chief stews worldwide. Guided tours and tastings accompanied by fresh goat’s cheese are available for booking.
What to try: The Pétale de Rose is a cult favourite for wine aficionados.
Getting there: 25 mins from Port Cogolin or Saint-Tropez.
Website: barbeyrolles.com
Instagram: @barbeyrolles
Wine Tours for Yacht Crew on the Côte d’Azur
If you want to make a whole day of it and visit multiple wineries, then book an organised wine tour. Booking an organised wine tour in the South of France is a fun, educational, and stress-free way to explore the region’s best wineries. Pickups can be arranged from all over the Côte d’Azur, with options including chauffeured driving tours or self-guided bike tours. It will make a great day out for the superyacht department or the entire yacht crew. Mix training and pleasure with one of these top wine tours.
Azur Wine Tours: Expert-Led Tastings with Crew-Friendly Options
For a seamless and insightful wine experience on the Côte d’Azur, Azur Wine Tours is top-tier and a crew favourite. With over a decade of expertise, their team of passionate, English-speaking guides (including ex-sommeliers and local wine experts) offer private and shared wine tours across Provence and the Riviera. Whether you’re joining a full-day tour through the region or cycling between vineyards in Saint Tropez, their flexible and crew-friendly options like yacht pickups, e-bike routes and tasting-focused itineraries make it effortless for superyacht crew to enjoy real Provençal wine culture.
Website: azurwinetours.com
Instagram: @azurwinetours
Beyond The Wine: Tailored Wine Tours Around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Beyond The Wine is a top pick for crew-friendly wine tours in the Gulf of Saint Tropez. These passionate wine experts provide deeply informed and professional tours full of local insight. Their half-day, full-day, or bespoke private excursions can be tailored to your crew’s schedule and preferences. Taste rare Côtes de Provence rosés, drive through the Gulf in a vintage 2CV, ride horseback through vineyards, or even blend your own wine; there are plenty of experiences to choose from. Pick-ups can be organised from anywhere in the Gulf of St Tropez.
Website: beyondthewine.fr/
Instagram: @beyondthewine
Not Into Wine? Try These Craft Beer Day Trips in the South of France Instead
Not everyone is into wine, and that’s completely fine. For crew who prefer a cold beer over a glass of rosé, the South of France has some brilliant options. Think citrus-infused brews, laid-back beer gardens, and local microbreweries that are perfect for a fun and refreshing day off.
La Mentounasc: Citrus-Infused Craft Beer Near Menton
Switch it up to something other than wine and head to La Mentounasc, nestled just outside Menton. This must-stop independent microbrewery offers a refreshing break from the vineyards with their craft beer infused with Menton citrus. Their award-winning beers, Menton Lemon Blonde (La Biounda) and White Citrus White Beer (La Bianca), are crisp, bright brews with a zingy twist that are perfect for cooling down after a crew bike ride or midday tour.
Open Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM (closed weekends), with tastings at 2 PM, the brewery is easy to reach by easy to reach by tender and a quick taxi or bus ride. Tours cost around €5, with no fuss.
Website: lamentounasc.fr
Instagram: @la_mentounasc
La Brasserie Artisanale de Nice: Local Craft Beer in the Heart of the City
At the Heart of Nice’s craft beer scene is La Brasserie Artisanale de Nice. Located just off the bustling Rue Villermont in the Liberation district, it’s the city’s flagship microbrewery and a must-visit for crew craving something beyond wine. They use 100% local and seasonal organic ingredients like chickpeas in their signature blonde and zesty Menton lemons in their refreshing citrus ale. Tastings and guided tours are available, with group visits available by appointment. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or team outing for yacht crew with a day or even an evening off.
Website: brasserie-nice.com
Instagram @labrasseriedenice
MABICHE: Antibes’ Summer Beer Garden by the Sea
For those not wanting to leave the familiarity of Antibes, be sure to visit Mabiche, a pop-up summer beer garden from the Antiboise microbrewery B06. Settle down on deck chairs and enjoy one of their small batch organic beers, including blonde, blanche, amber, IPA, and a seasonal hibiscus‑orange “Fleur d’Oranger. Or, try one of their special beer cocktails. Pair it with something from the mini kitchen’s rotating seasonal menu for something truly wonderful. Find Mabiche on Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs, 7 days a day from June 5th to August 31st, when the weather is nice.
Website: biereb06.fr
Instagram: @mabiche_antibes
Raise a Glass to Smarter Crew Days Off
Whether you’re a deckie with a taste for wine or a stew looking to wow the wine-loving guests, taking time to explore the South of France’s scenic vineyards and craft breweries is more than just fun; it’s educational, cultural, and delicious. Be sure to check in with your yacht agent or superyacht provisioning company for more recommendations; they often know the best-kept local secrets.
Rally your crew, grab a designated driver (or tour guide), and go raise a glass to making the most of your days off on the Côte d’Azur. Already been somewhere great? Tag us in your vineyard adventures @FunAirFun, then head to our website to check out our latest crew blogs and crew-focused products.
