Rhone Alone

La Madelène Rhône Wine Holidays tells me there are a few places left in their very-affordable three-day wine course, taught in English and focused on the best of the Southern Rhône. Classes are held in a 12th-century priory and include tastings, lunches (with great wines, bien sur!) and private visits to seven domaines. The course is offered on consecutive Tuesdays in February (3rd/10th/17th) or March (3rd/10th/17th) and each class will have no more than eight students. Your host will be Rhône wine expert Philip Reddaway, who left a media job in London to pursue a wine-tourism career. He holds a three-year diploma from the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust, where he was also approved as a wine instructor. Philip ran successful wine courses in Brighton and London before moving down to Provence. La Madelène is located between Malaucène and Entrechaux, in the foothills of Mont Ventoux. It’s 10 minutes south of Vaison-La-Romaine; 30 minutes from Orange and Carpentras. Throughout the year, Reddaway and his wife, Jude, offer a range of programs including a full-on week-long wine tour and shorter three-day trips. The three-day winter wine course is €95 per person, all inclusive. For those who’d like to stay over, rooms are available at La Madelène for €130 per night. For info: www.rhonewineholidays.com, rhonewineholidays@googlemail.com, 04-90-62-19-33.