Wine Tasting Near Nice: Bellet Vineyards Local Guide
Most people visit Nice and never find out there’s a wine region 20 minutes from the city centre. Bellet is one of the smallest AOC appellations in France: about 50 hectares, roughly 10 producers, and wines you almost never see outside the Riviera. The vineyards sit on the hills above Nice with views over the Baie des Anges. And one estate just outside the appellation, in Saint-Jeannet, that’s worth the detour. Here’s what each one offers.
In this guide
Which vineyard should you visit?
🍷 Filter by experience
First time wine tasting? Domaine des Hautes Collines in Saint-Jeannet. Stunning views, affordable (from €15), and the vineyard walk is unforgettable. The most polished visit, beautiful chateau, €35 for 3 wines. Easy to book.
Serious wine lover? Chateau de Bellet. Organic, historic, the reference estate. €30 for a guided tour + 3 wines in a 19th-century chapel.
Small, authentic, family-run? Domaine des Hautes Collines (Saint-Jeannet), Domaine de la Source or Domaine de Toasc. Smaller crowds, direct contact with the winemaker.
No car? Chateau de Bellet is the only one reachable by bus (line 64 from Vauban).
💰 Filter by budget
Free? Chateau de Cremat vineyard walk (no tasting). Just show up during opening hours.
Under €30? Domaine de la Source, around €25 for a guided visit + 3 wines.
Under €40? Chateau de Bellet (€30) or Chateau de Cremat 3-wine tour (€35).
Full experience? Chateau de Cremat 6-wine tour at €40, or a private guided tour from Nice (~€55 per person).
Bellet vineyards to visit
1 Domaine des Hautes Collines (Saint-Jeannet)
Perched at 300 metres altitude in the hills of Saint-Jeannet, 25 minutes from Nice. Not Bellet AOC, but a completely different style: 9 artisanal wines (reds, whites, roses, sweet wines) made without sulfites, naturally stabilised in glass demijohns exposed to the sun. The vineyard walk with picnic is exceptional: you hike through the vines with views over the Baou de Saint-Jeannet and the coast, then taste 5 wines with local charcuterie and cheese. The most memorable experience on this list if you’re willing to go slightly further from Nice.
From €15🕒 Mon-Sat 9am-12pm / 2:30pm-7pm · Sun 9am-12pm (reservation required)
🍷 3 wines = €15 | 5 wines + cheese = €25 | Vineyard walk + picnic = €42 | Private 9 wines = €50
👥 Free parking · Open year-round · Groups welcome
📞 06 08 96 24 60 · resa.hautescollines@gmail.com
🌐 Discover the French Riviera vineyard
2 Domaine de Toasc
Small, discreet, and known for its reds. Domaine de Toasc shares its sales cellar with Chateau de Cremat (same road), which makes it easy to combine both in one visit. The estate focuses on traditional winemaking with minimal intervention. If you prefer reds over roses, this is where to go. Most Bellet estates lean toward whites and roses. Toasc does reds properly.
Contact for price🕒 Mon-Sat 10am-12pm, 2pm-5:30pm
📞 04 92 15 14 14 · 06 50 59 04 19
3 Chateau de Bellet
The historic reference. 10 hectares of organic vines, certified AB. The tasting happens inside a 19th-century deconsecrated chapel on the property, which doubles as the estate shop. The guided tour takes you through the vineyard and explains the Bellet terroir: clay-limestone soil, altitude, Mediterranean breeze. This is the estate wine professionals visit. It’s also the only vineyard reachable by public transport (bus 64).
From €30🕒 Oct-Apr: Mon-Sat 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm · May-Sep: daily 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
🍷 Guided tour + 3 wines = €30
👥 Bus 64 from Vauban · Organic certified
📞 chateaudebellet.com
4 Domaine de la Source
Family-run estate at the heart of the Bellet appellation. The tasting happens in the estate gardens, surrounded by vines. Smaller operation. Fewer visitors. More personal. The winemaker often does the tour himself. You taste 5 wines including their rose, which is excellent. If you want to feel like you discovered something instead of visiting a tourist attraction, this is it.
From €25🕒 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (reservation required)
🍷 Guided tour + 5 wines ~ €25
📞 04 93 29 81 60 · contact@domainedelasource.fr
Want a private wine tour?
We organize custom wine tours in Bellet for groups of 2 to 10. Transport, tastings, lunch option. Tell us what you’re looking for.
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Quick comparison
| Estate | Price | Duration | Wines | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hautes Collines | €15-€50 | 45min-2.5h | 3-9 | Best first visit, views |
| Chateau de Cremat | €35-€40 | 1.5h | 3 or 6 | First-timers, wow factor |
| Chateau de Bellet | €30 | 1h | 3 | Wine lovers, organic, no car |
| Domaine de la Source | ~€25 | 1h | 5 | Authentic, family-run |
| Domaine de Toasc | On request | 45min | 3-4 | Red wine fans |
| Organized tour | €55+ | 3-4h | 6-8 | No car, tourists |
How to get there
All the Bellet vineyards are in the hills north of Nice, about 20 minutes by car from the city centre. The roads are narrow and winding. Here’s how to reach them:
- By car: Take the D14 towards Saint-Roman-de-Bellet. Parking is free at every estate. Don’t drive back if you’ve tasted: designate a driver or take a taxi.
- By bus: Line 64 from Vauban goes to Chateau de Bellet (stop “Saquier”). The only estate accessible this way. Runs every 30 minutes.
- By taxi/Uber: €15 to €20 from central Nice. Book the return in advance. Uber barely works up in the hills.
- Organized tour: Pickup from your hotel, transport between estates included. No driving stress.
Practical tips
- Book ahead: Every estate requires a reservation. Call or email 3 to 5 days before, especially in summer.
- Best time: September and October during harvest season. The vines are full, the light is golden, and some estates let you see the pressing.
- Combine estates: Cremat + Toasc are on the same road (Chemin de Cremat). Bellet + Source are on the same road (Chemin de Saquier). Do two in one morning.
- Buy at the estate: Bellet wine is nearly impossible to find in shops, even in Nice. If you like something, buy it there. Prices are the same as retail, sometimes cheaper.
- Lunch idea: After your tasting, drive 10 minutes to Saint-Roman-de-Bellet or Saint-Jeannet for lunch with a view. Both villages have small restaurants with terraces.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Bellet vineyards without a car?
Chateau de Bellet is the only vineyard accessible by public transport (bus line 64 from Vauban). The others require a car, taxi, or organized tour. The drive from central Nice takes 20 minutes.
How much does wine tasting cost in Nice?
Tastings range from €15 (Hautes Collines basic) to €50 (private 9-wine tour). The average is €25 to €35 per person for a guided visit with 3 to 5 wines.
What is Bellet wine?
Bellet is one of France’s smallest AOC appellations, located in the hills above Nice. About 50 hectares and 10 producers. They grow local grape varieties you won’t find anywhere else: Rolle (white), Braquet (rose) and Folle Noire (red). The wines are fresh, mineral, and strongly tied to the Mediterranean terroir.
Do I need to book wine tastings in advance?
Yes, always. All Bellet vineyards require reservations. Most accept bookings by phone or email. In summer, book at least 3 to 5 days ahead. Some estates close on Sundays.
Can you buy Bellet wine in Nice?
Rarely. A few wine shops in Old Town stock it (Cave Bianchi on Rue Raoul Bosio is one), but selection is limited. Your best bet is buying directly at the estate. Prices are the same or lower than retail.
More guides to Nice
- Best boat tours in Nice: morning wine, afternoon on the water
- Best restaurants in Old Town Nice: pair your Bellet wine with dinner
- Cours Saleya Flower Market: morning market, afternoon vineyard
- What to do in Nice: complete activity guide by theme
Thomas
I’m Thomas, founder of Nice Party Life. We share the best tips, from hidden gems to must-sees, to make your stay in Nice unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking nightlife or city adventures, we’re here to guide you! 🌴✨
