Remains of the castle above Chateauneuf du Pape

A little over a week ago we took a short drive to the village of Chateauneuf du Pape which is well known for its excellent wines. The fields and landscape surrounding the village are full of vineyards - about 7500 acres in all dedicated to growing the grapes the area is famous for. In some areas you can make a 360 degree turn and all you will see are vineyards.

You might say Chateauneuf du Pape is the town that wine built as there a great many wine shops and wine cellars, or wine caves as they are called in France. Above the town are the remains of the castle that was built in 1320 by Pope Jean XXII that was used as a summer residence for the popes when the papacy was located in Avignon.

I've uploaded some photos of the town and the surrounding area and in my next post I'll share some photos of what's left of the castle where the popes spent their summers.

One of the numerous wine caves...watch your step....and your head. 

Most of the caves have steep steps down and VERY low clearance.  

Late afternoon shadows leaving their mark on this narrow street. 

Just a lazy day or could it be that Morris had one too many wine samples?

One of the many restaurants in town. 

As far as the eye can see....lots of grapes just about ready to be harvested. 

A large vineyard and winery located in the rolling hills just outside the town.