Château de Berne offers four different private tasting packages for groups, ranging from a one-hour tour of the cellars to a private tour for up to ten people, which includes access to the owner’s private cellar. These packages differ in terms of their duration, the number of wines served and the areas of the estate to which they grant access.
The four ways to enjoy a meal at Château de Berne
The estate covers more than 500 hectares between Lorgues and Flayosc, in the Var, of which 150 hectares of vineyards have been certified as organic since February 2021. The tasting cellar is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. For groups, there are four different tour options.
The one-hour tour. A tour of the cellars followed by a tasting of three wines, for 2 to 25 people. This is the introductory tour: you follow the production process, have a taste, and leave with the key facts.
From vine to wine, two hours. The tour takes in the vineyard before moving on to the cellars, and the tasting includes six wines. The group size remains the same: between 2 and 25 people. A fully private tour is available for groups of four or more.
The VIP Tour. A maximum of ten people, for a duration confirmed at the time of booking. The experience includes an introduction to winemaking, a tour of the cellars and the owner’s private cellar, with a tasting of six wines accompanied by a selection of canapés.
The team-building format. A technical tour — covering the vineyard, cellars and the stages of winemaking, explained by the estate’s team — followed by a three-hour creative wine-tasting competition for 6 to 20 people. It forms part of the programme seminars and incentive events of the estate.
What the private format offers a group
The first difference lies in the pace. On private tours, the team tailors the visit to the group: you stop wherever you like, ask a question again, or request another glass of wine. The second difference concerns the area covered. Extended tours take you out of the buildings and into the vineyard, where the estate’s agronomic choices are evident — grass-covered vines, no insecticides, and herbal infusions to support the soil. These explanations really come into their own out in the vineyard, and they shed light on the wines tasted afterwards.
The owner’s private wine cellar
This is the final stop on the tour, and the only area on the estate dedicated to a single wine style. The VIP Tour, limited to ten people, grants access to this area following an introduction to winemaking and a tour of the cellars.
This limit of ten people is due to the layout of the venue: a wine cellar is not a reception room, and the format is only worthwhile if everyone can follow the explanations and ask questions. For an executive committee, a group of investors or a small client visit, this is the format that offers the most exclusive access to the estate’s private areas.
Tasting sessions or team-building activities: two different objectives
These two requests are often confused, even though they do not address the same need.
A private tasting is a social occasion. The group listens, tastes and chats with the team. It works well when you want to impress a client, thank a small team or round off a stay. A very popular option is the sunset tasting, in the vineyard, with food and wine pairings. The winery also offers packages tailored to private events — a wedding, a christening or a birthday.
Team-building is based on collaborative work: following the technical tour, participants create their own blend, compare their choices and present their blend to the group. Three hours, for 6 to 20 people.
The choice therefore depends on what you want from your group: whether you want them to explore or to get involved.
Organising a group visit to the estate
The Château de Berne is situated on Chemin des Imberts, in Flayosc, in the Var hinterland. The Arcs-Draguignan TGV station is 25 minutes away, with organised transfers available from €80 for one to six passengers. Allow one hour from Toulon Airport, 1 hour 15 minutes from Nice — transfers from €240 — and 1 hour 30 minutes from Marseille, from €350. The estate has a helipad: the flight from Saint-Tropez takes fifteen minutes.
To make the day last a little longer, the estate offers group set menus at €50, €75 or €85 per person, an aperitif for €30 and a gourmet cocktail reception at €83 per person for groups of 30 to 120 guests. As for accommodation, the Relais & Châteaux hotel features 34 rooms and suites, in addition to which there are six private villas with butler service. The estate also comprises a range of’activities designed for groups.
One final point that matters to groups: the cellar shop means you can take home the estate’s entire production — the wines, olive oil, honey and jams — as well as a selection of delicatessen items and home décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private wine tasting at Château de Berne cost?
The one-hour tour starts at €20 per person, whilst the two-hour tour costs €50. The private version of the latter costs €90 per person for groups of four or more. The VIP Tour costs €200 per person.
How many people can we accommodate?
Groups of 2 to 25 people for one- and two-hour tours. A maximum of 10 people for the VIP Tour. Groups of 6 to 20 people for team-building activities.
How many wines do we taste?
Three wines for the one-hour tour. Six wines for the two-hour tour and the VIP Tour.
Which ticket type grants access to the owner’s private wine cellar?
The VIP Tour, limited to ten people.
How long does a private wine tasting last?
One or two hours, depending on the package, and three hours for the team-building format. The duration of the VIP Tour is confirmed at the time of booking.
What are the opening hours of the wine tasting cellar?
The wine cellar is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
