Le Verger des Papes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France: Wine Tasting and Dining

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 2/25/2019

Le Verger des Papes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France: Wine Tasting and Dining

Le Verger des Papes stands on a historical position just next to the 14th century castle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the summer residence of the popes during the Avignon Papacy. The restaurant has a panoramic terrace shaded with trees where tables are laid out during the warm months. Overlooking the top of the village, it gives a picturesque view of the rooftops of the village, rows of vineyards, Mount Ventoux, Avignon and the Palais des Papes. For dining, indeed it boasts a great vantage point in seeing everything around Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

The restaurant has a capacity of 180 seats that are distributed in its 3 dining rooms. The first room with a fireplace accommodates 30 while the second dining room that has a direct access to the cellar, has a capacity of 50. The third and the largest, with a capacity of 50 to 100, is equipped with another fireplace and has a beautiful view of the Mount Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.

In 2001, brothers Philippe and Jean-Pierre Estevenin, natives of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, took over Le Verger des Papes that was set up by their parents, Henri and Annie Estevenin. It's a big culinary-oriented family who have professions as bakers, butchers, restaurateurs, and winemakers so they have both grown completely immersed in the gastronomic world. Indeed, before taking over their parents' restaurant, they have gained professional experiences in other important kitchens.

At Le Verger des Papes, the choice of cuisine is traditional using the fresh produce of the surrounding areas of the village. The dishes have some touches of inventiveness, while some are home-style Provencal recipes that are rich and flavorful. If available, their version of the Coq au Vin is already worth all the steps in going up.

Le Verger des Papes is not only popular in the village as a restaurant with excellent local cuisine and picturesque views but also for its cellar where you can have a wine tasting with a vast selection of the different Domaines and Chateaux of Chateauneuf-du-Papes and other wines from the Rhone Valley.

The a la carte menu has very interesting entries of meat with some options of seafood and vegetables, prices ranging between €15 to €48, the latter being a big portion for two of the Carré d'Agneau de Pays Rôti en Persillade, Garniture Provençale (Parsleyed Rack of Roasted Lamb with Provencal Garnish). Other interesting entries are the Foie Gras de Canard Maison en Terrine, Compote de Figues & Fusette Grillée (Homemade Duck Foie Gras in Terrine, Fig Compote & Grilled Fusette), and the Magret Entier de Canard du Domaine de Limagne Rôti Entier, au Miel & Epices (Whole Duck Breast of Domaine de Limagne Roasted Whole, with Honey & Spices). Desserts and cheese are priced at around €8.50.

There is also the Menu of the Day at €23 composed of the 3 courses of the dishes of the day (appetizer, main course and dessert) which are only available for lunch on weekdays, except weekends and public holidays. At €34, there is the Menu du Verger with more elaborate dishes of three courses plus a cheese platter.