Château Simone — Attraction in Aix-en-Provence

To anyone that gave a 1 star shame on you. The website clearly states no tastings. Afterall many many Sommeliers purchase wine without tasting. Why? Because we are professionals and we know what we are doing. How dare you call yourself a fan but then throw a temper tantrum.

This winery does not sell in my region so I couldn't ask the agent for help. But we were driving by and wanted to stop in just in case.

Perhaps we got lucky but the dog was friendly and same with Guy. The road up is beautiful and magical, it really is a magical forest with a vineyard.

Sure I didn't taste the wines, but as an adult I don't taste every food item in the grocery store so I didn't mind not tasting. Also I'm a Sommelier, it's normal. Do you taste every wine in the liquor store before purchasing?

Throughout the Rhone I bought wines I didn't taste, (from the vigneron) not sure why everyone is supremely upset by this.

It's a magical place and it's a wonderful opportunity to purchase these wines directly from...

These 1-star reviews criticizing this place for its 'unfriendliness to tourists' are hilarious, and misdirected. Hating on this place is like hating on a family apple orchard with a road sign that says "apples 1 mile ahead" for not having pies and cider hot and ready for your whole family to try when you happen to park your rental car on their property.

I have family from this area and I've been here a couple times. It's not a big commercial winery, just a family vineyard. There's nothing at all about tourism on their website. They're not promoting a big tourism program or tastings at all. The signage around the chateau doesn't promise those things either.

These people are super nice, their white wine is great (and cheaper than similar California wines), the chateau is pretty. End of story.

Do: stop by for a case of white and a cool photo.

Don't: expect a red carpet everywhere you go on vacation just because you're an American tourist with a free-swinging...

Spare yourself the indignity of being made to feel unwelcome. If you’re absolutely hell-bent on buying their wines on-site, wear bulletproof armor and make it a quick transactional experience. Drop your money, grab your wine, and run!!

Rude, unwelcoming, resentful of visitors. That was our experience with a woman who identified herself as the granddaughter of the owner. She made us feel as if we were trespassing, kept emphasizing that the estate was private.

If the estate wants privacy, fair enough. Just strike visiting hours from the website and remove road-side signage. Done

My advice to prospective visitors: stay away! Don’t be fooled by the open gate and lazy PR bling. Buy their posh wines elsewhere.

Better yet: explore the many excellent alternatives in that...