France

Top Languedoc-Roussillon Wineries to Visit

02 Sep, 2016

The wine region Languedoc-Roussillon lies in the South of France and stretches along the Mediterranean coastline, from the foothills of the Pyrenées to region of Provence: with its more than 300,000 hectares of vineyards, it is simply the biggest wine-producing region in the world, responsible for more than a third of France’s total wine production. Find the top Languedoc-Roussillon wineries to visit in a place that also gets 300 days of sunshine a year!

The climate is very favourable for organic viticulture and many wineries in the Languedoc are following this trend. The vineyards are mostly located near the coasts and take advantage of the maximum exposure to sunlight, the Tramontane wind from the northwest helps and the numerous hills of the Pyrenées balance the aridity that can plague the region.

In the past, the Languedoc-Roussillon had a bad reputation among wine connoisseurs having always privileged quantity over quality. Now it is considered a wine region with international recognition and significance: engaged in the pursuit of excellence, winemakers producing here sparkling wines, sweets, bold reds, whites and various rosé. Unique wines with Mediterranean colours and flavours, increasingly sought – in France and abroad.

So, what are you waiting for? Get our selected list of the Top Languedoc-Roussillon Wineries to Visit, discover one of the most complete wine regions in France and enjoy the Mediterranean Art of Living!

1. Domaine La Madura

Domaine La Madura is a vineyard in the Saint-Chinian appellation run by a dynamic couple who works with a constant attention to the environment. The numerous grape varieties combined with the diversity of soils, altitudes and micro-climates, provide an extraordinary range of aromas in the wines during blending of the wine. Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of the wine in the company of its passionate winemaker while overlooking the beautiful vines of the estate.


2. Mas du Soleilla

Mas du Soleilla is an exciting producer in the Languedoc started by a visionary winemaker from Switzerland. Situated on the Clape Massif, facing the Mediterranean sea, this winery boasts one of the sunniest spots in all of France. The vines, invigorated by the warm winds and the sunshine, are organic certified and the wild scrub that grows around adds a unique fragrant quality to the wines. The winery also offers luxury bedrooms with stunning views and a swimming pool on-site.


3. Domaine Treloar

Domaine Treloar is another example of the top wineries in Languedoc-Roussillon to visit. It’s a small, high-quality wine-producing estate owned and operated by husband and wife team that do all the work in the vineyards. The soils are cultivated organically following a sustainable disease management program. The winery offers entertaining tours in the vineyards and tutored wine tastings.


4. Domaine Saint Hilaire

At Domaine Saint Hilaire wine lovers are invited to discover and learn more about these award-winning wines from classic grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah and Vermentino but also from the varieties less common in the area. Situated between Montpellier, Pézenas and Beziers and few minutes away from the beach this winery has a 4 room luxury hotel, making it the perfect base to relax and spend a memorable break.


5. Seigneurie de Peyrat

Seigneurie de Peyrat is a vast family estate consisting of a castle, a walled park, gardens, olive groves, woods, wild scrubland, but especially of a vast vineyard. Visitors can enjoy a chic picnic in the shaded courtyard of the seventeenth-century castle and taste wines and local selected products. To completely unwind they offer accommodation at a stunning bistro & spa in the heart of the historic town of Pézenas or at a romantic hotel & spa in the picturesque town of Hérépian.


6. Domaine Virgile Joly

Domaine Virgile Joly is situated at the foot of the Larzac cru area, facing the Mediterranean, in Saint Saturnin de Lucian. Here the young family team raises the vineyards organically, without herbicides or synthetic chemicals, giving great importance to the rhythm of nature, ecosystems and diversity.

 

The wines are made from Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Cinsault, native grape varieties particularly suited to the climate and are “natural”, without added yeast, in order to produce wines both healthy and authentic. The Domaine offers a range of inspiring whites and reds.


7. Château l’Hospitalet

All photo credit: Partners for Winerist

Château l’Hospitalet situated at the heart of the La Clape Massif conservation area and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is a true haven of peace surrounded by a tranquil landscape of vines, pines and scrubland in the Languedoc Roussillon. Named European Winery of the Year by international magazine Wine Enthusiast the cellar offers a range of more than 90 flagship wines from Gérard Bertrand, recognized as the expert of the South of France wines by leading amateurs thanks to his unique expertise acquired over 20 years as owner and winemaker. Guests can participate in a wine masterclass and make their own wine blending different varieties, following the advice of a professional.

Looking for a majestic stay at Château l’Hospitalet for a wine holiday of a lifetime? 


Did you enjoy this article? If so, let us and your fellow Winerists know in the comments section below. Read up on what to do and where to go in Languedoc-Roussillon to discover more Languedoc-Roussillon experiences.

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