For a long time in the shadow of its Bordeaux neighbors, the Bergerac and Duras vineyards are gradually revealed around the towns of the same name. With the Dordogne as a common thread, its 12 grape varieties in 3 colors benefit from the warm and temperate climate of the territories around the river. Properties of families and passionate winemakers develop cuvées that they share with visitors in their cellars.
With more than 25% of farms certified AB (organic production) and HVE (High Environmental Value), a stay in this part of the French vineyard is also an opportunity to discover alternative practices, more respectful of the environment.
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Taste your own vintage at Domaine du Bout du Monde
The assembly workshops are orchestrated by Véronique, oenologist. Domaine du Bout du Monde
It's not the end of the world ... but almost! In Ribagnac, 12 km south of Bergerac, the Candon-Vialard family produces a small range of biodynamic wines and organizes blending workshops. Véronique, the oenologist, orchestrates two and a half hour sessions during which each participant becomes familiar with the grape varieties of the 5 hectare property.
Equipped with a test tube, apprentices can create their own red cuvée, according to their tastes and their knowledge of wine. Whether tannic, fruity or woody, everyone leaves with their trophy.
Domaine du Bout du Monde, 24240 Ribagnac. Phone. : 06 73 76 80 08. The price for a 2h30 workshop is 30 € per person.
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Learn about Perigord specialties at the Moulins de Boisse inn
The windmills located on the vineyard gave its name to the inn. Domaine des Moulins de Boisse
From the vineyard to the stove, Stéphanie is on all fronts! In her small inn, the winegrower sets the table for tables of at least 6 people. Fruits and vegetables come from the garden and cheeses are bought from neighboring producers.
For a real locavore feast, you order the unique, variable and thought out menu around the red, white and rosé wines of the property. After a winemaker's salad with rillettes and foie gras, stuffed chicken and iced nougat, let yourself be tempted by a digestive stroll on the 10 hectares of the vineyard, sown with windmills.
Auberge des Moulins de Boisse, Route de Faurilles, 24560 Boisse.
Tel .: 05 53 24 12 01. Three times a week this summer, the vineyard offers a tapas and wine formula at € 9 per person. The meal at the inn is offered at a rate of 28 € (domain wines at an additional cost).
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Combining oenology and prehistory at Château Terre Vieille
The vineyards of Château Terre Vieille extend over a prehistoric site. Chateau Terre Vieille
On the Pécharmant vineyard, in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre, Château Terre Vieille has a curiosity: its vines and its building flourish on a site classified as prehistoric. “ My father spent his life collecting flints, arrowheads, axes, scraper and small blades. We discovered that the family vineyard was established on a sizeable site , ”explains Pierre, the young winemaker.
The Périgord farm, built in flint, exhibits its entire collection of cut stones in the tasting room. “The oldest stones, some of them, date back 300,000 years. This explains to visitors that the incredible minerality of our wines comes from this geological specificity. "
Château Terre Vieille, Le Pigné, 24520 Saint-Sauveur. Phone. : 05 53 57 35 07. Open daily from 10h to 19h.
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Fall asleep among the vines at Domaine du Grand Mayne
The rooms of the gîte offer a direct view of the vineyards of the estate. Domaine du Grand Mayne
On the heights of the Côtes-de-Duras AOP, the Domaine du Grand Mayne has opened two lodgings in the middle of its 34 hectares of vines. One, which can accommodate a couple, is located at the entrance to the estate. The second, at the top of a hillock surrounded by vineyards, has six large bedrooms and a swimming pool.
In August, two picnic evenings will be organized for holidaymakers, with a tasting of the estate's wines and duck specialties. For an educational stay, the "Make your own wine" formula offers accelerated 3-day training (tasting, art of blending ...) for wine lovers.
Domaine du Grand Mayne, 47120 Villeneuve de Duras. Phone. : 05 53 94 74 17. Cottage for 12 people from € 3,600 per week in July. For training, count € 6,000 for 3 days, accommodation included (group of 12 people maximum).
Our selection to taste on the road
- With saffron prawns
This Sauvignon-Sémillon blend comes from the most beautiful plots in the area. With its notes of white flowers, the cuvée is ample, creamy. A gastronomic white wine.
Réserve Sauvignon-Sémillon 2017, Grand Mayne estate, PDO Côtes-de-Duras, € 9.
- With a grilled duck breast
Mainly Merlot, this cuvée is an explosion of blackcurrant, redcurrant, blackberry with a slightly vanilla side. Coating, it leaves a morello cherry print on the palate.
Château Terre Vieille 2017, AOP Pécharmant, € 12.50.
- With a Nordic plate
Lots of freshness, an explosion of white flesh fruits and a lively mouth for this cuvée which prefers smoked fish.
Réserve 2018, Château Bélingard, AOP Bergerac, € 9.70.
- With a gizzard salad
Fresh apricots and vine peach dominate the nose. This tangy rosé has roundness and liveliness. An ally of summer salads
Bergerac rosé 2019, Domaine de Perreau, € 6.