Exploring Vineyards in Dordogne: A Wine Lover’s Guide
Vignes de Monbazillac | Photo by Davy Espitaller | Flickr
Located in the heart of southwestern France, Dordogne is a region celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, historic châteaux, and, of course, its exceptional wines. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, the vineyards of Dordogne offer a diverse array of experiences that promise an unforgettable journey. The best way to enjoy your visit to Dordogne if you are a wine lover is to stay at La Perle de Domme, Holidays Apartments in Dordogne. In this article, we will delve into the rich history, unique grape varieties, and acclaimed wines produced by some of the finest wineries in the Dordogne region. We’ll explore these vineyards, highlighting the best wines and detailing the wine-tasting experiences and tours available to visitors. Let’s start!
Summary
- The Attractiveness of The Dordogne Vineyards
- The Vineyards of Dordogne: Discovering the Region’s Finest Wineries
- Where to Taste The Best Wines in Dordogne?
- Conclusion: The Ultimate Wine Lover’s Experience in Dordogne
The Attractiveness of the Dordogne Vineyards
The Dordogne region, also known as Périgord, is steeped in a rich history of viticulture that dates back to Roman times. The region’s terroir, characterized by its limestone-rich soils, rolling hills, and temperate climate, provides the ideal conditions for growing a variety of grape types. This unique combination of factors allows Dordogne’s vineyards to produce a wide range of wines, from robust reds and crisp whites to sweet dessert wines.
Wine lovers visit Dordogne not only for the quality and diversity of its wines but also for the region’s cultural heritage and stunning scenery. With historic vineyards, medieval villages, and the beautiful Dordogne River as a backdrop, the region offers an unforgettable experience for wine lovers. Whether you are exploring the vineyards near Bergerac, touring ancient cellars, or enjoying a wine tasting with a view of the Dordogne Valley, the region’s charm is undeniable.
The Vineyards of Dordogne: Discovering the Region’s Finest Wineries
Explore the heart of Dordogne’s wine country as we guide you through the region’s most distinguished châteaux and domaines. From intimate, family-run vineyards to larger estates, this journey highlights the best wineries in Dordogne, each offering a unique insight into the area’s rich winemaking heritage. Discover where tradition meets innovation, and experience the exquisite wines that make Dordogne a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Here are our top picks for the best wineries in the region:
1. Château de Monbazillac
Photo by @chateaumonbazillac Instagram account
Château de Monbazillac is one of the most iconic wineries in Dordogne, famous for its sweet dessert wines known as Monbazillac. Perched on a hill, this historic château offers panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley, making it a must-visit for any wine lover.
History & Grapes: The château has been producing wine since the 16th century, focusing primarily on Muscadelle, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Blanc. These grapes thrive in the region’s clay-limestone soils, allowing the noble rot to develop, which is essential for producing the château’s renowned sweet wines.
Best Wines: The Monbazillac wines are often described as liquid gold, offering rich flavors of honey, apricot, and orange peel. The 2018 vintage is particularly acclaimed for its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Château de Monbazillac offers guided tours of its vineyards, wine cellars, and the château itself, followed by tastings of its exquisite wines. The château also hosts regular events, including wine-pairing dinners, making it a prime destination for those interested in wine tasting in the Dordogne.
Location: Le Bourg 24240 Monbazillac
Contact: +33 5 53 61 52 52
Email: monbazillac@chateau-monbazillac.com
Prices: From 11,50€ to 23,00 € for adults.
Web: https://chateau-monbazillac.com/
2. Château de Tiregand
Photo by Bergerac Tourisme
Château de Tiregand is one of Dordogne’s most prestigious wineries, located in the Pécharmant appellation, known for producing some of the finest red wines in the region.
History & Grapes: Dating back to the 17th century, Château de Tiregand spans 40 hectares and is primarily planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The gravelly soils and temperate climate contribute to the complexity and depth of the wines produced here. Some of the recent achievements for the Château were receiving two medals from the Concours Général Agricole in Paris (March 2017), a medal from the Bordeaux Vins d’Aquitaine competition (2018), and a Gold Medal for the Cuvée Grand Millésime 2016 at the 2019 Grands Vins de France in Mâcon.
Best Wines: The Pécharmant Rouge is a standout, with deep color, full body, and rich flavours of black fruit, spices, and earth. The 2016 vintage is especially noted for its harmonious blend of dark fruit, tobacco, and oak.
Wine Tasting & Visits: The estate, recognized for its High Environmental Value and currently transitioning to organic practices since September 2022, offers a variety of tours. The standard 1-hour 15-minute tour, including a tasting of three wines (one dry Bergerac and two Pécharmant), is priced at €7. For €15, enjoy the Privilege tour with a tasting of five wines, including high-end selections. Add €3 for a cheese and bread pairing. Teenagers can join the tour for €3 (without wine tasting), and admission is free for children under 12. During summer, guided tours are available daily except Sundays, with specific times for French and English tours. Year-round, the winemaking and barrel ageing tours are available on weekdays at set times with a 24-hour reservation requirement.
Location: Le Château Vieux, 118 Rte de Sainte-Alvere 24200 Creysse
Contact: 05 53 23 21 08
Email: contact@chateau-de-tiregand.com
Web: https://chateau-de-tiregand.com/
3. Château de Panisseau
Photo by Château de Panisseau
Château de Panisseau is a family-owned estate located near the town of Bergerac, known for producing high-quality wines with a focus on traditional winemaking methods.
History & Grapes: With 900 years of history, the Château’s vineyard spans over 106 hectares and grows Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sémillon. The estate’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and careful vineyard management results in wines that truly reflect the terroir.
Best Wines: The Bergerac Rouge, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, is the estate’s flagship wine, offering robust flavors of dark berries and a hint of spice. The Château de Panisseau Bergerac Sec, a dry white wine made from Sémillon, is also highly regarded for its crisp acidity and citrus notes.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Château de Panisseau welcomes visitors for guided tours and tastings, where guests can explore the vineyard and taste a selection of their wines. The estate also offers accommodations, making it an ideal spot for an extended stay in the Dordogne region.
Location: Panisseau Castle 24240 Thenac
Contact: + 33 05.53.58.40.03
Email: contact@panisseau.com
Web: https://chateaudepanisseau.com/
4. Château de Montaigne
Photo by Bergerac Tourisme
Château de Montaigne is not only a renowned winery but also the historic home of the famous philosopher Michel de Montaigne. The château’s wines are as rich in history as the estate itself.
History & Grapes: Château de Montaigne is a historic estate in the Dordogne region of France, deeply connected to one of France’s most illustrious philosophers, Michel de Montaigne. The estate’s origins date back to the 14th century when the original castle was constructed. The estate’s vineyards benefit from the region’s favorable climate and diverse terroirs, which are crucial for developing high-quality wines. The combination of clay-limestone soils and the estate’s meticulous viticultural practices helps in producing wines that are both expressive and balanced.
Best Wines: The Montaigne Rouge, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is particularly noted for its deep color, full body, and complex flavors of dark fruit and spice. The Château de Montaigne Bordeaux Blanc, a dry white wine, is another highlight, offering fresh and vibrant notes of citrus and green apple.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Visitors to Château de Montaigne can explore the historic château, including the famous tower where Montaigne wrote his essays. The winery offers guided tours and tastings, providing a comprehensive experience that combines history, culture, and wine.
Location: Tour de Montaigne, Monument Historique Classé du XIVe Siècle 24230 Saint Michel de Montaigne France
Contact: + 33 05 53 58 63 93
Email: info@chateau-montaigne.com
Web: https://www.chateau-montaigne.com/
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5. Château du Bloy
Photo by Château du Bloy
Château du Bloy is a boutique winery in the Bergerac appellation, known for producing small-batch wines with a strong emphasis on quality and tradition.
History & Grapes: The Château du Bloy estate is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sémillon, thriving in clay-limestone soils that contribute to well-balanced and expressive wines. Spanning 13.5 hectares, the vineyard is dedicated three-quarters to red wine production and one-quarter to white. The current vineyard layout includes 6 hectares of Merlot, 4 of Cabernet Franc, 1.8 of Sauvignon Blanc, 1 of Sémillon, and 0.7 of Muscadelle.
The history of Château du Bloy dates back to the late 19th century, with its vines mentioned in Edouard Féret’s writings on Bordeaux and South-West vineyards. The estate took its current form in the early 1960s when the Guillermier family acquired the vineyard, expanding it to over 20 hectares. The Château du Bloy brand was established in the early 1970s.
In 2001, after the Guillermier brothers retired, the vineyard was taken over by Olivier Lambert and Bertrand Lepoittevin-Dubost. In 2020, Bertrand left the estate, succeeded by Michel Terras, an expert from St Emilion. Lambert continues to oversee the vineyard and winemaking.
Best Wines: The Château du Bloy Bergerac Rouge is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spice. The Bergerac Blanc, made from Sémillon, is another favorite, known for its crisp acidity and notes of citrus and white flowers.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Château du Bloy offers intimate wine-tasting experiences where visitors can sample a selection of the estate’s wines. The winery also provides tours that delve into the history of the vineyard and the winemaking process.
Location: Le Blois 24230 Bonneville-Et-Saint-Avit-De-Fumadieres
Contact: + 33 5 53 22 47 87
Email: chateau.du.bloy@wanadoo.fr
Web: https://www.chateaudubloy.fr/
6. Domaine du Haut Montlong
Photo by Le Perigourdin
Domaine du Haut Montlong is a family-run estate located in the heart of the Bergerac region, known for its dedication to sustainable farming and traditional winemaking.
History & Grapes: For three generations, the Haut Montlong estate has been a family-run vineyard. Since 1925,they’ve produced wines using simple, natural viticulture that focus on terroir and shared experiences.
In 2017, Laurence and Philippe took over the estate from their family, embracing a return to sustainable and restorative farming. From the start, they decided to cultivate the vineyard organically.
Located in Pomport, Dordogne, among the high plateaus of Bergerac and Monbazillac, the estate spans 75 hectares across three plots. Producers of a variety of wines, including reds, rosés, sparkling, dry whites, and sweet wines, from a diverse range of grape varieties such as Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Committed to the future, they’ve fully converted the estate to organic farming, with all our wines certified organic by 2020. Its approach minimizes environmental impact, respecting the land and its natural cycles.
Best Wines: The Haut Montlong Cuvée Prestige, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is highly regarded for its rich and complex flavors. The Domaine du Haut Montlong Bergerac Sec, a dry white wine, is also well-loved for its bright acidity and fresh citrus notes.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyard and the winemaking facilities, followed by a tasting of the estate’s wines. The estate also hosts wine workshops, where guests can learn more about organic viticulture and the art of wine tasting.
Location: 1316 route des millésimes 24240 Pomport
Contact: + 33 05 53 58 81 60
Email: d.h.m@orange.fr
Web: https://www.boutique-monbazillac.com/
7. Château la Renaudie
Photo by Bernard-Massard
Château La Renaudie is a 32-hectare vineyard located in the heart of the Pécharmant appellation, , known for its sweet wines that rival those of its more famous neighbors.
History & Grapes: The estate has been producing wine for over 200 years, focusing on the traditional grape varieties of the region, including Muscadelle, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard, situated on south-facing slopes, produces high-quality harvests. As Pécharmant is known for its robust red wines, our wines pair perfectly with regional dishes. The Saint James’ Way pilgrimage route passes through our vineyard, and we are also recognized as part of a major hiking trail. The vineyard was certified HVE 3 (High Environmental Value) in 2018.
Best Wines: The Château la Renaudie Monbazillac is a standout, offering rich and luscious flavors of honey, apricot, and dried fruit. The estate’s dry white wine, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, is also highly regarded for its crispness and balance.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Château la Renaudie offers guided tours of its vineyard and wine cellars, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate. Tastings are free and open all year round, Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 6.00pm.
Location: 65 Chem. de la Renaudie, 24100 Lembras, France
Contact: + 33 5 53 27 05 75
Email: contact@chateaurenaudie.com
Web: https://chateaularenaudie.fr/
8. Château Belingard
Photo by Guide du Perigord
Château Belingard is a historic estate in the Bergerac region, renowned for producing a wide variety of wines that truly reflect the terroir of the Dordogne. The estate, which has been in the hands of the same family for generations, is set at stunning landscapes that include vineyards, woodlands, and the rolling hills of the Dordogne Valley.
History & Grapes: With roots tracing back to the 16th century, Château Belingard combines tradition with modern winemaking techniques. The vineyard covers approximately 85 hectares and is planted with a diverse array of grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon. The estate is particularly noted for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, ensuring that its wines are produced in harmony with the environment.
Best Wines: Château Belingard is celebrated for its Bergerac Rouge, a well-balanced red wine with rich flavors of dark berries, spices, and subtle oak notes. The estate’s Bergerac Blanc, a crisp and aromatic white wine, is equally admired for its lively acidity and refreshing citrus flavours. Additionally, Château Belingard produces a range of sweet wines, including Monbazillac, known for their luscious sweetness and complexity.
Wine Tasting & Visits: Visitors to Château Belingard can enjoy guided tours that explore the vineyard, the winemaking facilities, and the estate’s historical features. The tours culminate in a tasting session where guests can sample the estate’s diverse wine offerings. Château Belingard also hosts special events throughout the year, including wine and food pairings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the best of Dordogne’s viticulture.
From October to April, Château de Monbazillac is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and from May to September, it’s open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tours:
- Self-Guided Tours: Available for free during opening hours. Use your smartphone or a tablet provided by Reception to follow an interactive tour narrated by “Dionysus,” sharing the history and secrets of the château’s wines.
- Guided Tours: Offered from July to September on Tuesdays and Fridays.
French: 10:30 AM
English: 3:00 PM
Price: Free
Guided tours outside these times can be arranged by appointment for €5 per adult.
Location: Château de Bélingard – F-24240 Pomport – France
Contact: + 33 553 582 803
Email: contact@belingard.com
Web: https://www.belingard.com/
Where to Taste the Best Wines in Dordogne?
WYN Wine bar, located at La Perle de Domme in the scenic Dordogne Valley, is a charming rooftop escape offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The bar is renowned for its selection of premium French and international wines, where you can also savor local varieties from the Dordogne region. Guests enjoy these wines in a relaxed, elegant setting while enjoying light bites such as salads, cheese boards, and charcuterie.
This wine bar stands out as one of the best places to experience French wines, especially those from Dordogne, making it a must-visit for wine lovers. WYN Winebar offers an authentic and memorable wine-tasting experience in the heart of the medieval town of Domme.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Wine Lover’s Experience in Dordogne
Dordogne’s vineyards are a testament to the region’s rich winemaking heritage, offering a diverse range of wines that cater to every palate. From the sweet, golden wines of Monbazillac to the robust reds of Pécharmant, each vineyard in the Dordogne has its own story to tell. Whether you’re exploring the historic cellars of Château de Monbazillac, enjoying a tasting at the family-owned Château de Panisseau, or discovering the sustainable practices at Château Belingard, every visit provides a unique insight into the art of winemaking.
The best way to enjoy your visit to Dordogne if you are a wine lover is by staying at La Perle de Domme, Holidays Apartments in Dordogne. This comfortable and centrally located accommodation offers the perfect base for exploring the region’s vineyards, ensuring that your wine-tasting adventure is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
Dordogne is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through centuries of history, culture, and tradition, all beautifully expressed through its wines. This region promises an experience that will delight all your senses. So raise a glass and toast to the timeless beauty and exquisite wines of Dordogne—Santé!
PS: Looking for more things to do in Domme, Dordogne? Be sure to check out our articles, “Why Cycling in Dordogne Should Be on Your Bucket List” and “All You Need to Know About Canoeing in Dordogne,” for exciting activities that showcase the region’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities.