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Stay on a vineyard

The organic vineyard of Chateau Haut Garrigue in the village of Saussignac (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) near Bergerac has it all - a wonderful situation overlooking the Dordogne valley; a self-contained gite “The Grape Escape”, friendly English-speaking (well, Irish) hosts and a real opportunity to see and learn more about wine and wine-making (if that’s what you want!).

Allez Vins! used to import wines from this domaine when it was run by its previous owners, but now it is being run organically under the title “Wild Earth Vineyards” by the enthusiastic and innovative new owners, Sean and Caroline Feely.

The Grape Escape, our well-equipped 4-person gite (self-catering holiday house) is surrounded by organic vineyards and offers fabulous views across the Dordogne valley. It is semi-detached from the main farmhouse facing onto the courtyard on one side and onto the vines on the two sides built out over the vineyard.

As our guests, you are very welcome to spend time with us to learn about our wine and winemaking, taste our wines and perhaps even take part in vineyard or winery activity depending on the time of year and your energy!

No chance for me to taste their wine yet - they produce red, rosé and white Bergerac AC wines and semi-sweet and botytised dessert Saussignac AC wines. (If you want to try them they will be showing their wines at the Real Food Festival at Earls Court, London from 24-27 April 2008).

For more info on the gite, wines and other offerings contact Chateau Haut Garrigue

See map

Deep in the heart of Corbières country of the Aude département (11 Languedoc-Roussillon) is the impressive Chateau de Donos. This is close to rugged countryisde, away from the mediterranean beaches and the autoroutes. The wine is predominantly red, rich and full-bodied as you might expect from the landscape - and increasingly becoming one of the most characterful appellations of the region. My personal favourite, Castelmaure, is only a few kilometres away.

It is a superb region away from the summer crowds and with plenty to explore - wonderful landscapes, Cathar castles and great wines. And yet within easy reach of the Mediterranean coast if you want something different. Chateau de Donos produces wines (apparently not available in the UK), but also offers both B&B and self-catering accommodation. Their Corbières AC Tradition 2004 won a “coup de coeur” in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2008.

The Chambres d’Hote (B&B) accommodation is in the impressive main house (la Bastide) and comprises 3 rooms and 2 suites :

Facing south, in an environment where your tranquility will never be bothered, the rooms and Suites enjoy an exceptional setting with a view on the surounding landscape.

Following the restoration, the accommodation benefits from all modern conforts,including brand new and luxurious bathrooms.

The drawing room is very spacious and you can rest in a fresh place and watch T.V; In summer, Breakfasts are served outside in a country almost looking like the Florentine country with Cyprès trees, drystone wall and an old washer.

There are also 2 cottages to rent on the Estate which look totally charming.

For more info see www.chateaudonos.com

Aude Tourisme website
see map —- (more…)

Chinon is one of the better known Loire Wines, with an attractive riverside town and castle at its heart, and a reputation for some of the best Cabernet Franc reds.
A little to the east of the town in Cravant-les-Coteaux Christophe Baudy and Jean-Martin Dutour own and run an impressive set of vineyards producing some of the best wines of the appellation. They also have a couple of gites to rent on the vineyard and offer an impressive list of recommendations for restaurants, chambres d’hotes and places to visit locally, such as the Azay-le-Rideau. They also provide a downloadable guide to the Chinon wine route .

For more info on the accommodation see www.baudry-dutour.com

In the UK wines from the Domaine du Roncée are available from Handford Wines (London)

Eguisheim (68 Haut-Rhin, Alsace) celebrates its 48th Winegrowers’ festival in August 2008. Set in the heart of the Alsace vineyards you’ll find opend doots to local wine cellars, plenty of opportunities to taste (including some of the Grand Cru wines), folk dancing and music
For more info see www.ot-eguisheim.fr

As well as the Alsace Wine Route which extends throughout Alsace by road, there is also a signposted vineyard path (“Sentier viticole”) which will

“lead you to discover the wine and the vineyard of Eguisheim, in detail and in an unusual way. With the help of explanatory panels distributed along the route, you will get to know the 7 Alsatian types of vines. Some others panels present the work of wine growers. You will discover two great wines, Eichberg and Pfersigberg, with their relative geology and sun aspect of the vineyard. You will also enjoy the landscape, as the view of Eguisheim, Trois-Château, and vineyards.”

Eguisheim is also recognised as one of France’s Villes et Villages Fleuris offering a warm welcome and a wealth of blooms.

Eguisheim is one of the villages on the Route du Vin running from Thann to Marlenheim. This medieval town was built in concentric circles round its fortified castle, where the only Pope from Alsace, Leo IX, is said to have been born. It has a unique combination of civil and military architecture from the 15th Century. There is a pleasant signposted walk round the ramparts, actually following the old sentry path round the battlements. Everywhere are half-timbered houses, with balconies weighed down with the red geraniums which have become part of the heritage of Alsace !

The Alsace region has managed to preserve its ancestral traditions with its medieval castles rising up above the plain, a wealth of Renaissance and Neo-Classical architecture, varied gastronomy and original folklore. It also has some of the most famous vineyards in France, including its Wine Route. One option as a base for exploring this glorious region is the Résidence Le clos d’ Eguisheim, which is located on the “Alsace Wine Route” and is a complex inspired by local architecture comprising apartments and a heated indoor swimming pool

At Saint Bauzille de Montmel (34 Herault, Languedoc) north east of Montpellier the Mas de Martin is a well-established vineyard (Coteaux du Languedoc AC) which also offers 2 Gites under the Gites de France scheme.
These are both well-appointed (one sleeps 4, the other 6) and well-situated to explore the vineyards, coast and the surrounding countryside, being within sight of the Pic St Loup, the iconic mountain crag which is at the centre of some of the best regarded vineyards of the Languedoc. The domaine also produces its own olive oils.
Contact:-
Gîtes de France Hérault Maison du Tourisme
34184 MONTEPELLIER CEDEX 8
Tél. : 04 67 67 71 62 ou
contact@gdf34.com
For more info on the wines of Domaine Mas de Martin see www.frenchduck.com
For more info see www.premiumwanadoo.com/masdemartin/

In the heart of the Loire Valley there is an ideal solution for francophiles who are interested in wine. The Domaine de la Bellevue not only offers some stylish self-contained accommodation but also an opportunity to get really close to the process of transforming grapes into wine.

Surrounded by vineyards and sleepy hamlets our French/Anglo home is a delightful, peaceful retreat. Ideally located for discovering the Loire Valley and beyond, La Bellevue is conveniently close to Saumur, Chinon, Montreuil-Bellay, Fontevraud l’Abbaye and Angers.

In the company of a knowledgeable vigneron, wine-maker, discover the world of wine and enhance your understanding and recognition of an ‘inferior’/’superior’ wine. Spend time discovering how wine is produced at a stunning Domaine in the heart of the val de loire. Or perhaps try your hand at grape-picking during harvest.

With the added benefits that come with an English hostess and a French vigneron you can just enjoy the scenery and try the wines - or take a private wine tour with a winemaker - or have your own wine-tasting evening with expert advice and local knowledge - or if you are feeling really energetic (and no back problems) then get involved with the grape picking at harvest time.

Situated just south of Saumur, famous for its Sparkling Chenin Blanc, dry still white and the red Saumur-Champigny AC this is an area rich in chateaux, history and wine. The Domaine’s association with Domaine de la Paleine, a few kilometres away at Le Puy Notre Dame (49 Maine-et-Loire, Pays de Loire) gives you privileged access to a vineyard which has won recognition in the respected Guide Hachette des Vins de France, winning a Coup de Coeur in the 2008 edition for the red Saumur “Moulin des Quints” 2005 made from Cabernet Franc. They also produce Saumur Brut (sparkling), Saumur Blanc (dry white), Coteaux de Saumur (a dessert wine based on Chenin Blanc) and two rosés - Cabernet de Saumur (dry) and a Cabernet d’Anjou (medium dry) - see the website at www.domaine-paleine.com (there is more info on the French language version)

For more information on the Chambre d’Hote at Domaine de la Bellevue - see www.domainedelabellevue.com

North of Macon at Igé (71 Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy) you could indulge in a wine and gastronomic stay at this aptly named Chambre d’Hote (B&B) In addition to 5 very spacious comfortable bedrooms in this former winemaker’s house, they offer Table d’Hote suppers and tutored food and wine tastings and tours in the heart of Burgundy - with an impressive cellar and wine museum.
The area is high on the hills north of the Beaujolais region, close to Pouilly-Fuissé AC and is particularly good for its Chardonnay-based white wines. We used to import the white Macon-Berzé AC from Chateau de Berzé through our friends at Paul Beaudet - still available from Paul Beaudet in Pontanevaux in France.
Also in the vicinity is the Abbey of Cluny and a medieval town with many houses dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. The magnificent landscapes of Solutré, Mont Saint Romain and the surrounding Charolais region are all within easy reach.

For more info see http://cote-vigne.suivezlagrappe.com

There are numerous options for getting closer to the wines of Cahors (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees), with their predominance of the Malbec grape (known locally as Auxerrois or Cot). Several domaines offer either Bed and Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) or gites to rent.
Chateau les Grauzils at Prayseau sac - gite
Chateau Haut Monplaisir at Lacapelle-Cabanac - Cathy et Daniel Fournié Tel : 05.65.24.64.78 Fax : 05.65.24.68.90 E Mail : chateau.hautmonplaisir@wanadoo.fr - gite
(and their wines are top rate - especially the Cuvee Pur Plaisir!
Chateau Plat Faisant at St Vincent-Rive d’Olt TÉL : 05.65.30.76.38 FAX : 05.65.36.76.38
Chateau Vincens at Luzech - TÉL : 05.65.30.51.55 FAX : 05.65.20.15.83 - gite
Chateau de Rouffiac at Duravel - B&B (Chambre d’Hote)
Domaines Delmas (Chateau de Parnac) at Parnac - Chambres d’Hote and gite

One of Cahors’ top wine chateaux is the Chateau de Mercues, which is also a top class Michelin restaurant and hotel - the barrell-ageing cellar is under the hotel. Situated on a promontory to the west of Cahors, it offers stunning views over the Lot Valley. see www.relaischateaux.com

Although not actually on a vineyard, the Hotel Restaurant Le Vinois at Caillac (46 Lot) to the west of Cahors offers stylish accommodation surrounded by vines.

For more info on Cahors see www.mairie-cahors.fr

In the heart of the Cahors vineyards. home of the Malbec grape, in the département du Lot, Chateau de Rouffiac offers good wines and 4 stylish Bed & Breakfast (Chambres d’Hotes) in the midst of a 30hectare wine estate. The house and rooms are in rather grand style. Additionally they offer “Table d’Hotes” – so you can dine at the chateau too, although you can also explore the local eateries if you prefer.

The Chateau is at Duravel on the northern bank of the Lot river west of Puy l’Eveque. For more info see www.chateau-de-rouffiac.com

The Chateau Rieutort de Blanville at Saint-Pargoire  (34230 Herault, Languedoc) is a very stylish chateau surrounded by vines – the chateau estate producing classy wines in the Coteaux du Languedoc and Grès de Montpellier appellations as well as some Vins de Pays Vicomté d’Aumelas.

Sitauted just 10 minutes from the medieval town of Pezenas (34 Herault, Languedoc), and not far from the Mediterranean coast at Narbonne, many of the best Languedoc vineyards are within easy reach

The Chateau offers classy Bed & Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) accommodation.

Rieutort is not an hotel. It’s a home open to you and where you will feel welcome, the home of the owners of Blanville Wine Estate.

Blanville produces high-quality wines ( red and white), in particular Château Haut-Blanville, regularly rated amongst the best brands in Languedoc.

For more on the B&B - see Chateau Rieutort

For more on their wines see Blanville Languedoc wines

In the heart of the Côtes de Duras vineyards between St Astier and Duras (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine) on the Chateau la Petite Bertande - a gite sleeping up to 8 people.

See www.chateau-lapetitebertrande.com
see map

One of Cahors’ top wine chateaux is the Chateau de Mercuès, which is also a top class Michelin restaurant and hotel - the barrel-ageing cellar is under the hotel and is sometimes used for functions - such as a wedding breakfast of bread and Cahors wine!!
Owned by one of the top Cahors wine families - Georges Vigouroux, the wines are consistently amongst the best Cahors wines.
Situated on a promontory to the west of Cahors (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) at Mercuès, it offers stunning views over the Lot Valley. see www.relaischateaux.com
More on Chateau de Mercuès and Cahors

In the upper Loire Valley lies the appellation of the Côtes Roannaise AC - from the region around Roanne (42 Loire, Rhône-Alpes) - although a long way from the area most of us associate with the Loire Valley,
These are wines based on the Gamay grapes - best known as the Beaujolais grape. Here Englishman Simon Hawkins and his wife Isabelle have developed a very successful vineyard - Domaine du Fontenay.
But they also offer Bed and Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) on the domaine - with 4 non-smoking rooms themed after different grape varieties - Gamay, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir - the rooms offering great views over the vines - and the opportunity to taste some of the vineyard’s wines and learn something about wine-making in France.

For more on the domaine see www.domainedufontenay.com

Chateau Ricardelle produces an excellent range of Coteaux du Languedoc AC la Clape and Vins de Pays d’Oc wines and has some rather classy self-catering accomodation on the vineyard at la Clape between Narbonne (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) and the Mediterranean coast.

see map

In deepest Gascony, an English couple Karen and Nick Kitchener bought a vineyard producing Cotes de Gascogne wines and Armagnac at Domaine de Lauroux at Manciet (32 Gers, Midi-Pyrenees).

The domaine offers both gite and Bed and Breakfast accommodation surrounded by the vines.

For more info see http://www.lauroux.com

see map

Situated amongst the Languedoc vineyards (and owned by a talented wine maker) Les Montels is a self-contained house with its own pool near the village of Roujan (34 Herault, Languedoc-Roussillon - see map).
In total tranquility about 2km from the village, the villa has panoramic views over the countryside - this is a large stone-built villa very quiet, entirely restored and re-decorated, surrounded by a large Mediterranean garden (9000 m² of enclosed gardens). The villa is situated close to a village, midway between the mountains and the sea. It only takes about 20 – 30 minutes by car to reach the busy Mediterranean resorts and beaches, or the peaceful foothills of the Cévennes mountains to the north.
A very light and airy veranda, which opens onto the pool and has views over the
surrounding countryside.

The Accommodation comprises: 3 double/twin bedrooms; shower room with WC; 3 toilets; fully fitted kitchen; large living/dining room; terrace with BBQ; mezzanine with television and sofa bed. (The villa can take up to 8 people or 10 at a push); Utility room with washing machine and drying cabinet.
Mountain bikes are available for guests.
Central heating for winter rentals
And somebody can come and cook and/or clean for you!

For more info contact the owner

For wine you can try the owner’s (Helene Mir) own Clos Montels, Coteaux du Languedoc AC - see www.clos-montels.com

Englishwoman Patricia Atkinson at Close d’Yvigne has established a name for herself as a writer and a successful winemaker in the Bergerac (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) - see The Ripening Sun: One Woman and the Creation of a Vineyard and La Belle Saison. However in addition she also has 2 rather grand gites (villas) in the midst of the vines at Gageac et Rouillac (see map).
There are 2 substantial properties available - Le Tabardy which can sleep up to 12 people and Madame Cholet’s Perigord Farmhouse which sleeps up to 8. Both are extremely spacious and well-appointed with large swimming pool.
Situated in the heart of the Bergerac vineyards (which also include Monbazillac, Saussignac, Pecharmant and other appellations) near the Dordogne river with plenty of interesting villages and countryside, there is plenty to see, do, eat (Perigord cuisine) and drink. Even the vineyards and attractive village of St Emilion is only just over an hour away.
For more details see www.cdywine.com

see map