Languedoc, France’s biggest vineyard

Exploring the roads of Aude, you’ll soon notice that vines grow everywhere.

No less than 21 Languedoc PDO vineyards stretch across 40,000 hectares and 13 regional denominations, yet every wine is different!
This is particularly true of Aude, where diversity reigns among the red, rosé, white and sparkling wines of the 8 PDO vineyards: Fitou, Corbières, Minervois, Clape, Quatourze, Cabardès, Malepère and Limoux, if you please!

In brief

A vast vineyard

This vineyard, both the oldest and the most extensive in France, is rooted in tradition yet fosters innovation.

Diversity

An extraordinary diversity of designations and terroirs.

Heaven!

Red, white, rosé and sparkling, heaven for wine buffs !

Variety and quality

8 protected designations of origin and 3 regions bearing the “Vignobles & Découvertes” seal of approval

Tradition and modernity

Over the last 30 years, people have transformed the Languedoc vineyard.
Balade dans les vignes à Félines-Minervois ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

With it modern vineyards, its rich cultural and architectural heritage, its culinary delights and its landscapes, it is a playground for outdoor sports fans and offers a whole host of things to do as you explore the Aude countryside which sometimes has a Tuscany feel…

Did you know?

Vines have grown here for 2,000 years. It really is a deep-rooted tradition!

Balade dans les vignes à Alaigne ©Pierre Davy-ADT de l'Aude

Why visit Aude?

Traditions

Rooted in ancient traditions dating back to Antiquity, the Aude vineyards, between Toulouse and Montpellier can be accessed easily, and demonstrate a creativity with many new introductions and discoveries. Recognising the organic shift, it is perfectly aligned with current trends.

This vineyard of human dimensions has emerged from encounters and exchanges between the men and women who make the wine. It invites you to share this multi-faceted human adventure and promises an emotional experience that’s not short on flavour!

Dégustation de vin en couple à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

Tasting pleasures!

Wine is also about the pleasure of tasting, on a terroir of exceptional diversity. We offer tasting experiences that are authentic, a source of conviviality, pleasure and appreciation, particularly when served with regional produce. In Aude, you’ll always find a tasting cellar and a winegrower ready to share with you his passion for wine and the terroir!

Dégustation de vin au Domaine Bertrou parazols ©Ludovic Charles-ADT de l'Aude

“Vignobles & Découvertes" regions, for quality and diversity!

As you’ve guessed, wine is truly a way of life here and there’s a huge choice of quality products.

Three regions boasting the “Vignobles & Découvertes” label cover the entire Aude vineyard.

Great Wines in Grand Carcassonne

At the foot of the medieval city of Carcassonne, along the Canal du Midi, the Grand Carcassonne offers epicureans holidays with the winemakers, where the name of the game is discovery, of both flavours and local traditions.

Vue sur la Cité de Carcassonne depuis les vignes ©Mairie de Carcassonne

There are numerous original and unusual activities. From the discovery of a special vintage aged in the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine, to a ride though the vineyards in a Citroen 2CV. Here the vineyard can be explored on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or even on a mountain bike for the more athletic!

Not to be missed!
There are dozens of guided vineyard walks which start in spring and are not to be missed ! Each walk focusses on a theme: built heritage, family history or sustainable farming.

Balade dans les vignes des Corbières en 2 cv ©Raphaël Kann-ADT de l'Aude
Dégustation de la Blanquette de Limoux © Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

Limoux, a vineyard of history and legend

Positioned at the gateway to the Pyrenees, the Limoux region combines a generous and traditional gastronomy with an abundance of festive events. It’s no wonder that Occitanie is such an icon when it comes to the art of living.

The destination boasts a preserved vineyard as the majority of local producers have committed to responsible or organic growing methods. The Limoux region is particularly renowned for the diversity of its PDO appellations, including the famous Blanquette, the oldest sparkling wine in the world.

Festivals and celebrations

Plunge into myth and legend with the mysteries of Bugarach or the enigma of Rennes-le-Château, or share an emotional celebration of good food and music , testing the fresh talent of “Bulles Sonores”, or swinging with the Limoux Brass Festival, unless you prefer the typicity of our carnival, the longest in the world. Generate passion with a discovery of Cathar Country via the region’s heritage gems: the abbeys of Saint-Hilaire and Alet-les-Bains, the castle of Arques, etc.

Festival les Bulles sonores à Limoux ©Jean-Louis Socquet Juglard-Office de Tourisme du Limouxin

Secrets from sparkling wine

Play Video

The Vineyards of the Via Domitia in Languedoc

This wine tourism destination runs alongside the Via Domitia and extends from the Mediterranean coast to the Hautes Corbières region. Wines offering a wide range of tastes and colours enhance the cuisine of this beautiful area. The wealth of natural landscapes (Regional Nature Park of Narbonne) – vineyards, scrubland, beaches, lakes and lagoons – allow for various activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, 2CV trips, electric scooter, treasure hunts, etc.

Balade dans les vignes

Add to this an exceptional heritage, ranging from the Romanesque era, via the Middle Ages, to the events that have shaped the area’s winegrowing identity. In order to really make the most of your stay, why not extend it at one of the area’s charming hotels, campsites, or bed and breakfasts, where you will receive a warm welcome.

Balade dans les vignes en direction du château d'Aguilar à Tuchan

Château le Bouïs

The château proposes tours, footpaths, game activities and workshops.

Dégustation de vin dans l'Aude

Via Domitia in Languedoc

Play Video

Great idea!

Hotels, gîtes or bed and breakfasts that specialise in wine tourism offer an original way to make the most of yourvineyard tour in Aude. These are establishments located in estates and vineyards which offer very comfortable accommodation and a chance to discover the wine making process. These wine estates take great care when it comes to the decor and often have a particular charm.
Your tranquillity is guaranteed, as they usually have only a few rooms. The beautiful location is another of their attractions, as they are in the heart of the vineyard landscape. During the grape harvest, they usually propose special activities. Come and enjoy this new experience!

Hébergement situé dans un domaine viticole ©Château Paraza
Vendanges du raisin blanc dans les vignes ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

Wants to go further ?

Discover all the richness of our soils, a preserved nature and an ancestral history lived in the sun of Occitania. On foot, by bike/ mountain bike, by car or by train, explore the vineyards selected by our specialists of the Vignobles et Découvertes from Occitanie destinations thanks to our circuit cards.