Wine Region Languedoc
After more than 30 years in the hotel and restaurant business, our passion for wine has continued to grow. Here you will find a selection of wineries that we have personally visited and know well. Our recommendations are based on our own experiences and are meant to inspire you to discover and enjoy the region’s wines. As many wineries are family-run, there may not always be someone on site. We therefore recommend calling ahead, especially when visiting smaller producers.
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Colline de l'Hirondelle
Organic Winery in Douzens (Corbiére)
Jennifer Buck from California and Didier Ferrier from Douzens founded their shared passion project in 2007: the organic winery Colline de l’Hirondelle. On around 9 hectares, they cultivate their vines naturally and sustainably, with great dedication to old and rare grape varieties. Their wines are authentic, full of character, and bear the signature of two winemakers who care for their terroir with heart and respect.
Direct sales and tasting on request:
Jen’s Cell : +33 (0)6 11 73 64 16
Didier’s Cell : +33 (0)6 30 52 24 88
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​Colline de l'Hirondelle (website)
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Image: Winemaker Jennifer Buck and our friend and oenologist Ralph Tanner from www.feinweinsein.ch Schaffhausen Feb 2024
Vignoble PUY
Organic Winery in Roubia (Minervois)
In the picturesque village of Roubia, on the banks of the Canal du Midi, lies the organic winery Vignoble Puy. On about twenty hectares, the Puy family (Emmanuel and Leanne) cultivates their vines with loving tradition and sustainable practices. The vineyards are divided into two ideal parcels: in the southeast grow white varieties such as Viognier, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon, while in the northwest classic Minervois grapes such as Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, along with whites like Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Vermentino, reflect the diversity of the terroir. All wines carry the AOP Minervois label and are vinified in their own cellar. The range extends from lively whites to elegant rosés and characterful reds – all organic, authentic, and personal.
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Direct sales and tasting :
The wine cellar is open on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Outside these hours, visits are by appointment only (f/e).
T: +33 (0) 617 94 38 45
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​​​​​Image: Friends Peter and Uschi, winemaker Emmanuel Puy and Claudia. Oct 2023
Château Pennautier
A Wine Dynasty in its 10th Generation
Just a few minutes from Carcassonne stands the impressive Château de Pennautier, a 17th-century estate. The family still resides in the château and offers guided tours of the historic halls. The adjoining Lorgeril winery is only a short walk away and forms the heart of the wine experience. Visitors may simply drop by or choose from a variety of tours and tasting packages. The range of wines is exceptionally diverse for a single domaine: from AOP Cabardès to Minervois and Minervois-La Livinière – top wines that perfectly reflect the Languedoc terroir. The on-site restaurant serves regional specialties that pair beautifully with the wines.
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All information on opening hours, tours, tastings, and reservations is available via the official website link. A visit to Château de Pennautier is well worth planning in advance – though you may also stop by the Lorgeril winery spontaneously, purchase wines, and usually enjoy a tasting. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.
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Direct sales and tastings:
The winery and tasting area are open daily – even when the restaurant is operating. You can drop in at any time to buy wines and (except during restaurant service) enjoy a tasting.
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Guided château tours take place during the season, from June 1st to September 15th, every Wednesday and Saturday at 11 a.m. (online reservation required).
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Château Pennautier – Lorgeril
(Website with reservation options)
Vignobles Vendeole
Cooperative – (Malepère)
Les Vignobles de Vendéole are a dynamic winegrowers’ cooperative, created in 2019 from the merger of two long-standing associations. Today, around 300 families cultivate a diverse range of wines on a total of 4,200 hectares – from AOP Cabardès and AOP Malepère to IGP Cité de Carcassonne. The main cellar is located in Arzens, right on the Avenue des Vignerons. We are happy to provide you with a voucher that gives you a 15% discount on your purchases. A visit can easily be combined with a pleasant dinner in Carcassonne. We recommend this cooperative with confidence: the tasting room has reliable opening hours, offers highly competent advice, and presents a selection of wines that stand out for their high quality and fair prices.
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Direct sales and tasting :
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Château Saint
Jacques d’Albas
Organic Winery in Laure-Minervois
In the heart of Minervois, nestled between the foothills of the Montagne Noire and the Canal du Midi, lies the family-owned Château Saint Jacques d’Albas. The estate benefits from an exceptional location and natural conditions ideal for producing outstanding wines. Alongside 26 hectares of organically farmed vines, the property includes over 60 hectares of forest and garrigue, home to rich wildlife. A Romanesque chapel from the 11th century also bears witness to the estate’s long history.
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From the very beginning, the philosophy has been guided by clear principles: limited yields, sustainable soil management, and strict organic practices in the vineyard. The result is characterful wines that reflect the diversity and authenticity of Minervois.
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Direct sales and tastings
Monday to Friday: 8:30–12:00 / 13:30–17:00
Closed Saturday and Sunday
+33 (0) 4 68 78 24 82
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Château Pouzols
Laure Minervois
The Château de Pouzols in the Minervois boasts an impressive tradition: since 1437 it has been run by the same family – today in the 22nd generation with Charles de Fournas, who brings in his international experience from Bordeaux, the Rhône, Australia and New Zealand. On around 85 hectares, both the classic grape varieties of the Minervois appellation such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, as well as international varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are cultivated. The estate offers around six different wines, which can also be tasted directly on site.
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Direct sales and tastings:
+33 (0) 4 68 46 13 78
The gate is usually open.
Visitors are welcome to drop in spontaneously.
Generally open from 9:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
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Château de Pouzols (Website)
Maison des Vins
35 Quai de Tonnelies, 11200 Homps
The Maison des Vins du Minervois is idyllically located right on the Canal du Midi in Homps and presents itself as a showcase for the entire wine region. In the elegant wine shop, visitors will find a wide selection of wines from more than a hundred local winemakers – around 200 references in total, ranging from powerful reds to elegant rosés and fresh whites. Guests can drop in spontaneously and taste the diversity of Minervois wines. Tastings are offered daily, often accompanied by encounters with the winemakers themselves, who are happy to share their work and passion. The Maison des Vins thus combines the authentic world of the Minervois with a relaxed waterfront atmosphere – perfect for discovering new favorite wines and taking them home directly at producer prices.
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Direct sales and tasting:
October to April:
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
May to September:
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
plus Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Travel tip
Take wine home with you
Within the EU, you are allowed to transport 120 bottles (90 litres)
of wine duty-free for personal use.
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Note for guests from Switzerland:
Each person is allowed to bring 6 bottles (5 litres) of wine duty-free. Larger quantities are subject to duty (approx. CHF 2.20/bottle). The official QuickZoll app from the Swiss Customs Administration offers a simple way to calculate and pay these duties.
