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Guided wine tastings, courses and tours in Languedoc, south France |
The world's largest wine-producing region offers endless opportunities for wine tasting. But with so many wines, and such variety, where do you start? A guided wine-tasting, a wine tour, or a wine course is a great way to learn more about the wines of this region - and there are more and more domains and wine schools that offer just that.
At the Vinecole wine school, just south of Carcassonne, Master of Wines Matthew Stubbs offers a wide range of wine tasting events (of varying length), as well as all sorts of wine courses and seminars. The wine school, located in a wine domain, also offers luxury gîte accommodation, and there's a lovely restaurant and pool on site too.
Click on any of the below panels to read more information on each of the courses or tours available in the Languedoc region... |
 1: Vinecole - wine tasting and wine courses
What is it? |
 Wine tasting sessions and wine courses at Vinecole - the Languedoc's leading wine school, based in the Domaine de Gayda south of Carcassonne.
Wine tasting sessions include:
- 'Speedtasting'
- 'Walk around the Languedoc-Roussillon with Tapas
- Tutored Tasting Tour of Southern France
- Wine and Food Matching Dinners in your home
- Wine and Food Matching course
- Sparkling Wine vs Champagne
- One-day Wine Experience
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Where is it? |
 At the Domaine de Gayda, in the village Brugairolles, just north of Limoux and south of Carcassonne. The area offers spectacular views of the Pyrénées. The Domaine de Gayda also has its own excellent restaurant. |
Who runs it? |
 Matthew Stubbs - Master of Wine. And Emma Kershaw. These two wine experts know all about the wide range of wines available in the Languedoc region, and run wine tasting sessions and wine courses that are informative and fun.
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When is it? |
Too many to list here. Please visit their website for a full list. |
| How much is it? |
From about €30 upwards. |
Who's it for? |
Anyone interested in wine. Also - those who know quite a bit about wine already and want to learn more about the Languedoc region. WSET wine courses are also offered here. |
Is accommodation offered? |
 Yes. There are beautiful gîtes available to rent at the Domaine de Gayda.
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Where can I get more info? |
Website: www.vinecole.com
Phone: (0033) 4 68 31 64 14
E-mail: info@vinecole.com |
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2: Château de Quarante wine tours
What is it? |
 Personally guided by your enthusiastic hosts, this guided Wine Tour planned around wine themes encompasses wine tasting, technical explanations, and informative visits to local wine producers. |
Where is it? |
 In the owners' château just outside the pretty village of Quarante, close to the Canal du Midi and Béziers. |
Who runs it? |
 Nicole & Klaus Neukirch - owners of the Château de Quarante. |
When is it? |
All-inclusive package for € 1000 per person includes:
- Late afternoon pick up in Béziers on Day 1
- Accommodations at the Château de Quarante (based on double occupancy)
- Daily Continental Breakfast
- Daily Gourmet Dinner (Beverages not included)
- Lunch on Days 2, 3 & 4 (Beverages not included)
- Cooking Sessions & Field Trips (including transportation) on Days 2, 3 & 4
- Morning Drop off in Béziers on Day 5
- All Taxes
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| How much is it? |
€1,000 per person |
Who's it for? |
Beginner wine buffs. |
Is accommodation offered? |
 Yes. Individual rooms within the château.
Cozy and bright, all their rooms (with private, en suite baths) have tall windows or balconies opening onto the park, and may be rented individually, by the night. |
Where can I get more info? |
Website: www.chateaudequarante.com
Phone: 00 33 (0)4 67 89 40 41
E-mail: chateau.quarante@wanadoo.fr |
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3: Domaine de Bourdic
What is it? |
An 'Assemblage' course - where you are taught to blend your own wine, and then take your own blend home with you. You'll learn all about the different cépages, and how to properly taste wine on different parts of the tongue. |
Where is it? |
 At a wine domain between Roujan and Alignan du Vent, close to Pézenas. |
Who runs it? |
 Hans Hürlimann & Christa Vogel- owners of the Domaine de Bourdic. |
When is it? |
- Saturday, 2nd May 2009
- Sunday, 26th July 2009
- Saturday, 17th October 2009
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| How much is it? |
€99 per person - which includes lunch and a few bottles of your own-label wine to take home with you. |
Who's it for? |
Anyone who loves wine - from beginners to intermediates. |
Is accommodation offered? |
No. But there are a lot of gîtes and B&Bs nearby - including the Le Couvent B&B in Roujan, a Languedoc wine village only 5 minutes away. |
Where can I get more info? |
Website: www.domainebourdic.com/en/
E-mail: henny_ebben@hotmail.com |
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4: Vin en Vacances
What is it? |
 Vin en Vacances is a vineyard tour company based near to Carcassonne run by an English woman with a passion for this wonderful area and its wines. They offer 1 day tours visiting special and often unique vineyards and other interesting places such as olive mills, historical places and beautiful villages.
 The tours are a great way to explore the region, meet the winemakers and immerse yourself in the French culture. Each tour includes at least 2 vineyard visits and a 3 course lunch either in a country restaurant or a lavish picnic amongst the vines and is tailor made for up to 6 people.
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Where is it? |
 Tours tend to be in the Minervois, Corbières, Cabardès, Malepère and Limoux wine areas - in the southern region of Languedoc. This area is wild and beautiful, with views of the Pyrénées. |
Who runs it? |
 Wendy Gedney, Professional Wine Teacher. WSET Approved Programme Provider who runs a wine school in the UK |
When is it? |
The tours run every day of the week and also weekends by special appointment. |
| How much is it? |
€70 per person. |
Who's it for? |
Anyone with an interest in wine. |
Is accommodation offered? |
None offered - but contact the organisers for help finding accommodation nearby. |
Where can I get more info? |
French telephone number 06 42 33 34 09
English telephone number 07880 796786
Website: www.vinenvacances.com
E-mail: Wendy@vinenvacances.com |
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