Visit the cellars and vineyards of Béarn!

Béarn enjoys a well-deserved reputation for its Jurançon and Madiran wines. What gives this wine-growing region its unique character is, above all, its geographical location. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, the mountains protect its verdant valleys. The soil is rich, nourished by numerous rivers, known as " Gaves." It also benefits from the limestone deposits of the Pyrenees, which impart a distinctive flavor to these wines. The " Foehn," a southerly wind, warms the region from autumn through winter. This mild, temperate oceanic climate, year-round, is ideal for viticulture!

While exploring the vineyards, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about the region's different grape varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Manseng, and Raffiat de Moncade. But we won't spoil the surprise; visits to the estates and châteaux will allow you to discover all of this for yourself…

The vineyards of Jurançon

Produced near Pau, Jurançon is a white wine with AOC status. It has a long and distinguished history. Legend even has it that Henry IV was blessed with a few drops of it at his baptism. A typical white wine of the Béarn region, it is traditionally sweet. If you prefer it dry, be sure to check that this is indicated on the label. It can even become a dessert wine when made with late- harvested grapes. It pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. Enjoy it from aperitif to dessert and it will suit all your tastes.

The Madiran and Pacherenc vineyards

Both recognized by the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh share the same wine-growing terroir, in what is known as the " Heart of Béarn " and on the lands of "Vic-Bilh." Near Orthez, Vic-Bilh borders Armagnac, Gers, and Landes. The vineyards are located on the sunny slopes of Gascony. Yet these two wines are quite different…

• Madiran is a very tannic and full-bodied red wine with red fruit flavors. It therefore pairs wonderfully with red meats, duck, and typical dishes from Béarn.
• Pacherenc is a white wine, similar to Jurançon. It is traditionally a sweet wine, thanks to its late harvest. Its fruity, spicy, and sweet notes are very pleasant at the end of a meal. They pair beautifully with cheeses and desserts. It also enhances certain dishes, particularly sweet and savory combinations. Some estates produce it as a dry wine. In this case, the harvest takes place earlier, in September. If it is dry, the label must indicate this. In this case, it is more surprising. Slightly more acidic and fresh, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with savory dishes.

The other vineyards of Béarn

Other wines enjoy a more local reputation but are very popular with the people of Béarn.

• This includes the "Saint-Mont." While less well-known, it still holds AOC status. You'll find it in white, red, or rosé. Originally, only dry white wines were produced. The red and rosé wines are also very interesting.
• The "Comté Tolosan," meanwhile, is the only Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in Béarn. It is a vast vineyard covering numerous departments. This regional wine is available in red, rosé, and white.

Vineyard tours

Many winegrowers offer wine tourism services. They will give you a tour of their estate or offer activities to help you discover their expertise, their passion, and their terroir.

The producers of Jurançon

• The Jurançon winegrowers' cooperative in Gan reveals the secrets of the vines and winemaking process for its Jurançon and Béarn wines. We tested it for you !
  

• Clos Lapeyre organizes visits to the winery, its museum, the tasting room and invites you to explore the footpaths in the heart of its vineyard.
• Cru Larose takes you to the hillsides of St Faust in Béarn and offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. To conclude your visit, you can taste their Jurançon wines in the cellar.
• In Monein, the Domaine Cauhapé is renowned for its fine dry and sweet Jurançon wines. In a refined setting, you can enjoy a tour and tasting.
• At Clos Laplume, tradition is celebrated. You will discover the estate, the wines and their know-how in a very family atmosphere.
• At Domaine de Montaut, near Monein, you can take a walk in the vineyards, with the possibility of a picnic, a visit to the estate and a tasting of its production: aperitif, dry and sweet Jurançon wines,
• Domaine du Bousquet offers tours of the estate and a tasting.
• Domaine de Tinou, an organic farm, will offer you a tasting of its dry and sweet Jurançon and its red Béarn wines, by reservation only.
  

Producers of Madiran and Pacherenc Vic-Bilh:

• In Aydie, Domaine Damiens produces organic Madiran, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, and Comté Tolosan wines. This family of winemakers offers tastings and "winegrowers' aperitifs." You can also meet them during their "Open Days" in November, or take a walk or mountain bike ride through the vineyards.

• In Aurions-Idernes, the Domaine du Crampilh offers Madiran, dry Pacherenc, and sweet Pacherenc wines. During the harvest, the estate invites you to discover its vineyards and its wines.

• Domaine Dou Bernes is a family-run estate near the beautiful Lake Aydie. Come and taste their top-of-the-range vintage, aged in oak barrels...
  

That concludes our vineyard tour! This wine region is so rich that we couldn't possibly cover everything. You'll find plenty of other places to visit. We hope we've inspired you for your next holiday in Béarn.

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