Description of the region

Within the South West region we include several areas which are otherwise not captured. The Bergerac area has some pleasant reds on offer and the area around Cahors has much to recommend it. Infact wine production around Cahors dates back to the time of the Roman conquest – even the course of the river Lot was changed to allow wine to be transported to Bordeaux for sale. Then there is the Irouleguy area – a tiny wine producing area in the Basque country. These wines are mainly red or rosé and will mature quickly.

Our favourite South West wines

We recommend Cahors wines and the wine of the Château Jaubertie (see below).In this area we would recommend a Bergerac wine (strictly speaking outside of the area, more for historical than geographic reasons). The Château Jaubertie was acquired by the original owner of Rymans the stationers and is now highly acclaimed as one of the top producers of Bergerac reds. Many people attribute the growth in popularity of Bergerac wines directly to Ryman.

Visits to Vineyards and Museums

The Château de Cayrou is near Grezels, a few km south of Puy l’Eveque, is well worth visiting. This château dates back as far as the 12th century and has a unique position overlooking the river Lot. Telephone ahead to check for dégustation. Tel. 65 22 40 26.A vineyard for all the family! If you’re a wine enthusiast but always struggle getting the kids interested in visiting vineyards then the Domaine de Lauroux in the Gers could be just for you….the owners specialise in welcoming families on wine tours – they know how difficult it is for parents to do something like a vineyard tour with children in tow (they have a lively 8 year old at the time of writing….). There’s lots of space outside the tasting room – a large courtyard for playing, soft drinks in the fridge and fruit/biscuits for young visitors. They also have lots of boxes of toys and art stuff and a great big trampoline (with a safety net) and even better – 2 big, daft dogs to roll around on the grass and get filthy with!! We’ve not had the privilege of visiting but it sounds like a parents dream!

South West Wine specific websites

Puy l’Eveque vineyards: http://www.puy-leveque.fr/viticulture.htmChâteau Latuc – run by an English couple: http://www.latuc.com/ Our favourite food and wine in France:

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