WINE COUNTRY
Carcassonne is located within the larger Languedoc-Roussillon
area of southern France, within Occitane, and is specifically designated with an IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) "Cité de Carcassonne" for wines made in the countryside surrounding the city. This IGP classification allows for a wide range of both international and local grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah, to produce primarily red and rosé wines.
The larger Languedoc-Rousillon area of France is the largest wine-producing region in the world, with about one-third of all French wines produced there. The area stretches from the Rhône valley in the east to the Spanish border in the southwest. It has been estimated that 1 in every 10 bottles in the world produced in the 20th century originated from here. Once solely a source for mass-produced wines for the tables of the ancient Greeks, Romans and then later the Gauls, the region today is in many ways a firebrand for organic, artisanal wine . Red blends are the most dominant type in the region, typically made from grapes like Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. White and Rosé wines are also produced in prestigious vineyards. Natural sweet wines are a specialty of the area, as are sparkling wines which were first invented in this region by French monks in 1531.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Red Wine Lovers
Look for blends from appellations like Corbières or Minervois, which often feature Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
White Wine Lovers
Find a Picpoul de Pinet, with its crisp, dry, and citrusy character, or try a rich and aromatic blend like La Clape and Saint-Chinian AOC
Sparkling Wine Lovers
Explore the sparkling wines from the Limoux appellation, such as Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant de Limoux.
Sweet Wine Lovers
Try the sweet fortified wines like Muscat de Lunel and Maury.
Wine Tastings & Tours
We have put together a varied list of wine tours and tastings you could do while on your trip to Carcassonne.
Castle Wine Tour
(Carcassonne)
This tour will let you experience three regions: Cabardès, Carcassonne, and Limoux. First up is a private open-air wine tasting of Cabardès wine right on the Carcassonne castle rampart, then a visit to the the cave & vineyards at Domaine la Louvière in the Malepere appellation between Carcassonne & Limoux, and finally a visit to the cave & museum Sieur d'arques in nearby Limoux where the abbott Dom Perignon discovered Sparkling wine in 1531. Lunch is included. See more info here.
O’Vineyards (Carcassonne)
As well as crafting their own wines from their vineyard, O’Vineyards offers vineyard tours and wine tastings accompanied by delicious lunches and dinners. More info here.
Comptoir De La Cité (Carcassonne)
More than just a cellar, Le Comptoir de la Cité is a convivial place, with a wine bar on one of Carcassonne’s finest terraces! With a 180-degree view of the medieval city, they serve wines from the surrounding region and a tapas menu based on local produce. More info here.
Vins et Vinos (Carcassonne)
Located in the heart of Carcassonne, just steps from Place Carnot, Vins & Vinos is a wine shop where you can learn about, taste, and buy wines from Occitanie, Europe, and the New World. Since opening in December 2012, Alexander Francis has carefully curated a selection based on taste and value, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Sieur d’Arques (Limoux)
30 min drive
Sieur d'Arques has been producing exceptional wines since 1946. It has made a name for itself in the Languedoc region as a creator of wines which artfully marry tradition with technical knowhow.
To ensure the quality of our sparkling wines with Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée status, they harvest the grapes by hand. They vinify them using ancestral methods to guarantee a delicate and authentic taste. One of the most famous names in Limoux, especially known for its sparkling wines Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant de Limoux. More info here.
Maison Guinot (Limoux)
30 min drive
The Limoux region of France is renowned for its exceptional sparkling white wines. This winery specializes in producing both Blanquette and Crémant de Limoux, crafted using traditional vinification methods. Each year, they proudly bottle over 30,000 wines, primarily from local grape varieties such Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. More info here.
Domaine de Baronarques
(Limoux)
30 min drive
Owned by the Rothschild family (same background as some of Bordeaux’s most famous estates). Strong reputation for combining Bordeaux & Mediterranean varietals, excellent vineyard work, careful production. Offers several tiers of tours: Escapade Tour, Terroir Tour, Visit Gourmet, Heritage Tour. You can walk the vineyards, see the barrel-ageing cellar, learn about their methods, and taste high-end wines including their Grand Vin. More info here.
Abbaye De Fontfroide (Norbonne)
1 hr drive
Founded in 1093 by the Viscount of Narbonne, Abbaye de Fontfroide boasts a winemaking history that spans over nine centuries. Originally cultivated by Cistercian monks, the vineyard has thrived as these dedicated artisans honed their understanding of the land and its unique terroir. Today, the estate continues to produce exceptional wines, drawing from the same plots that have been nurtured for generations. The vineyard benefits from sandy-clay soils that enhance the character of both red and white grapes, allowing them to mature slowly and develop rich, aromatic profiles.
More info here.
Gérard Bertrand Estates
Very well-known internationally; they own multiple châteaux/estates across the Languedoc (Corbières/Boutenac, Minervois La Livière, Limoux etc.). They are also known for bio / biodynamic practices, high standard of vineyards and wine quality. Depending on which of their estates you pick, you can have quite refined tasting experiences. Some have impressive cellars, upscale tasting rooms, many wine lines including “grand vin” bottlings.
Bertrand's Château l’Hospitalet Grand Vin Rouge 2017 was named the best red wine in the world in a blind tasting of 6,000 wines during the International Wine Challenge in 2019.