Wine-Tasting Holidays & Vineyard Tours near
Carcassonne
Domaine de la Sapinière
in Carcassonne, Languedoc
Cost: from €495 (euros) 3 Nights at La Maison Fleur de
Felice including meals.
Weekend
Tours include: Wine growing course from growth to production, Wine
tasting, a picnic lunch at the vineyard and transfers to vineyards.
(Does not include flights and airport transfers).
For centuries the Languedoc Roussillon region has been
famed for its ideal vine growing conditions, and today it is one of the
most important wine making areas of France.
Each of the five departments in the Languedoc Roussillon
have their own distinctive wines, and for wine-lovers there could be
nothing better than to plan a tour of the region tasting the various
selections and meeting their proud and passionate producers.
One such producer is Dominic Parayre, owner of the
Domaine de la Sapiniere - a small, family-run, independent vineyard
located 5km west of Carcassonne, in the Malepere with views of the
Medieval City of Carcassonne.
The Domaine de La Sapiniere vineyard is south facing on
a limestone plateau enriched with an exceptional mixture of vines,
scrubland and oak trees. The cellars are now located in the former
stables, part of the original farmhouse building dating to the 17th
century.
Wine Production
Wine production properly began at the Domaine in the
early 18th century, although the Domaine’s land continued to be an
important source for firewood and livestock grazing. Ever since then,
the Domaine has enjoyed this perfect balance between fields and vines,
which enhances its identity.
Three of the seven wines produced at the Domaine come
under the AOC Malepere label, which was first granted to the area’s
vineyards in 1995. The Malepere area is at the crossroads of the
Atlantic grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the
Mediterranean varieties of Syrah and Grenache. These two distinct
groups are blended to produce rich yet balanced wines, noted for their
full-bodied tastes and complex aromas. The Malepere’s area is also
noted for its fine dry rosés.
Several Malepere’s wines have received prestigious
awards (including 14 gold medals at the Concours Général Agricole in
Paris), and the wines being made at the Domaine fall into the local
tradition of seeking excellence.
Wine Lovers
Wine-lovers
are always welcome to come and taste the Domaine de la Sapiniere’s
wines whilst enjoying the quiet countryside, under the shade of
hundred-year-old oaks. A visit to the estate could be perfectly
combined with a visit to other points of interest in the region such as
the Medieval City of Carcassonne, Canal du Midi, and the 4 Cathar
Castles of Lastours - all of which are within half an hour of the
Domaine.
The cellars are opened every day in the Summer from
10:00 - 20:00 and tasting and introduction to wine courses where you
will learn everything from learning about the grapes, the vineyards and
production, to appreciation of good wine. All visits are arranged via
appointment with La Maison Fleur de Felice.
Visit vineyards of AOC Languedoc Roussillon, learn about
viniculture, wine production and - of course - taste some of our
region’s delicious wines. No need to spit - you’ll always have your own
driver! Lunchtimes and evenings will also be wonderful opportunities
for further tasting.
Included in Our Wine Tasting Holiday and Vineyard Tours
