An Immersive Wine-Tasting Experience in the South of France

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrénées mountains in the Aude, Domaine Gayda offers unique wine tourism activities and tastings in its organic vineyard. 

Located in the village of Brugairolles, just 25km south of the medieval city of Carcassonne in the Aude, Domaine Gayda is celebrating its 20 years of existence in 2023. The property sits on an old postal relay built in the 18th century where travellers and their horses would come and rest. The old farm buildings now house luxury accommodation.

The estate turned to wine-producing in 2004 after the meeting of Tim, Vincent and Anthony in South Africa. The estate vineyards are spread accross four different locations, each growing specific vintages basking in their own climate: Domaine Gayda, la Livinière, Col de la Dona and Latour de France.

Today, Domaine Gayda continues to pursue excellence under the sponsorship of Anthony Record, and with three men in the field, Tim Ford, Managing Director, Vincent Chansault, Winemaker, and David Chardron, Sales Manager. 

If the wines of Domaine Gayda are often blended wines, the domain is a collection of men and backgrounds, stories and passion. Certified organic since 2011, the vineyard is under the care of Vincent – graduate of the school of Viticulture and Oenology in Cognac. His passion for wine is based on a sustainable, respectful and instinctive approach to viticulture.  

While in keeping with the traditions of wine-growing typical of the historical Languedoc wine producing region, the domain has also adopted a resolutely modern approach by equipping the winery with the latest technology in vinification. The estate grows typical varieties of the south of France such as Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Viognier, Carignan or Mourvèdre. This balance of cultivating old vines from the Malepère apellation and exploring new processes has allowed Domaine Gayda to produce award-winning wines, listed in the IGP Pays d’Oc, such as its signature ‘Chemin de Moscou’.  

Immersive vineyard visits 

Aside from excellent wines, Domaine Gayda offers exclusive and immersive experiences that will introduce visitors to the core of winemaking.  

• Enjoy a guided tour with a wine-tasting. Learn about the history and philosophy of the domain as well as its organic growing practices on a guide tour of the vineyard, the cellar and the winery. This is followed by a personalised tasting of the different vintages produced at Domaine Gayda. 
• Try grape blending. Experience winemaking with this immersive blending workshop. Guided by an expert, you will create your own wine with a unique blend in this fun and friendly workshop open to all levels. €39 per person, 2 hours. 
• Tuck into a fabulous food and wine pairing dinner with a different wine served at each course, this delicious meal takes place at the domain’s own Côté Resto restaurant. €59 per person. 

Complete your “Gayda Experience” with a stop in the recently refurbished shop to brows its selection of bottles from the domain.