A Gourmet Walk Through the Vineyards of La Clape

Sometimes the best way to taste wine is with your feet. At least that’s what the winemakers of La Clape propose for you.

Every third Sunday in May local winemakers invite gourmands to discover the unique terroir of La Clape with a hike through their vineyards. But it’s not just any hike; it’s a wine-tasting experience of their best wines, complemented by local food and surrounded by spectacular scenery.

The Massif La Clape is located between Narbonne and Narbonne Plage with a landscape of high rocky plateaus separated by narrow ravines – all with sweeping views of the sea. Romans planted these vineyards and the winemakers of the area honor the heritage, making La Clape AOP one of the most prestigious French wines.

The gourmet walk, Sentiers Gourmands, takes place on May 18th at Château l’Hospitalet and Mas du Soleilla of the La Clape wine region.  The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at Domaine l’Hospitalet, when walkers depart at 10-minute intervals until 2 p.m.

Before heading out, all walkers receive a pouch filled with the all-important wine glass and necessary cutlery. There are six stopping points along the way for “hikers” to take in the views and enjoy nature while sipping wine and tasting local specialties.

Chef Mark Schwall, from the restaurant Les Cuisiniers Cavistes in Narbonne, will offer six courses, each paired perfectly with wines from La Clape. The first stop, under the shade of oak trees, begins with an amuse bouche of avocado cream garnished with cucumber and green apple. At the crest of the hills, Chef Schwall presents quasi de veau, one of the choicest veal cuts, served with a morille mushroom juice and puréed potatoes.  Finally, at the Park of Mas du Soleilla, dessert is served: a baba soaked with a syrup of carthagene and an eau-de-vie from Languedoc. This is just a sampling of the locally sourced dishes served during the uncommon adventure.

Yes, taste wine with your feet by following the Sentiers Gourmand through the La Clape terroir. Experience a true sense of place where the soil, exposure, weather and climate all come together for perfection in your glass. What better way to taste the wine?

Want to go? The price starts at 52€ per person. Reserve your space now! Call the Narbonne Office of Tourism (+33 (0)4 68 65 15 60) or visit the website.

Kathy Morton and Debra Fioritto, certified by Atout France as “France specialists,” are travel planners for New York-based Tour de Forks. Recipients of the Julia Child Endowment Fund Scholarship, they design personalized epicurean adventures in France. Past clients include Ina Garten of Food Network and Barefoot Contessa fame. Join Tour de Forks for more uncommon epicurean adventures through Languedoc-Roussillon. For more information, visit: www.tourdeforks.com. Tel: 212.327.3424