Exploring the Pays d’Oc Wine region: A journey through Southern France’s vineyards
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Nestled in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, the vineyards of the Pays d’Oc is a wine lover’s dream. From sun-drenched hillsides to the cool breeze of the Mediterranean, this expansive wine region offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, history, and world-class wines. Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or a curious beginner, a trip to the Pays d’Oc will not only tantalize your taste buds but immerse you in a vibrant culture of winemaking that stretches back over two millennia.
A Rich Wine Legacy
The Pays d’Oc IGP denomination has earned a prestigious reputation for its diverse wine production, thanks to its unique climate, varied soils, and long history of viticulture. Known first and foremost for its single varietal wines, of which the winegrowers have 58 to play with, Pays d’Oc IGP also boasts stellar blends at unbeatable prices.
The vineyards span several départements, including Hérault, Aude, Gard, and the Pyrenees, stretching along the Mediterranean coastline to the Rhône River. In fact, the Pays d’Oc IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) vineyards make up the largest wine producing area in France, a designation that guarantees the wines’ quality and origin. While this area in the south of France has traditionally been associated with hearty reds like Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, you’ll also find delicate rosés and beautifully crisp whites made from varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Albarinho.

An Investment in the Future
The commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality in Pays d’Oc is clear. The region’s dedication to regenerative viticulture, coupled with its strong emphasis on biodiversity and environmental stewardship, makes it a leader in the global wine industry. In the face of rising global temperatures and other environmental challenges, the winemakers of Pays d’Oc IGP are proving that sustainable practices not only protect the environment but also elevate the wines produced, making them more expressive, balanced, and globally sought-after.
As Pays d’Oc IGP continues to develop its reputation, it remains a crucial player in shaping the future of wine. By balancing tradition with innovation, embracing climate resilience, and prioritizing sustainability, Pays d’Oc IGP is setting an example for the global wine industry, proving that responsible farming practices can result in wines of extraordinary quality.
Wine Trails and Vineyards
Many of the wineries offer tours, tastings, and even opportunities to participate in the harvest. From family-run estates to larger, more commercial operations, the winemakers of the Pays d’Oc are known for their innovation and dedication to quality.
Here we pick some of our favourites to visit;
Les Caves Richemer (Marseillan)
Les Caves Richemer in Marseillan, celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. Nestled between the Mediterranean, Canal du Midi, and Thau Lagoon, the cooperative spans 1,000 hectares of vineyards and works with 200 local winegrowers, producing varieties such as Terret, Marselan, and Piquepoul, which thrive near the lagoon.
Dominic George, head of direct sales, says the passion of the region’s growers is reflected in its single varietal range. Try the Pays d’Oc IGP rosé wine made from the Cinsault grape or the Pays d’Oc IGP Muscat Sec white that delivers a light and fresh citrusy finish.
Domaine Ricardelle de Lautrec (Coursan)
Domaine Ricardelle de Lautrec, a family-owned vineyard in Coursan, Aude, has been a pioneer in sustainable winemaking. Spanning 40 hectares and passed down through four generations, it was one of the first in the region to earn the Organic Agriculture label in 1999 and later adopted biodynamic practices. The estate’s vineyards, with clay-limestone soils supporting various grape varieties dedicated to their Pays d’Oc IGP wines, include Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Muscat.
Committed to organic farming, the estate also uses naturopathy, planting mustard and broad beans between rows to improve soil vitality. The Boutié family produces natural wines with no added sulphites, allowing them to age without losing flavor. Their dedication to quality has earned awards, including a gold medal for their Pays d’Oc IGP biodynamic Chardonnay Scène N°9, at the 2023 Concours Général Agricole. To expand their reach, they have embraced online sales, offering two Pays d’Oc IGP wine collections: the sulphite-free Nature collection and the traditional Scène collection.
Domaine Paul Mas (Montagnac)
… The ‘rural luxury’ experience. Opened in 2012 in the heart of the Hérault valley, Côté Mas is a wine tourism complex set amidst the vines, where Jean-Claude Mas, winemaker and wine merchant and heavyweight of the Languedoc wine industry, imposes his vision of wine and the French art of living around the concept of ‘rural luxury’.
Whether you are looking to lounge by the pool, horse ride through the countryside, listen to a jazz concert on the terrace or simply chill with a glass of wine, Côté Mas has fine-tuned its wine tourism offer and caters for the neophyte or wine connoisseur with an impressive selection of wines. Those familiar with the Arrogant Frog range will delight in finding the whole selection here, humorous labels and all!
Visit the Chateau’s Gastronomic restaurant for a truly authentic fine dining experience.

Famille Fabre (Luc-sur-Orbieu)
The Château de Luc, in the heart of the Languedoc’s Corbière wine region, has been central to the Fabre family’s winemaking since the 17th century, with parts of the Château dating back to the 14th century. Today, under the leadership of Jeanne and Clémence Fabre, the estate embraces organic farming.
Visitors can explore the Château’s history through its escape game, ‘In Search of the Lost Cuvée’, where teams solve puzzles in the ancient wine cellar to uncover a lost manuscript containing the secrets of the Fabre family’s winemaking methods. The experience includes a wine tasting and a guided tour, highlighting the estate’s rich heritage and the family’s role in the region’s winemaking history.
Among our favorites where the Pays d’Oc IGP Les Instants Rares range, Alvarinho and Viognier whites with the Cinault and Pinot Noir reds.

Domaine Calmel & Joseph (Montirat)
Domaine Calmel & Joseph, located in the scenic Dagne Valley near Carcassonne, invites visitors to explore the beauty of southern France through wine production and a variety of activities. This 160-hectare estate offers horseback riding, hiking, treasure hunts in a classic 2CV, and electric scooter tours, all providing unique views of the vineyards. The estate also produces olive oil and honey, enhancing the agricultural experience.
Central to the visit is a wine tasting, which includes a guided tour of the vineyard and wine cellars, followed by a tasting of six wines. For an additional €20, guests can enjoy a local gourmet plate. The estate’s charming gîtes offer the perfect base for those wishing to stay longer and fully experience this exceptional destination.
Try the Villa Blanche range which includes a delicious fruity Pays d’Oc IGP Grenache Blanc and a dense rich Malbec.

Domaine Gayda (Brugairolles)
Domaine Gayda, an acclaimed organic wine producer in the Languedoc, celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Founded by British expat Tim Ford and South African entrepreneur Anthony Record, the winery is known for its flagship Pays d’Oc IGP wine, Chemin de Moscou, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault. Named after a road leading to the estate, Chemin de Moscou has become a standout in France. All the estate’s wines are under the Pays d’Oc IGP label, thus giving them the freedom to style their wines as they choose.
The estate’s restaurant looks out onto the vineyards and olive grove with the Pyrenees as a backdrop.
We recommend you try several of the estate’s wines by the glass to accompany the delicious locally sourced products that are served daily.

Les Vignobles Foncalieu – Comptoir de la Cité (Carcassonne)
Vignobles Foncalieu are in fact a union of cooperative wineries, united through their enterprising spirit and quest for sustainability.
We visited their wine cellar at the foot of the impressive walled city, home to the famous 14th July fireworks that sets the city ablaze once a year.
An impressive range of wines are on offer, to be enjoyed out on the terrace or during one of the many events that the Comptoir de la Cité hosts, including an immersive Wine Trail game that can be enjoyed by all the family.
Don’t miss the crisp Pays d’Oc IGP Sillages Albarino or the Versant range, including the trendy labelled limited edition Grenache rosé, designed each year by a different street artist.

Château de l’Engarran (Lavérune)
Château de l’Engarran, located on the outskirts of Montpellier, is one of the oldest 18th-century ‘Folie’ estates, built in 1730 by Jean Vassal. The château features architectural details reflecting its winemaking history and Vassal’s love for his wife, set within a 3-hectare French-style park with ponds, statues, and scenic beauty.
It is also famous as a filming location having recently been the setting for ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’. Visitors can take guided tours (in French and English) of the château, park, and selected rooms, including a wine tasting of the estate’s wines.
We recommend tasting the Pays d’Oc IGP La cerise sur le château light red that can be served at room temperature or chilled like a rosé for a delicious refreshing aperitif.
Gérard Bertrand’s Hospitalet (Narbonne)
Gérard Bertrand’s L’Hospitalet, wine resort, beach & Spa, near Narbonne offers a perfect blend of world-class wine, luxury accommodations, and Mediterranean beauty. Known for its organic and biodynamic practices, the estate produces acclaimed wines known the world over. Visitors can tour the winery, taste wines in a sleek tasting room, and learn about the winemaking process.
The 4-star L’Hospitalet Hotel features stylish rooms with vineyard views, an outdoor pool, and a gourmet restaurant serving regional cuisine, providing a relaxing escape. For a more casual experience, a chic beach bar offers local wine, seafood, and sea views. A must-visit destination for wine lovers and those seeking a luxurious, sun-drenched retreat on France’s southern coast.
One of our favorites was the Cigalus white, near golden in color with a delicious citrus and fruity taste.

Additional Information
AOP wines follow strict regulations, with specific geographical and production criteria that ensure their unique qualities are tied to their terroir. They come from smaller, well-defined areas and must be made according to the specific rules of each appellation.
In contrast, IGP wines are more flexible, allowing winemakers more freedom in grape varieties and techniques, all the while ensuring the grape variety’s origin and the wine’s quality.
Pays d’Oc, France’s largest IGP, represents 50% of the Languedoc-Roussillon region’s wine production, offering a broader regional expression with distinctive styles, such as varietal
wines from grapes like Chardonnay or Syrah, and more confidential grapes varieties such as Gewurztraminer, Tempranillo, Bourboulenc… Wine growers can pick and choose from an array of 58 different grape varieties with the Pays d’Oc IGP label!
Both AOP and IGP wines highlight French wine diversity, with IGP wines offering quality and regional character, whilst allowing the wine growers more flexibility in their creations.
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