Discover South and East of Perpignan: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
The region south and east of Perpignan in Languedoc-Roussillon, France, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. This area boasts diverse terroirs, from coastal plains to rugged mountains, producing exceptional wines with unique character.
Towns and Villages
Explore charming towns and villages that dot the landscape:
- Collioure: A picturesque coastal town known for its artistic heritage and anchovy production
- Banyuls-sur-Mer: Famous for its sweet fortified wines and stunning seaside views
- Maury: Nestled in the Agly Valley, renowned for its robust red wines and fortified vins doux naturels
- Rivesaltes: Home to the acclaimed Muscat de Rivesaltes and historical wine cellars
Wine Producers
Visit these notable wineries for unforgettable tasting experiences:
- Domaine de la Rectorie (Banyuls-sur-Mer): Organic wines with stunning coastal vineyard views
- Mas Amiel (Maury): Known for innovative winemaking and exceptional fortified wines
- Domaine Cazes (Rivesaltes): France’s largest biodynamic and organic estate
- Clos des Paulilles (Port-Vendres): Offers guided tours and tastings of their Collioure and Banyuls wines
Accommodations
Stay in comfort at these wine-focused accommodations:
- Château de Riell (Molitg-les-Bains): Luxurious castle hotel with a wine cellar and spa treatments
- Hôtel Les Elmes (Banyuls-sur-Mer): Beachfront hotel with a wine bar featuring local selections
- La Demeure du Terroir (Tautavel): Charming B&B in a historic winemaker’s house
- Le Mas Trilles (Céret): Rustic farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, offering wine tastings
Dining
Savor local cuisine paired with regional wines at these restaurants:
- La Table de Valmy (Argelès-sur-Mer): Panoramic views and a menu showcasing local wines
- Le Neptune (Collioure): Seafood specialties with an extensive Collioure wine list
- L’Auberge du Cellier (Montner): Traditional Catalan dishes paired with wines from nearby vineyards
- La Coopérative (Tautavel): Modern cuisine in a converted wine cooperative, featuring local vintages
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these local wine shops and bars for a taste of the region:
- La Cave des Vignerons de Maury: Offers a wide selection of local wines, including rare vintages
- Le Bar de l’Hostal (Collioure): Cozy wine bar featuring Collioure and Banyuls wines
- La Cave Le Tourril (Rivesaltes): Specializes in fortified wines and offers tasting sessions
- Le Bouchon d’Eus (Eus): Charming wine bar with panoramic views of the Pyrenees
Other Shops
Complement your wine experience with local products:
- Les Toiles du Soleil (Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans): Traditional Catalan fabric shop
- La Confiserie du Tech (Cabestany): Artisanal candies and chocolates
- Maison Quinta (Ille-sur-Têt): Gourmet food shop specializing in local products
- Poterie Sant Vicens (Perpignan): Handcrafted Catalan ceramics
Attractions
Visit these sites between wine tastings:
- Château Royal de Collioure: Medieval fortress with stunning sea views
- Musée d’Art Moderne de Céret: Houses works by Picasso and Matisse
- Prieuré de Serrabona: 11th-century Romanesque priory in the Aspres mountains
- Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt: Unique rock formations resembling organ pipes
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-related events:
- Fête des Vendanges (Banyuls-sur-Mer, October): Harvest festival with wine tastings and local cuisine
- Les Apéritifs de Terroir (Various locations, July-August): Weekly tastings of local wines and products
- Festa Major (Collioure, August): Traditional festival with wine, music, and fireworks
- Salon des Vins de Perpignan (Perpignan, April): Annual wine fair showcasing regional producers
Appellations
Familiarize yourself with the region’s key wine appellations:
- Côtes du Roussillon: Dry red, white, and rosé wines
- Collioure: Powerful reds and elegant whites from coastal vineyards
- Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru: Sweet fortified wines
- Maury Sec and Maury Doux: Dry reds and sweet fortified wines from schist soils
- Rivesaltes: Diverse range of fortified wines, including the famous Muscat de Rivesaltes
Grape Varieties
The south and east of Perpignan boasts a diverse range of grape varieties. Grenache and Carignan dominate red wine production.
White wines often feature Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, and Muscat.
Red Grapes
- Grenache Noir
- Carignan
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
White Grapes
- Macabeu
- Grenache Blanc
- Muscat d’Alexandrie
- Muscat à Petits Grains
Main Wine Styles
The region produces a variety of wine styles. Dry reds and fortified sweet wines are particularly noteworthy.
The famous Vin Doux Naturel is a local specialty, showcasing the area’s winemaking prowess.
Notable Styles
- Full-bodied red blends
- Crisp, aromatic whites
- Muscat de Rivesaltes (fortified sweet wine)
- Banyuls (fortified red wine)
Food Specialties
The region’s cuisine complements its wines perfectly. Seafood and Mediterranean flavors dominate local dishes.
Catalan influences are evident in many traditional recipes.
Local Delicacies
- Anchovies from Collioure
- Paella Catalana
- Crème Catalane (similar to crème brûlée)
- Boles de Picolat (Catalan meatballs)
Drives & Walks
Explore the region’s beauty through scenic drives and walks. The Côte Vermeille offers breathtaking coastal views.
Inland, discover charming villages nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Recommended Routes
- Coastal drive: Perpignan to Cerbère
- Vineyard walk: Banyuls-sur-Mer to Cosprons
- Mountain drive: Perpignan to Mont-Louis
Itineraries
Plan your visit with these curated itineraries. Combine wine tasting, sightseeing, and cultural experiences.
Adjust the routes based on your interests and available time.
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
- Day 1: Perpignan city tour and wine bars
- Day 2: Coastal wineries in Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Day 3: Inland vineyards in Maury and Rivesaltes
5-Day Culture and Wine Experience
- Day 1-2: Perpignan exploration
- Day 3: Côte Vermeille coastal tour
- Day 4: Cathar castles and wine tasting
- Day 5: Relaxation in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Getting There & Around
Perpignan serves as the main gateway to the region. The Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport offers connections to major European cities.
For wine tours, consider renting a car or booking guided excursions.
Transportation Options
- TGV trains from Paris to Perpignan (5.5 hours)
- Regional trains connecting coastal towns
- Bus services between villages
- Car rentals available at airport and city center
Best Time to Visit
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a year-round destination. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for wine tasting and outdoor activities.
Summer brings crowds but also vibrant festivals and beach activities.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (March-May): Vineyard tours, mild weather
- Summer (June-August): Beach activities, wine festivals
- Autumn (September-November): Grape harvest, wine events
- Winter (December-February): Quieter period, winter wine tastings
Sustainability Efforts
Many wineries in the region are adopting eco-friendly practices. Organic and biodynamic vineyards are increasingly common.
Look for eco-certified accommodations and restaurants to support local sustainability initiatives.
Eco-Friendly Wine Experiences
- Organic wine tours in Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Solar-powered wineries in Rivesaltes
- Sustainable vineyard walks in Maury
Language Tips
French is the primary language, but Catalan is also widely spoken. Learning a few wine-related phrases can enhance your experience.
Most tourism professionals speak some English, especially in Perpignan and popular coastal towns.
Useful Wine Phrases
- “Je voudrais goûter ce vin” (I’d like to taste this wine)
- “Quel est le cépage?” (What’s the grape variety?)
- “Santé!” (Cheers!)
Further Resources
For in-depth wine information, consult the official Roussillon Wine Council website. Local tourist offices provide up-to-date event calendars and maps.
Consider downloading wine apps for on-the-go information about local varieties and producers.
Recommended Resources
- Roussillon Wine Council
- Pyrénées-Orientales Tourism
- Wine apps: Vivino, Wine-Searcher