Discover the Dordogne: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Nestled in southwestern France, the Dordogne region offers a perfect blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and exceptional wines. This guide will help you navigate the area’s renowned vineyards, charming villages, and culinary delights.
Towns and Villages
The Dordogne boasts picturesque settlements that transport visitors back in time. Sarlat-la-Canéda stands out with its well-preserved medieval architecture and bustling markets.
Bergerac, the wine capital of the region, offers a delightful old town and serves as an excellent base for wine tours. Domme provides panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley from its hilltop position.
Must-Visit Villages:
- La Roque-Gageac: A riverside village with troglodyte dwellings
- Beynac-et-Cazenac: Home to an imposing medieval castle
- Monpazier: A beautifully preserved bastide town
Wine Producers
The Dordogne is home to numerous wine estates, each offering unique tasting experiences. Château de Tiregand in Creysse produces exceptional Pécharmant wines.
Château Monbazillac is renowned for its sweet white wines and offers guided tours of its 16th-century castle. For organic wines, visit Château Feely in Saussignac.
Top Wine Estates:
- Château de la Jaubertie: Known for its Bergerac wines
- Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure: Specializes in Monbazillac and Bergerac
- Château Tour des Gendres: Produces biodynamic wines
Accommodations
The Dordogne offers a range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. For a luxurious stay, consider Château des Vigiers, a 16th-century château with its own vineyard and golf course.
Wine enthusiasts might enjoy La Chartreuse du Bignac, a charming hotel surrounded by vineyards. For a more intimate experience, try Le Clos des Source, a family-run B&B in the heart of wine country.
Accommodation Options:
- Hotels: From boutique to luxury establishments
- Gîtes: Self-catering cottages for a home-away-from-home experience
- Chambres d’hôtes: Bed and breakfasts offering local hospitality
- Camping: For those who prefer to be close to nature
Dining
The Dordogne is a gastronomic paradise, offering both traditional and innovative cuisine. La Table du Marché in Bergerac serves seasonal dishes paired with local wines.
For Michelin-starred dining, visit Le Vieux Logis in Trémolat. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like foie gras, truffles, and Bergerac wines at rustic bistros throughout the region.
Restaurant Recommendations:
- L’Essentiel: Modern cuisine in Périgueux
- La Tour des Vents: Panoramic views and excellent wine list
- Le Bistrot de la Place: Traditional fare in Sarlat
Wine Shops & Bars
The Dordogne offers numerous spots to sample and purchase local wines. La Maison des Vins de Bergerac in Bergerac showcases over 150 regional wines.
For a cozy wine bar experience, visit Le Wine Bar in Sarlat-la-Canéda. It offers a wide selection of local and international wines by the glass.
Notable Wine Shops:
- Cave de Bergerac: Extensive selection of Bergerac wines
- La Cave de Cyrano: Specializes in organic and biodynamic wines
- Le Vin en Tête: Curated collection of artisanal wines
Other Shops
The Dordogne is known for its local produce and artisanal products. Visit Les Halles in Périgueux for fresh local ingredients and regional specialties.
For gourmet souvenirs, check out La Maison du Foie Gras in Sarlat-la-Canéda. Art enthusiasts will enjoy Galerie des Pénitents Blancs in Bergerac for local artwork.
Shopping Highlights:
- Marché de Sarlat: Vibrant twice-weekly market
- La Ferme de Vialard: Farm shop with local products
- Les Chocolats Bovetti: Artisanal chocolate maker
Attractions
Beyond wine, the Dordogne boasts numerous historical and natural attractions. Lascaux IV offers a remarkable replica of the famous prehistoric cave paintings.
Château de Castelnaud provides insight into medieval warfare with its impressive collection of arms and armor. For natural beauty, kayak along the Dordogne River or explore the Gouffre de Padirac cave system.
Must-See Attractions:
- Jardins de Marqueyssac: Stunning clifftop gardens
- Vézère Valley: UNESCO World Heritage site with prehistoric sites
- Château des Milandes: Former home of Josephine Baker
Events
The Dordogne hosts various events throughout the year. Sarlat Truffle Festival in January celebrates the region’s prized black truffles.
Bergerac Wine Festival in July offers wine tastings, live music, and fireworks. For a unique experience, attend the Félibrée, a celebration of Occitan culture held in a different town each year.
Annual Events:
- Fête de la Musique: Nationwide music festival on June 21
- Journées du Patrimoine: Heritage days in September with free entry to many sites
- Marché au Gras de Sarlat: Weekly winter market specializing in foie gras and truffles
Appellations
The Dordogne is home to several wine appellations. Bergerac AOC produces both red and white wines, with reds typically blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec.
Monbazillac AOC is renowned for its sweet white wines made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Pécharmant AOC, a sub-region of Bergerac, produces full-bodied red wines.
Key Appellations:
- Côtes de Bergerac: Dry whites and fuller-bodied reds
- Rosette AOC: Small appellation known for semi-sweet white wines
- Saussignac AOC: Sweet white wines similar to Monbazillac
Grape Varieties
The Dordogne region boasts a diverse array of grape varieties. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate red wine production.
White wines often feature Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. Local varieties like Malbec add unique character to regional blends.
Main Wine Styles
Red wines from the Dordogne are typically full-bodied and robust. Bergerac AOC produces both dry and sweet whites, with the latter often compared to Sauternes.
Monbazillac stands out for its luscious sweet wines. Rosé wines, though less common, offer refreshing options for summer sipping.
Food Specialties
The Dordogne is renowned for its foie gras and truffles. Local specialties include:
- Confit de canard (duck confit)
- Pommes sarladaises (potatoes cooked in duck fat)
- Cabécou (goat cheese)
- Noix du Périgord (Périgord walnuts)
These dishes pair beautifully with the region’s wines, creating memorable culinary experiences.
Drives & Walks
The Route des Vins de Bergerac offers a scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages. Stop at wineries like Château de Monbazillac for tastings and tours.
For walkers, the Sentier des Vignes near Saussignac provides picturesque trails through vineyards. The Dordogne Valley also offers numerous hiking paths with river views.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
Day 1: Explore Bergerac’s old town and visit Château de Monbazillac.
Day 2: Drive to Saussignac for wine tastings, then enjoy a gourmet lunch in Issigeac.
Day 3: Visit Domme for panoramic views, followed by a wine-pairing dinner in Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Week-long Dordogne Experience
Combine wine tours with visits to prehistoric caves, medieval castles, and picturesque villages like Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac.
Include a canoe trip on the Dordogne River and a truffle-hunting excursion for a well-rounded experience.
Getting There & Around
The Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport offers direct flights from several European cities. Alternatively, fly into Bordeaux and rent a car for a scenic 1.5-hour drive.
Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region’s vineyards and villages.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities.
Visit during harvest season (September-October) to experience the excitement of grape picking and wine production firsthand.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Dordogne wineries are embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Château Feely in Saussignac leads the way with its eco-friendly approach.
Look for the “Terra Vitis” certification, which indicates environmentally responsible viticulture.
Language Tips
Basic French phrases are appreciated. Key wine terms include:
- Dégustation – Wine tasting
- Millésime – Vintage
- Cave – Wine cellar
- Santé! – Cheers!
Further Resources
Visit the Pays de Bergerac Tourism website for up-to-date information on wineries, events, and accommodations.
Download the “Route des Vins de Bergerac” app for a self-guided tour of the region’s wine routes.
