South and East of Perpignan Wine Travel Guide (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

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 stu

ing 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 stu

ing coastal vineyard views Mas Amiel (Maury): Known for i

ovative 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 stu

ing 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 co

ections 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 co

ecting 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