In the heart of southwestern France, the Bergerac appellation invites wine enthusiasts to explore its rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. Known for its diverse range of wines, Bergerac boasts notable areas such as Monbazillac, famous for its sweet whites, and Pécharmant, celebrated for robust reds. With indigenous grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc, visitors can enjoy delightful winery tours and tasting experiences that reflect the region's vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes. Discover Bergerac and its wine tourism offerings that promise unforgettable experiences.
No vacation to Southwest France is complete without drinking some of Bergerac's exceptional wines. The Bergerac wine area encompasses the 93 communes of the Dordogne department and cultivates vines over 12000 hectares, producing outstanding wines. The wine is well-liked all over the world, with around 15% of total wine exports going to the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. This excellent wine-growing region is about 100 kilometers west of Bordeaux. Bergerac is home to 13 different AOCs, with popular locations including Monbazillac, Cotes de Bergerac, and Perchamant.
Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bergerac!
Bergerac wine region is in the commune of Bergerac, in the Dordogne department in southwest France. The area stretches for around 15 kilometers along the Dordogne River's bank, all the way to the Montravel region and across the river to the south. Bergerac is around 100 kilometers west of Bordeaux and 209 kilometers northwest of Toulouse. Bergerac's tradition is presently carried on by 1200 wine farmers. As we look at the Bergerac wine map, there are 13 appellations belonging to the Bergerac wine region, such as Monbazillac, which produces exclusively sweet white wines, Côtes de Bergerac, Pecharmant, Montravel, Haut-Montravel, Côtes de Montravel and Rosette.
The winemaking in the Bergerac was initiated with the arrival of the Romans. The Romans started cultivating vines along the bank of Dordogne. The first documents which record the location and the significance of the Bergerac Vineyards go as far back as the 12th century. They reveal it’s the abbeys and the aristocracy who held the very first vineyards. The Bergerac area has produced wines for centuries, though began exporting seriously in 1254, when it began shipping its vintages to England based on special privileges granted by Henry III of England. however, due to its geographical location, it had an obligation to pay taxes to Bordeaux. The Bergerac wines might also have been left in the port until the Bordeaux wines had been fully exported. The power of merchants in the wine region of Bordeaux significantly affected why wines grown farther inland in southwest France are less known today. Nevertheless, later on, Bergerac, the wine region, gained the freedom of transportation and has been proudly exporting its quality wines, but in significantly lesser amounts. Bergerac wines for sale are more common on the national level.
Bergerac wine region has a maritime climate with cooler winters and hotter summers compared to the much more famous Bordeaux which is closer to the Atlantic. There is less rainfall which is the reason why the vines are planted on water-retaining soil. Some are around the narrow area of the Dordogne river and are highly humid which supports the development of Botrytis Cinerea which leads to sweet luscious wines. Monbazillac is probably the most famous of those wines. The soils in Bergerac are pretty different. The soil in the Bergerac is diverse including alluvial, limestone, sandy, gravelly, and clay. Clay-based soils are great for holding water and producing high-quality wines. Therefore, vineyards are frequently planted on soils with a clay-limestone base, providing the perfect growing environment for high-quality, structured grapes and ensuring their adequate drainage and robust flavour.
The Bergerac wine region produces wine from diverse grapes. Bergerac red wine is principally produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec grape varieties. It is full-bodied, moderate in tannin, soft and delicate, dark in colour and with the aromas of red fruit, like berries. The best period to drink reds is after 2-3 years of production; also, they have an ageing potential of more than five years. Bergerac rosé wine is also Cabernet Sauvignon-based, fresh, aromatic and crispy, to be consumed young. The Bergerac white wine comes mainly from Sauvignon blanc or Sauvignon Gris grapes, sometimes mixed with Sémillon and Muscatel varieties. Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc, or Trebbiano are occasionally used in white wine production. Bergerac sec wine or dry white has an intense scent of fruity-floral flavours, is fresh and is best drunk young. Bergerac sparkling wine also exists, which is very elegant and delicate, known as the best Bergerac wine to pair with seafood. In addition, the region produces some sweet or dessert wines from noble rot that are very aromatic with distinctive tastes of acacia honey and roasted almonds, making it remarkable. Therefore, there is no doubt that on Bergerac wine tours, there is a wine for any taste and occasion.
Roast pork is a popular dish that has been around for many years. Originally, the dish was made by roasting a whole pig, but nowadays the term refers to roasting pork. The meat is tenderized by cooking it at a high temperature for an extended period of time.
Roast pork can be served as an entrée or in sandwiches and wraps. It often has a crispy skin and is served with vegetables and bread. The most popular vegetables to serve with roast pork are green beans, peas, carrots, and onions. Try the best-roasted pork in Bergerac while trying these amazing wines! It's juicy, tender, and tasty. Great for sharing with family and friends at a party.
Roquefort cheese originates from the village of Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon in southwestern France. The cheese was created by accident when a sheepherder left his lunch of milk and bread in the moist, salty air of what is now the département of Aveyron. The bacteria used to ferment the milk then turned it into Roquefort cheese. When you're feeling blue and need a pick-me-up, nothing is quite as satisfying as a good bite of Roquefort cheese. Pair it with some crackers or bread and your tummy will instantly feel better. Pair this amazing cheese with sweet Bergerac wines.
In French, foie gras simply means "fatty liver," which the ancient Egyptians discovered. Foie gras immediately became a delicacy for monarchs and noblemen when it arrived in Gaul. It has since become a staple of French cuisine, signifying culinary talent, culture, and refinement.
The foie gras can be purchased whole, as pâté, or as a mousse. It's sometimes served in terrines, pan-seared, or as an appetizer or entrée. Roquefort is one of the most famous and well-known French cheeses. It is a blue cheese that has been made in the same way for centuries. Roquefort is made from sheep's milk, which gives it a creamy texture and distinctive flavor. The sheep's milk comes from the Roquefort region, which is why it has such a distinct taste. The creamy foie gras is paired with crisp Auxey-Duresses wines with a mineral flavor profile. The buttery texture of foie gras is improved by Bergerac red wines.
The Church of Notre Dame de Bergerac was built in 1863. It is a neo-Gothic building with a wide porch supporting an 80 m high bell tower ending in a flanked spire. A nave 20 m high under lock and key, broadly lit from above and flanked by two side aisles, also lit directly. The church has two entrances for the clergy and is the fundamental architectural triumph after the Notre Dame de Paris. Therefore, it is an absolute must-see of the region.
Place de la Myrpe is one of the best places to visit in Bergerac City. It is located in the very centre, a well-preserved square dating back to the 17th century. There’s a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in this square, a fictional character from the French poet Edmond Rostand’s famous comedic play. It’s just up the road from some lovely little restaurants and is a great place to take a break while exploring this part of France.
Château de Monbazillac is a historical site dating from the 16th century. The castle is now operated by the Monbazillac Cellars company and has been renovated into a one-of-a-kind architectural combination of medieval defensive defenses and Renaissance exuberance. Stroll around the galleries, sample the Monbazillac wines, and be amazed, astounded, and delighted! Set out on an exciting adventure. The garden terraces of the Château de Monbazillac, located in the heart of the prestigious vineyard of the same name, offer stunning views of the Dordogne valley.
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