South West France Wine Region Guide

The South West France wine region, "Sud-Ouest" in the French language, is the 5th largest wine region located in the southwest corner of France. The region covers the area between Bordeaux, Languedoc, Spain, and the Atlantic. The region has three times more vineyards than Napa Valley and twice more than Burgundy. Besides the wide coverage, the area is one of the least populated in France with a large diversity in varietals. South West France wine region is considered to be the hidden gem of France with less popular grape varieties that all wine drinkers will love.

Travel Guide to South West France Wine Region

Check out the list of Wine Tastings and Tours in South West France.

Discover South West France wine region through our travel guide:

History of the wine region

Terroirs and wines of South West France

Wineries to visit for the wine experiences

Towns of South West France to visit

Regional cuisine

The History of South West France relates to Bordeaux

The history of the development of the South West region is about complicated relationships as well as its topography. Before Bordeaux was cut off from the South West region, merchants from Gaillac, Buzet, Cahors, and Bergerac moved their wines through routes marked by the local rivers right to Bordeaux.

To protect their regional product and profit margins, between the 13th and 14th centuries, merchants from Bordeaux took measures that led to the currently known regions.

Although the wine region of South West France has been overshadowed by Bordeaux, it still boasts its traditional grape varietals that differentiate its wines from those of its counterpart.

Currently, the most widely known grapes are Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, thanks to Bordeaux. The South West wine region, however, still gives us its traditional grape varietals of Tannat, Fer Servadou and Len de l'El.

South West France Wine Region Map

The land of Various Climate, Soil, and Wine

The region is a mix of several terroirs and different appellations.

The South West region has four appellations: Lot River, Tarn-et-Garonne, Bergerac & Dordogne River and Pyrénées. These regions carry different types of climatic conditions, characteristics as well as varietals. Thanks to the wide variances in soil, climate, and topography, the South West wine region boasts a wide portfolio of wines.

Climate:

Some of the sub-regions in South West enjoy the maritime climate courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean. Indeed, on the inland side of the region, the continental climate produces a different variety of wines.

Soils:

The soils range from sand, clay, and gravel in most parts of the region. The stone type of soil, is however, found in the plateau areas and on base areas of Pyrenees.

Wines:

All these factors have led to a wide range of wines from this region; sweet, sparkling, dry white and full-bodied wines.

The red Tannat grape(the national grape in Uruguay), found in Madiran and Jurançon is a more known varietal and is comparable to Malbec.

The South West France Sub-Regions

Southern France, often referred to as the cradle of French viticulture, is a diverse and expansive wine region, featuring areas like the historical Provence, which boasts over 2,600 years of winemaking heritage. Known primarily for its emblematic rosé wines, Provence represents just a fraction of the Southern France wine landscape. Other noteworthy regions include the sun-drenched Languedoc-Roussillon, famous for its reds, and the Rhone Valley, a dynamic area that stretches from its southern end right up to Provence. With each region in Southern France offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation, the area is a veritable tapestry of winemaking practices and styles

The variety of climates and soil allow the South West France wine region to boast many unique terroirs and produce a large variety of native grapes.

Tarn-et-Garonne

Deriving its name from the two rivers in the region, Tarn and Garonne, it has two climatic conditions- the Mediterranean and Atlantic climate. Their grapes include Bergerac, Dordogne, Pinot Noir and Rousselou as well as indigenous grapes such as Mouyssagués, Négrette, and Tennat among others.

Bergerac & Dordogne

This region borders the famous Bordeaux region. It has two rivers running through it, the Bergerac and the Dordogne. Enjoying a maritime climatic while being inland, it is usually warmer than Bordeaux.

Grape varieties:

Merlot

Malbec

Semillon

Mérille(Indigenous grape variety)

Ondenc(Indigenous grape variety)

Lot River

The wines of this region have a taste of green apple, plum and tobacco.

Known as the original home of the Malbec grape, the Lot River regions enjoy a coastal climate. The exotic tastes of these wines make them famous and for centuries, have been loved by royals of Russia and England.

Among Malbec, varietals include Merlot, Fer Servadou, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pyrénées

Most of the wines from this region are red.

The Pyrenees is home of the indigenous grape, Tannat, which produces rusty-tasting wines. The region enjoys a highland climate, due to its proximity to the mountain range that separates itself from Spain. In fact, the region is named after these mountain ranges.

IGP- Côte de Gascogne

In this region, the laws are a bit relaxed, which allows wineries to experiment with their wines. It shares the same production zone with the Armagnac region and produces red, white and rosé wines. 75% of these are exported.

Wineries to Visit in the South West France wine region

The best way to taste wines from indigenous grape varieties is to visit Wineries in South West France wine region.

Château de Gensac

Château de Gensac is located in Armagnac, South West France wine region, about halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse. The vineyard of the estate stretches across 300 hectares of land and features a beautiful castle from the 13th century. 

Plan a visit to Château de Gensac, where the team of the estate will welcome and guide you through the cellars and vineyards. You will also get to taste their fantastic wines and of course, their traditional Armagnac.

Domaine Plaimont

Domaine Plaimont has been considered one of the most beautiful wine estates and castles in the South West France wine region. The winery property extends from the foothills of the Pyrenees until the rolling hills of Gascony in the heart of the region.

The winery produces red, white, as well as rosé wines from the grape varieties of Tannat, Pinenc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Gros Manseng, etc. Visit the estate to learn more about their wines and passion of winemaking.

Château de Gaudou

The Château de Gaudou located in the historic South West France wine region traces its history to the middle ages with the massive beige walls, towers and large windows of the estate. The winery puts great emphasis on tradition, innovation, terroir, and love in wine production.

Visit the winery and taste rich blend of history, innovation and finnes in every sip of wine you take.

Discover South West France Through its Towns

Bayonne

Bayonne is one of the prettiest towns of the South-West France wine region. It is a waterside town stretching along the rivers of Adour and Nive.

For a chance to see South West France Wine Region's longstanding architecture and history, Bayonne is one of the places to be. This town is where Nive and Adour come together. Bayonne is home to the famous 13th-century St. Mary de Bayonne, the gothic-styled cathedral. The streets of Bayonne, which are made of cobblestone offer you a shopping experience only comparable to Paris, with locally made cheeses and handmade linens.

Agen

With 33 protected historical monuments, Agen offers a rich experience of history and architecture.

Places to visit in Agen:

• Notre Dame des Jacobins in the centre of Agen's old town is one of the oldest buildings still standing in France. It was built in 1249 using the Old Dominican architecture.

• The Agen Bridge that stretches up to 539 meters with 23 arches, treats you to one of the most beautiful sights of the Southwest. It is also the second-longest water bridge in France.

Other places to visit in this city include the Madailan Castle, Gavaudun Fortress and Lectoure among others.

Anglet

With a coastline that stretches up to 5 kilometres, Anglet welcomes you to its beautiful sandy beaches and a wide range of activities.

Pay a visit to Rocher de la Vierge and get a chance to see the rock formation with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Other places to visit in Anglet include the Izadia Ecology Park and Anglet Gardens.

Foix

Foix is the Préfecture of the Ariège department in South West France right at the bottom of the Pyrenean Mountains.

Les Forges de Pyrène will treat you to a rich history of the old age tools that are still alive and used today. This place lies in 5 hectares of land and has a collection of 6,500 tools.

While still in Foix, visit Château de Foix, which was listed as a historical monument in 1840.

The Cuisine of South West France Wine Region

South West France wine region is a go-to for all adventurous foodies. Try pairing fresh Atlantic seafood with new wines at every meal.

Foie Gras

Before this cuisine found its way to France, ancient Egyptians used the gavage method to fatten their domestic geese. This practice spread all over the Mediterranean region and found its way to the Greeks and Romans, who perfected the art. In fact, it is among one of the cuisines that are protected under France’s law of Heritage.

Foie gras refers to fat liver from a goose or duck. To enrich it with its silky, smooth texture and exotic taste, it is seasoned with pepper, sweet white wine and fleur de sel.

Wine Pair: Go for sweet wine especially one that was used in preparing.

Homard Persille

This seafood delicacy is lobster prepared with butter and parsley. You will find this in most restaurants in South West France wine region. For that exquisite taste, the coral is mixed with butter, baked in the oven and spiced with parsley when serving.

Confit de Canard

Even though it is cuisine from Gascony, Confit de Canard currently rates among the finest dishes of the South West France wine region.
Confit de Canard is a dish of duck preserved in goose fat.

Wine Pair: Pair it with a rich, fruit-forward medium red or with off-dry aromatic white.

Cassoulet

This cuisine originated in the South of France. It is a combination of white beans, meat, and pork skin. It is prepared using the Cassole, a traditional round, and a deep earthenware vessel.

Find out more about South West France Wine Region:

• Sud-Ouest
• Tourism South West