Oenology weekend
2 days and 1 night

Oenology weekend in the Chateau des Ducs (from April to October)
Individual experience

A holiday based around the wines in the Limoux region.

Aud’Etour proposes a short break of 2 days in the department of Aude: The Week-End Break! Known first and foremost for its Blanquette de Limoux, the region of Limoux also produces some fine, dry, white wines. Why not go off and visit different vineyards well known in the area and benefit from a break rich in gastronomy, culture and craftsmanship?

2 days and 1 night

Schedule

Day 1

The morning :

Discover the world of sparkling wine at the Maison Guinot (Limoux), some 15 kms south of Carcassonne, where Blanquette de Limoux is produced. Learn about Blanquette de Limoux for yourself, the first sparkling wine ever, made for the first time in 1531 at the Abbey of St Hilaire. Established more than 140 years ago try to break through the mystery of the bubbles with their ‘Bubble and Light’ show. There are also guided tours of the cellars, video footage using computer generated images, historical reconstructions and naturally at the end, an opportunity to taste both the Blanquette and Crémant de Limoux.

Duration: 90 minutes

Lunch break :

In or around Limoux (this can be adapted on demand)

In the afternoon :

Meet the wine producers: visit the vineyards, exchange ideas and information, taste wines from different localities in the area.

We have partnered up with three different vineyards :

  • Domaine Clos Teisseire, a vineyard of 12 hectares at Rouffiac d’Aude, where you will visit both the vines and the wine production area. It is a marvel to see how Laetitia perpetuates the soul of wine production at Clos Teisseire.
  • Domaine de Moscaillo at Roquetaillade.

Three wines: AOC Limoux Blanc, Pinot noir and Cremant de Limoux. Although Limoux is best known for its Blanquette de Limoux, the region of Limoux also produces some fine, dry, white wines. Benefitting from the climatic influence of The Pyrenees, the Chardonnay from this vineyard is described here as being particularly fresh, giving rise to fruity and floral aromas on a mineral backdrop.

This vineyard was a pioneer before its time, converting progressively to organic farming over the course of the 1980s. In 2014 the well-known handbook of wine and gastronomy of Gault and Millau list together 6 of their wines for their beauty……

6.30pm: Return to the hotel and unpack.

Day 2

Explore other wonders of interest in our region : During your time spent in the Haute Vallee of Aude, history and legend, and mystery and imagination, will take centre stage !

Suggestions for visits to other sites :

  • Rennes-le-Château, village known world-wide for the mystery surrounding the treasures of Abbot Saunieres. You can visit the village in the company of one of our guides, who will unveil the history of this magnificent place, and more particularly, of that of Mary Madeleine.
  • Château de Puilaurens : Cathar castle perched on a rocky outcrop.
  • The Abbaye de Saint Hilaire: Birthplace of Blanquette de Limoux- with its magnificent Gothic cloisters. It is here in 1531 that the monks invent the first sparkling wine ever made: La Blanquette.
  • Esperaza: typical French market every Sunday and hat museum (Musée de la Chapellerie)
  • Dinosaur museum : This is a visit to do as a family. It gives a history of the dinosaur, from its first discovery to the most recent scientific revelations.

Tariff :

  • from 299 euros per person.

The tariff includes the following :

  • 2 guided tours followed by wine tasting in 2 vineyards of your choice
  • Lunch in a restaurant with wine and coffee
  • Dinner in a restaurant (drinks not included)
  • Night in a hotel with breakfast included and welcoming package
  • If you select the wine tasting option with an oenologist, there is a basic package of 6 wines. Please ask for the price list.

The tariff does not include the following :

  • Transport
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Holiday tax for staying overnight (minimal)
  • Guided tours at tourist sites

Next departure…

This experience can be shared at 2 or family, team, friends or colleagues…

Go see the Group offers

sons et lumières vin terra vinea