With its iconic beret, famous pepper and countless “frontons” – courts where Basque pelota is played – the Basque Country has always been a land of tradition and character. Delve into the heart of this heritage during a visit to the Irouléguy wine region.

In the south west of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, nestled in the shadow of the Pyrenees, sit 250 hectares of vines that span 15 communes. In valleys beside the border with Spain, the white of the traditional houses stands in sharp contrast to the greenery of the countryside, surrounded by herds of goats and water that flows from the mountain peaks. Here you can almost sense the Basque soul as it echoes from one mountain to the next.

This natural paradise is also home to an extensive network of local artisans and producers. From AOC Ossau Iraty cheese to AOC Kintoa ham, this wine region proudly represents the very best of Basque gastronomy. The area’s towns and villages serve as a shop window for local handicrafts, with hand stitched espadrilles, colourful household textiles and Navarre pottery competing for attention alongside chocolate and soaps. Located on the Santiago de Compostela route, these villages also contain some stunning buildings, such as the Porte de Saint-Jacques, a gate classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and St-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church, listed as a historic monument.

First planted here in the Middle Ages to quench the pilgrims’ thirst, vines have since gained a firm foothold on the mountain terraces. This distinctive topography is ideal for organic, manual viticulture. All year round, 17 independent producers as well as the Irouleguy winemaking cooperative welcome you (between Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port) and tell you all about this ancient know-how. Thanks to a sensory trail, discovery path and tasting areas, wine estates and other Vineyards and Discoveries (“Vignobles et Découvertes”)  certified facilities welcome visitors in the best conditions and explain the specificities of the vineyards.

In 2023, the Irouleguy winemaking cooperative won the “Outstanding Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies in the “Promotion of a terroir” category.

But to get a real sense of the Basque spirit that flows through this south-west corner of Nouvelle-Aquitaine you need to spend some time in the region. Hotel Arcé, which has been in the same generation for five generations, offers the very best in local hospitality, whether you stay for a weekend break or dine in its excellent restaurant. One thing is certain: you will return home enchanted by this special destination and with a deep appreciation for all that the Basque Country has to offer.

The mystery is in full swing in Jurançon! Come and try to solve try a special investigation on board a camper van or by car or electric bike, following one of three circuits (soon to be four) that criss-cross the vineyards of Béarn.

The vineyards of Jurançon offer a warm welcome to any wine detectives thirsty for adventure at the foot of the Pyrenees, beneath the terraces of the Château de Pau – the birthplace of Henri IV – and historic site of Nouvelle-Aquitaine!

Armed with a roadbook, set off to meet the region's winegrowers so you can conduct your investigations on the ground. You'll gather precious clues on a series of visits while having a fun time chatting to – and enjoying tastings with – the local producers.

Enjoy this Best Of Wine Tourism activity and get ready to explore the Jurançon vineyard with your magnifying glass!

The Bordeaux wine region is synonymous with the good life and craftsmanship, as well as being home to hidden treasures that you can discover at your own pace and in tune with your every desire.

Explore the vineyards and the surrounding picturesque villages on foot, by bike or with a private driver, (re)discovering the local heritage and gastronomy. Enjoy a picnic among the vines, dine in the restaurant of a Michelin-starred chef or take a wine-themed workshop… the choice is yours!

And, to take full advantage of this delicious getaway punctuated with tastings and private meetings with winegrowers, why not stay in a delightful guest room in the heart of a Grand Cru Classé?

Have a great, convivial time with your partner, friends or whole family.

Bistrots Beaujolais is a network of over 250 restaurants in 10 countries. Soak up the soul (and wine) of Beaujolais from Lyon to Brussels and beyond!

Since 1693, ten generations of winegrowers have succeeded each other at the head of the Flaugergues estate. A worthy heir, Pierre de Colbert now holds the reins of this exceptional site with its 28 hectares of vines, 22 of which are located in Montpellier itself. Firmly rooted in family tradition yet geared to modernity, this winemaker has chosen to commit himself to an ecological approach.

Was carrying on the family tradition an obvious step to take?

I knew early on that I wanted to take over the family business and devote myself to viticulture, so after my school years I studied to become an agricultural engineer. I feel a duty to the previous generations to bring this land to life and to maintain a form of rurality in town with the presence of our vines.

Since you have taken over, what has changed?

I took over the estate in 2002 wanting to perpetuate the traditions while at the same time shaking them up. We are committed to a sustainable approach. Our efforts have been rewarded with ISO14001 certification as part of the Terre du Languedoc Roussillon Ter'avenir association in 2014, we have obtained the HEV label (High Environmental Value), and we adopted the Terra Vitis specifications in 2019.

What would you like people to remember after a visit to Flaugergues?
That wine production represents a major challenge for the environment and society. It takes a lot of energy and commitment to try to find solutions and implement good practices.

What hopes have you for Flaugergues in years to come?
That the estate become, in its own way, an example to raise awareness and a showcase for modern and sustainable agriculture, including in urban areas. Quite aside from tastings and visits to the cellar, we would like expand our activities with the installation of a permaculture farm and a restaurant as well as the organisation of events to create social ties and build the future together.

Where can we find Flaugergues wines to buy?

At the Château’s cellar, in our online store and in several supermarket chains.

A true haven of greenery and water, the municipality of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone is an fantastic destination for a getaway just 10 km south of Montpellier.