Southwest of France
a Grapetrotters Adventure in May 2024
Following the paths of the famous literary characters as "The Three Muskateers" and "Cyrano de Bergerac", we will explore the Southwest, the birthplace of international grapes such as Cabernet-Franc, Malbec, and Tannat.
Indulge in local gastronomy such as truffle, duck or goose magret & foie gras, pork roast, and cheese.
Authenticity, rural generosity, and French lifestyle will charm you through our wine & food journey in Gascony, Bergerac, Cahors, and in Gaillac.
Sunday, May 5 - 2024
ARRIVAL IN TOULOUSE
Fly into Toulouse.
The meeting point is at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport around 3 pm and we drive straight ahead in Gascony!
Check-in to our boutique hotel in Condom.
Welcome dinner at the boutique hotel.
Monday, May 6 - 2024
Gascony and Armagnac
We will discover this sub-region producing exotic white wines (Côtes de Gascogne IGP) but also big reds from Tannat grape in Madiran and fantastic dessert wines Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh from unique grapes as Petit Manseng.
Generous food based on duck and goose delicacies with rich dishes made only with locally grown products will fill up your belly.
We will learn about the science of producing Armagnac to help the digestion.
Overnight in Saint-Mont in a 4 Star hotel resort.
Dinner in a family restaurant.
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Tuesday, May 7 - 2024
Bergerac region
The wines of Bergerac are very similar to Bordeaux wines. They are produced with the same grapes (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet-Franc for the reds, Sauvignon and Sémillon for the whites) and in the same style along the Dordogne river. Like in Sauternes, sweet botrytis wines are produced in Monbazillac.
We will visit 2 famous producers during the day.
We will enjoy of course a delicious lunch in the picturesque city of Bergerac, capital of the Périgord region, world-famous for its black truffle.
Overnight in a 4 Star hotel resort in the vineyard of Bergerac.
Free evening in Bergerac or at the accommodation.
Wednesday, May 8 - 2024
Cahors AOC
The birthplace of the Malbec grape, Cahors is the most famous of Southwest France's AOCs. Cahors is known for inky, fascinating red wines also called the Black Wine.
We will visit 3 Top producers during the day to understand the terroir effect around the Lot river.
Lunch at the second winery.
Overnight in Cahors in a historical boutique hotel with a special dinner with local food and wine pairing.
Thursday, May 9 - 2024
Gaillac AOC
This growing region flanks both sides of the river Tarn and crafts distinctive wines out of non-mainstream grape varieties such as Duras, Fer-Servadou, Prunelard for the reds, and Mauzac, Len de l'El for the whites.
We will visit 2 producers making various styles of wines: sparkling, red, white, and sweet wines.
Lunch in a bistro restaurant.
Overnight in the medieval village of Cordes-Sur-Ciel with dinner.
Friday, May 10 - 2024
Toulouse
After breakfast, we will spend some time visiting the typical"marché de Gaillac" to end up the trip around midday in Toulouse. Drop-off at the airport for those who prefer, or continue travels from Toulouse.
What's included
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Accommodation in charming places (from lux to comfort depending on what the region has to offer - always with private bathroom), breakfast included.
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Winery visits & tastings, group activities, guided visits, and tickets.
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All meals as mentioned in great local restaurants or farms (wine included).
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Grape Tours personally (Pierre - French winemaker) accompanies the group throughout and we will have local guides meet us where necessary.
Not included
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Airfare & travel to and from starting/departure point.
Drinks at meals unless host-ordered
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Entry to any museums, historical sites unless noted
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Personal charges, laundry, phone calls, internet, mini fridge consumed items
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Travel Insurance
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Gratuities for maids, baggage handlers, drivers or guides
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Other trip details
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The tour will start and end in Toulouse (Airport: Toulouse-Blagnac airport)
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This tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 6 people and a max of 8.
We recommend booking well in advance (see more booking info here).
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Pricing
All-inclusive cost per person (based on double room occupancy): 3300 euro
(single occupancy 3600 euro/p.p.)
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