Visit the cellars and vineyards of Béarn!

Béarn enjoys a good reputation for its Jurançon and Madiran wines. What gives this wine terroir its specificity is above all its geographical location. At the foot of the Pyrenees, the mountains protect its green valleys. The land is rich there because it is watered by many rivers, called "Gaves". It also benefits from limestone contributions from the Pyrenees, which give these wines its particular taste. The "Foehn", this southerly wind, warms this country from the fall and throughout the winter. This oceanic climate, mild and moderate all year round, is ideal for growing vines!

The wine tradition is well rooted in the region. Henri IV, originally from Béarn, was a great gourmand and gourmet (and rascal!). This king knew how to put forward the products of his kingdom of birth and particularly his wines. Today, Béarn offers several Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). In particular, the vineyards of Jurançon, Madiran, Béarn, Saint-Mont, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh. Only one Protected Geographical Indication is present in Béarn (IGP): Comté Tolosan.

While browsing the vineyards, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the different grape varieties of the region: Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Tannat, Manseng, Raffiat de Moncade. But we won't tell you more, the visits to the estates and castles will allow you to discover all this...

Jurançon vineyards

Produced around Pau, Jurançon is a white wine, classified AOC. It has been recognized for a very long time. A legend even tells that Henry IV was blessed with a few drops during his baptism. White wine typical of Béarn, it is traditionally smooth. If you prefer it dry, be sure to check that the mention is indeed present on the label. It even tends towards the syrupy when it is vinified with grapes collected during the late harvest. It will accompany both savory and sweet dishes. It can be enjoyed from aperitif to dessert and will adapt to all your desires.

The Madiran and Pacherenc vineyards

Both recognized by the AOC, Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh share the same wine-growing region, in what is called the “ Cœur de Béarn ” and on the lands of “Vic-Bilh”. Near Orthez, Vic-Bilh borders Armagnac, Gers and Landes. The vineyards are on the sunny slopes of Gascony. But these two wines are nevertheless very different...

Madiran is a very tannic and robust red wine, with flavors of red fruits. It therefore goes wonderfully with red meats, duck and typical Béarn dishes.

Pacherenc is a white wine, close to Jurançon. It is traditionally a sweet wine, thanks to its late harvest. These fruity, spicy and sweet notes are very pleasant at the end of the meal. They go perfectly with cheeses and desserts. It will also highlight certain dishes, especially sweet and savory.

Some estates offer it in dry wine. The harvest is then earlier, in September. If it is dry, the label must mention it. In this case, it is more surprising. A little more tangy and fresh, it will be appreciated as an aperitif or with savory dishes.

• Did we make you want to visit this beautiful territory? So, we give you four good reasons to go on vacation in Vic-Bilh in our report.
• To learn more about Jurançon, Madiran and Pacherenc, see our page on Béarn vineyards.

The other vineyards of Béarn

Other wines enjoy a more local reputation but are very appreciated by the Bearn people. These include the "Saint-Mont". If it is less known, it is all the same in "AOC". You will find it in white, red, or rosé. Originally, only dry white wines were produced. Red and rosé wines are also very interesting. You will find recipe and pairing ideas on the Saint-Mont wines website .

“Comté Tolosan” is the only Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in Béarn. It is a vast vineyard which covers many departments. This local wine is available in red, rosé and white.

Wine tours

Many winegrowers offer wine tourism services. They will show you around their estate or offer you activities to help you discover their know-how, their passion and their land. Here is our selection:

Jurançon producers:

• The cooperative cellar of Jurançon de Gan producers reveals the secrets of the vineyard and the vinification of its Jurançon and Béarn wines. We tested it for you, follow our blogger in her immersive visit journey...

• Le Clos Lapeyre organizes tours of the cellar, its museum, the tasting cellar and invites you to explore the hiking trails in the heart of its vineyard.
• Le Cru Larose takes you to the slopes of St Faust in Béarn and offers you a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. To end the walk, you can taste its Jurançon wines in the cellar.
• In Monein, Domaine Cauhapé is recognized for its great dry and sweet Jurançon wines. In a refined setting, you can take a tour and a tasting.
• At Clos Laplume, tradition takes pride of place. You will discover the estate, the wines and their know-how in a very family atmosphere.
• At Domaine de Montaut, near Monein, you can take a walk in the vineyards, with the possibility of a picnic, a visit to the estate and a tasting of its production: aperitif, dry and soft Jurançon.
• The Domaine du Bosquet offers tours of the estate and a tasting.
• The Domaine de Tinou, in organic farming, will make you taste its dry and sweet Jurançon and its red Béarn, by reservation only

The Vineyard of Cru Larose. Source: Cru Larose

The producers of Madiran and Pacherenc Vic-Bilh:

• In Aydie, Domaine Damiens is an organic producer of Madiran, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and Comté Tolosan. This family of winegrowers offers tastings and “aperitifs vignerons”. You can also meet them during their “Open Days” in November, or take a stroll in the vineyard on foot or by mountain bike.

Come and taste a delicious organic bvin! Source: Domaine Damiens

• In Aurions-Idernes, Domaine du Crampilh offers Madiran, dry Pacherenc and sweet Pacherenc wines. During the harvest, the estate lets you discover its estate and its vintages.

The Domaine du Crampilh, Source: Domaine du Crampilh

Our wine tour is over! This wine region is rich and we cannot be exhaustive. You will therefore find many other sites to visit on site. We hope to have inspired you for the next holidays in Béarn.

Did this getaway in the vineyards of Béarn make you want to know more? To get to know this beautiful country better, consult our page.

To organize your stay more easily, discover our “Around me” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby tours and activities, a restaurant, or your accommodation.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide du Béarn Pyrénées.