A real French experience - Grape picking in the South of France

Wine harvest season starts in September – why not book a villa with us and experience this exciting season in the most beautiful vineyards in the South of France. We have a selection of last minute Holiday Homes in Provence, Languedoc and Cote d’Azur. 

Here is some advice to follow if you want to witness this seasonal activity.

A farmer’s grape harvest takes any time between 7 and 18 days. The weather during harvesting is still warm but there are less tourists so you get to explore more during your time off. Provence, Cote d’Azur and Languedoc are all famous for their high-quality wines and some vineyards still employ many people from all over the world during the grape harvest season. Usually there are three types of positions to be filled: cutters, carriers, and those who empty the buckets. ‘Les vendanges’ (grape harvest) is hard work but definitely a once in a lifetime experience. After a day of hard work it is traditional for the farmers to arrange drinks for the ‘vendangeurs’ (grape pickers) and some farmers even provide lunch or dinner.

Grape picking in France

Languedoc, Provence& Cote d’Azur as wine producers

Languedoc remains the largest wine producing region in the world (2800 wine producers) even though its reputation was bad until the 1980s because of overproducing cheap wine in the 1970s. This, however, changed and the region has since recovered its status as a high quality wine producer – wine production in the region is all about quality over quantity. Why not rent a villa in the Languedoc and visit some of the wine domaines doing exciting new blends such as La Croix Belle or Les Chemins de Bassac. Have a look at the stunning Maison Mimosa right next to the river Orb, close to La Croix Belle or the Luxury Villa Domaine de Bassac next to Les Chemins de Bassac.

The oldest and one of the most famous wine producing areas, Provence, is internationally known for its refreshing and crisp light pink rosé wine. The total land area, 27,000 hectares, covers both Provence and parts of Cote d’Azur. There are around 600 wine producers in Provence and Cote d’Azur producing around 170 million bottles of wine each year (88% rosé, 9% red and 3% white). Even though the region is most famous for its rosé, you should also try powerful and structured red wines or delicate and light whites. 

Delicious grapes

Appellation

The ‘Appellation d’origine controlée (AOC sometimes AOP)’ is the French certification granted to certain French products, such as wines. The certification was originally formed to protect the ancient wines in France and to preserve them for future generations. There are over 300 French wines that are entitled to the designation of AOC on their label – around 30 in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and approximately 10 in Provence/Cote d’Azur area. The most famous ones include Côtes de Provence, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte du Rhône, for example.

You can also find bottles that have been labelled as ‘Vin de Pays’ (VDP or IGP) – these wines are not necessarily lower quality than the AOC ones, they are wines that were made using grape varieties or procedures that were other than those required by the AOC rules. Some of the top wine producers especially in the Languedoc-Roussillon region have decided to work outside the AOC regulations meaning that ‘Vin de Pays’ wines are still excellent quality. There are now more than 150 VDP/IGP titles covering mostly locations in the South of France - we recommend trying the delicious wines of Mas de Daumas Gassac.

Many of our holiday homes in the South of France are situated close to the local wine domaines. If you want to stay in Languedoc, the biggest wine producing region in France, have a look at these properties:

Villa Elisabeth is perfect for 6 people,it has a private pool and it is very close to the beautiful Pezenas and Agde. It is also on special offer during September and October!

Lovely pool

If you are looking for a more contemporary holiday property in the Languedoc, check out Maison Nadine – it is situated right on the edge of a typical Mediterranean wine producing village making it the perfect spot if you want to do some grape picking.

Gorgeous views

Situated in a quiet wine growing village, Maison Minervois is a beautifully renovated and decorated Languedoc villa for 8 people – great location for your holiday in the South of France.

When you are looking for a South of France Luxury Villa, Casa St Elme is the perfect one! It sleeps 8 people, has a private pool, jacuzzi as well as magnificent views.

Casa St Elme

Fabulous views

Situated in one of the most beautiful villages in France,  La Grange in Roquebrun is a large villa with stunning views over the village. The local ‘appellation’ is St Chinian but some vineyards also produce wine for the ‘Faugères’ appellation. 

La Grange

Villa facade

Domaine de Beausejour is a charming 19^th century converted wine domaine very close to Beziers. It is also approximately 10km from the beach.

Domaine de Beausejour

Relax by the pool

When you want to stay in Provence, Villa Du Jardin right next to Aix-en-Provence is perfect if you want to witness the wine harvesting - there are several wine domaines in the region. This traditional Provencal villa has 5 bedrooms to sleep 8 people and also has a lovely private pool. 

Villa du Jardin

Beautiful pool area

If you would like to find out more about any of the featured properties above, or any of our other holiday villas in the South of France, Corsica or Morocco, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

UK: +44 (0)20 70 60 64 14

France: +33 (0)4 67 36 05 54

email: info@southfrancevillas.com

What to do in the South of France? - Wine tasting!

There is a reason the South of France is renowned for its wine…

Vineyards cover a vast area of land in the South of France. The Languedoc Roussillon region makes up 40% of France’s total vineyard area, which is evident when walking, cycling or driving around the region. Long hours of summer sun create a hot, dry climate which is perfect for grapes to ripen well and quickly.

Almost anything can be grown in the Languedoc region, and is. Provence is well known for its very pale, light and refreshing rosés. The Southwest is extremely diverse and venerable in wine-making and there are many grape varieties which can only grow here.

Certified organic “bio” wines (meaning organically produced from A to Z, from the vineyards to the processing) are now produced in the South. The Domains listed below all worked hard to offer lines of fully organic wine.

 Know the lingo:

• Domaine- an estate which produces wine
• Vigne- vine or vineyard
• Cave/caveau- storage cellar for wine

Sylva Plana- 04 67 93 43 55

Sylva Plana is a welcoming and modern Domaine in Laurens. There work a small team of ambitious individuals who, despite their success are very happy to talk to you and show you around. Régisse orchestrates the wine production in all its stages and can tell you about the different processes and grapes.

Wine-inspired modern artwork is displayed and sold around the Caveau and in the shop (look out for Jane Appleton’s work).  The shop also stocks a wide range of other produce, including foie gras at only €5, confit de volaille, terrine au piment d’espelette and confit d’ognions.

Sylva Plana also have a café and restaurant on site with a large outside seating area. You might find yourself eating vegetables and fruits from the chef’s very own potage (vegetable allotment)!

Our pick: under the recommendation of Régisse, the ‘Songe de l’Abbeye’ (made up primarily of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mouvèdre grapes) is a dark, fruity and full-bodied red wine that he buys. Perfect with red meat, chocolate and mature cheeses.

Château de La Liquière -  04 67 90 29 20

Château de La Liquière also has a modern feel when you step into the caveau, with bottles beautifully displayed on curved racks complementing the spiralling stairs. However, if you turn your attention to the detail of the foundations of the building, you will notice authentic stone floors beneath you, and around a corner the original caves with old, damp walls which smell of nothing but a wine cellar! Large shelves also display a variety of local products for sale including honey, tapenade, fleur de sel, fine olive oils and vinegars and even aubergine caviar!

The Vidals are a family of winemakers, the business started in 1960 and still run by them today. They strive to “remain faithful to our terroir and our country origins” whilst making better and better wines each year. They use organic manure and aim for perfectionism, handpicking harvest with great care.

Our pick: try their light, white flower and citrus white wine, Les Amandiers, or even Les Amandiers rosé with raspberry, redcurrant and crème caramel aromas.

Don’t miss: 

Cave de Roquebrun - 04 67 89 64 35

This is a great cave for wine tasting and gourmet local products! It sells some of the best wines known to the region.

Check out our article on Le Chameau Ivre - Where to Drink for a taste of what this is all about!

Our video featuring all of these wine Domains and more!

Did you know?

In the late 19^th century, the French government commissioned Louis Pasteur to study the French wine industry in order to decipher what was plaguing the wine. Understanding the role oxygen played, as well as the processes of yeast and fermentation was indispensable, and those same techniques are still used today, although aided by modern machinery. 

Leftover impure sediment can be used as a raw material in products such as lipstick.