The Dordogne Valley is renowned for its fabulous food and wonderful wine. Everywhere you go you’ll find marvellous markets, authentic country inns, village bistros, brasseries and Michelin starred restaurants. The lush vineyards produce superb wines, especially in the Bergerac region…
Vins de Bergerac (Bergerac wines)
Bergerac’s vineyards are incredibly diverse, producing reds, dry whites, rosés, sparkling and sweet wines. The wine region spreads over a large area on both sides of the Dordogne River, divided between alluvial terraces (right bank) and limestone plateaus (left bank). It encompasses 93 villages and over 12,000 hectares of vines producing 13 ‘Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée’ (AOC). Well-known names from the region are Monbazillac, Montravel, Pécharmant, Rosette and Saussignac.
Fine wine and chateau accommodation
At the Chateau Masburel, a historic wine domaine in Fougueyrolles, close to the town of Bergerac, they make award winning wines in the grounds of their luxury, gorgeous chateau B&B. And it’s not just the wine that wins accolades, their adults-only accommodation is also multi award winning.
All their suites have views over the courtyard and to the vines in the distance. Every room is named in honour of a famous French character including the original founder of the castle, one Jean de Sambellie. A consul to King Louis XV France, in 1740 he had the castle built, and a keen wine-lover, promptly planted a vineyard.
Hosts Chris Walker and Irma Lazickiene love to show guests around the vineyard and winery and of course include a visit to the wine tasting rooms. They also love to share their favourite things to do in the area, including the fabulous foodie festivals…
Foodie Events in Dordogne
French cuisine is an important element of the culture of France and in the Dordogne Valley it’s celebrated with year-round foodie events.
Don’t miss:
In August ‘L’assiette de Cyrano’ in Bergerac, a fabulous food and wine festival in the town centre.
Truffle festival: Held annually 3rd weekend of January in Sarlat.
Truffle Markets: In Sarlat Wednesdays from December to February; Saturdays from December to March. Mondays from November to February at Saint-Alvère.
The ‘Fest’Oie Festival is held annually 3rd Sunday of February in Sarlat, a celebration of all things goose from workshops to a grand lunch. In Brive the ‘Foires grasses’ markets specialise in foie gras, truffles, goose and duck products.
In February: Sarlat Walnut Festival is an opportunity to discover all the good things that can come from a walnut with activities and stands devoted to its products. There is also a competition to find the best local walnut oil.
In September: Gourmet Celebration Days in Sarlat. Taste local products, take part in cooking workshops and learn from demonstrations at a festival dedicated to local gastronomic delights. You can also join a walk with sheep as they are herded from their summer to their winter pastureland.
Find out more and book at: chateau-masburel.com
