The Montpellier region has a very strong history with wine, and this has been going on for a very long time and at the time when the Romans structured the vineyard. This estate contributed to the enrichment of the capital of the Hérault in the 19th century. In the 1980s, the real qualitative revolution that we are witnessing gave birth to the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc, which has been called AOC Languedoc since 2007. A stay in the Montpellier region is therefore an opportunity to practice wine tourism in a region that has prestigious wine estates and is now ranked among the best vineyards in the world by the greatest specialists in the field

Walks in the vineyards, tastings and discovery of a rich architectural heritage

Large estates were built around Montpellier between the 17th and 19th centuries. For visitors, they are an opportunity to discover an architectural heritage of great beauty, including residences inspired by Italian villas, and to stroll around the vineyards. The owners also open their doors to participate in a tasting, a simple visit and some events may take place from time to time such as concerts. Among these estates are the splendid castles of Flaugergues in Montpellier and Assas and the Engarran and its wine museum in Lavérune. Those also known as "Folies Montpelliéraines" combine prestigious homes and beautiful nature. There is also Château de Fourques, a place where the winegrower takes the time to stroll through the vines with you and tell you the history of the estate, full of anecdotes, before giving way to tastings of raw wine from the vats or bottled. Always in the middle of the vines, we also have the opportunity during walks to meet historical monuments such as an abbey, let us quote that of Vignogoul in Pignan or that of Valmagne in Villeveyrac, places where Benedictines and Benedictines contributed to make the surrounding vines prosperous in distant times. And what about the incredible cathedral of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, isolated on its islet between the sea and the lagoons. Once the refuge of the Popes of Rome, it is now an exceptional site with an organic and supportive wine estate.

When wine is at the heart of great events and unusual experiences

A region rich in vineyards has enough to inspire the creation of many events and activities that enrich the regional cultural agenda. At the end of November, during a three-day weekend, the Fête des Vignes is the opportunity to meet the main winegrowers and participate in tastings on the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle. The weekend is also animated by games, workshops and musical moments. On Sundays, the winegrowers welcome the public directly to their estate and invite them to come and taste the wines, taste buffets made with local products, all in a friendly, festive and musical atmosphere. In summer, still on the same esplanade, Montpellier invites residents and holidaymakers to meet every Friday evening for the Estivales, a highlight where oenology workshops, conferences, tastings and crafts are offered, always in a festive atmosphere. Also not to be missed is the Montpellier Wine Tours, the wine tourism tours that leave from the Place de l'Europe from Monday to Saturday, with the possibility of organizing private excursions on Sundays. The concept is to lead the participants to the heart of the most beautiful vineyards and to discover the landscapes, the vines and to learn more about the making and working of wine. Not to mention, of course, the inevitable moments of tasting. Half-day or full-day excursions are available and include trips to the villages and vineyards of the Larzac terraces, the sandstone capitals of Montpellier or the Pic Saint-Loup. To enjoy an unusual experience, why not rent a tree house at the Domaine de Saint-Jean-de-l'Arbousier. Located in the heights of the village of Castries, between mountains, sea and vineyards, this beautiful 12th century estate offers the rental of cabins to wake up with your head in the foliage, to contemplate the surrounding landscapes from above and, if you wish, toast directly from the trees

Oenology, a passion and a whole art that is transmitted

It is in a former winegrower's farmhouse that the Languedoc Wine School has taken its place to offer enthusiasts, amateurs, the curious and professionals the opportunity to discover Languedoc wines and the AOC. Initiation workshops, gastronomic, exceptional, internships, oenological days and professional training are offered by an expert team from the AOC Languedoc, great connoisseurs who are also known for their willingness and pleasure to share their knowledge. This school allows amateurs to come and spend pleasant moments around wine, but also a professional public to train, in a wine shop, restaurant or hotel context

Finally, it is important to mention the wine guide, an essential tool in the discovery of the vineyards of the Montpellier region and the AOC Languedoc. It exists in paper, digital format, and an application is even dedicated to it. It lists all the domains in the region and all the valuable information such as descriptions, opening hours and accesses. There is even the possibility to consult the notices before going there via the application and to see the places to visit in the area

With its many vineyards, Montpellier - and its region - occupies a prime position among the regions where it is good to go to discover the culture and production of wine. It is an ideal place to practice wine tourism with the possibility of discovering wonderful wine estates, rich in beautiful vines and historical monuments that reveal a long history. It is also the opportunity to participate in many events around wine, notice to wine lovers