In a typically Mediterranean landscape, wander around the lagoon and visit the vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet and Grès de Montpellier. We will then taste some fresh oysters of the Thau lagoon.
Meet your English speaking local guide guide
Meet your guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this small group half day languedoc wine & food tour with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the Thau lagoon for your oyster tour & tasting session.
Etang de Thau
The "oyster of Bouzigues", with its marbled shell, very serrated, and its iodized freshness enhanced with a hint of hazelnut, is a delight for the palate. After a short drive, we will reach the lagoon side, direction Mèze, Bouzigues or Marseillan, where a plate of oysters awaits, before an iodized visit of the oyster beds.
The absence of tides in the Mediterranean has imposed specific techniques: suspended farming using "tables" made up of rails supporting cross-beams and poles. Learn about this little known production and enjoy oysters that may still be in the water at the beginning of your visit.
Picpoul de Pinet Wine
The AOC Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet vineyards cover some 1400 hectares (3000 acres) around the Thau lagoon to the west of the Mediterranean Golfe de Lyon. It forms a triangle bounded by Agde, Pézenas and Sète and is the largest white wine producing area of the Languedoc. One of the oldest Languedoc grapes, the famous Picpoul de Pinet has been growing near the Thau Lagoon for centuries.
White is the most common, though both blush and black grapes are to be found. Picpoul de Pinet is not only splendid with seafood and shellfish as well as other traditional Mediterranean dishes, but also with cheese and chocolate. It’s best drunk young and cool.
The Montpellier Follies
All around Montpellier, between the 17th and 19th centuries, investors of the time built large domaines, hoping to make their fortunes through wine-making. Hence beautiful residences , some inspired by Venetian villas, came into being. They became known as « follies ». Two of them still remain, headed up by wine-makers of the Grés de Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon appellation.
Begin your wine tour and visit a magnificent wine estate, its Renaissance-style castle backed by its 11th century chapel and nestled in a lush garden. You will also visit the vinification cellar and the oak barrel cellar before tasting their range of white, red and rosé wines. After the visit & wine tasting session we will return to Montpellier and that will be the end of this half day tour.
