14th edition of Vignes Toquées: a real dive into the heart of Costières de Nîmes with starred chef Franck Putelat

De gauche à droite : Patrick Mallet, Bernard Cabiron, Cyril Marès, Franck Putelat et Vincent Vergne. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

The appointment is made! The 14th edition of the famous gastronomic getaway in the heart of the Costières de Nîmes vineyards will take place on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2, 2024. Ticket sales open on Thursday February 1, at noon.

For all gourmets and lovers of good Gard wines, Vignes Toquées has become an event not to be missed under any circumstances. For the fourteenth time, the famous wine-gastronomic stroll organized by the winegrowers of Costières-de-Nîmes returns on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 to delight more than 3,000 enthusiasts ready to stroll along the path. a 7 kilometer route, starting from the Cave des vignerons de Montfrin.

Frank Putelat, new chef of Vignes Toquées

Exceptional chef from Carcassone and holder of two Michelin stars, Franck Putelat has the difficult task of succeeding Sébastien Bras to sign the menu for this 14th edition of the walk guided by the pleasure of the senses. This Wednesday, January 24, it was in his Nîmes restaurant Table du 2 that the chef elected Best Worker of France (Mof) in 2019 presented.

"Each cook is in the habit of leaving his signature. For this new edition I decided to use local products for a bold land and sea combination", begins by explaining the one who is aiming for a third Michelin star with his restaurant La table de Franck Putelat (Carcassonne). Oysters from the Thau basin in Aubrac tartare, parmentier, bouillabaisse revisited with foie gras and cassoulet, "a dish that I can hardly do without", are four of the six chefs culinary works which will be served during the different tasting stages. 

Before tackling the pavlova which will delight meringue lovers, an assortment of Jura cheeses (comté, morbier and Septmoncel blue) ;will be proposed. A choice orchestrated by Nîmes cheesemaker Vincent Vergne (Mof 2019).

And wine in all that ?

There are no less than 35 producers "who will offer all the diversity that our territory abounds", says Cyril Marès, new president of the Costières-de-Nîmes appellation. For the caterer Bernard Cabiron, "it's a sort of gastronomic concert of which we are the orchestra alongside the chef, the composer. Our challenge is to interpret a dish served in a gourmet restaurant by popularizing it to as many people as possible without distorting its flavors, explains the Montpellier caterer.

During this journey, visitors will be introduced to a different food and wine pairing at each stage. Sponsor of the previous edition, sports journalist Nelson Monfort gives way to Philippe Saint-André, seven-year captain of the XV tricolor and recent French champion at the head of MHR (Montpellier Hérault Rugby) in June 2022. "Philippe Saint-André brings his charisma and his love of the region", specifies Patrick Mallet, communications and events manager for Costières.

Departures every quarter of an hour, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in groups of 100 participants at the price of 77 euros; per person (3,400 places available). Ticket office opening on Thursday, February 1, at noon.

Minuit Toqué, the nightlife not to be missed!

This year will see the creation of a new evening format organized on Friday June 28, as if to celebrate the start of summer. It is in the vineyards of Château des Nages, on the heights of the town of Caissargues, that epicurean hikers will take a 1.5 kilometer route in a festive atmosphere. For this occasion, the six-course menu will be signed by two chefs who are members of the "Gard aux chefs" : Michel Kayser and Vincent Croizard. The dishes will be served at the table, like a banquet between vineyards and estates.

Departures at 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. at the price of 99 € per person (300 places available). Ticket office opening on Thursday, February 1, at noon.