Oenology: 5 places to understand local wine

L’Hérault est une terre de viticulture. Voici une liste (non exhaustive) des domaines viticoles du département.

Mas du Minister (Mauguio)

At the gates of Montpellier, the Mas du Ministre offers a wide range of rosé, white and red wines. The 40 hectares of the 16th century estate are home to a wide variety of Mediterranean grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, etc. Since 2015, the wine-growing farmhouse has moved towards organic farming. The estate also has a restaurant, open for lunch from Tuesday to Saturday and Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Mas du Ministre also offers themed evenings every week, between Thursday and Saturday, between cocktail bar, restaurant and tapas. Every Thursday, DJ set and afterwork, Fridays retro chic evenings and Saturdays, general party with various musical styles.

Le Mas du Ministre in Mauguio. D.R.

Domaine des Augustins (Saint-Mathieu de Tréviers)

It is in the Pic Saint Loup cru that the Clos des Augustins vines are located. On more than 55 hectares of land, the grapes are harvested when ripe. The harvest is done manually or mechanically and then the vinification is done in thermo-regulated vats. Red, white and rosé wines are offered for sale. Each wine has its own blend: Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay, Mourvèdre and other grape varieties. One of the estate's white wines, Les Secrets de Monique, has its blend kept secret.

2 route de Sommières 34270 Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers.

Le Clos des Augustins. D.R.

Mas des Colibris (Gignac)

The first vintage of Mas des Colibris was born in 2015. The vineyard is located on a terroir classified as AOP Languedoc/Grés de Montpellier. The oldest vines, Carignan and Grenache, are over 70 years old and 15 to 20 years old for Syrah, Grenache, Merlot and Chardonnay. In total, 12 ha of vines are scattered across the estate to produce rosé, white or red wines. Organic farming, where the harvests are done by hand with natural vinification. The estate also offers walks in the vineyards and wine tastings.

masdescolibris@gmail.com or 06 14 82 23 25.

The vines of Mas des Colibris. D.R.

Domaine Saint-Jean de l’Arbousier (Castries)

The estate's wines have been certified organic since 2013. Red, white and rosé wines with different flavors. In addition to its winemaking activities, the estate organizes events in its 110-hectare natural space. From July 5th to August 30th, concert evenings, wines and food trucks are organized every Friday. From August 6th to August 27th, every Tuesday, the “laughter in a bottle” event is on the program, combining comedy and wines. The estate also offers unusual nights in treehouses or wine and wine tourism.

Monday to Sunday from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm contact@domaine-arbousier.fr or 04 67 87 04 13.

The Saint-Jean de l’Arbousier estate. D.R.

Domaine Uma (Valflaunès)

The Domaine is located opposite Pic Saint Loup and covers 120 hectares of vines. To produce its rosé, white and red wines, the estate planted new grape varieties in 2021: fiano, albarinho, sangiovese and cournoise. At the same time, the estate offers a varied programme. The “Autour des blancs” event is held on Thursdays, August 8 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., a tasting of four white wines from the estate around tapas accompanied by a musical atmosphere. Since spring, the estate has also been organizing starred dinners with renowned chefs. The next one will take place on Saturday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. It is also possible to do wine tourism by visiting the cellar or walking in the vineyards. “Wine and chocolate” and “Wine and cheese” workshops are organized.

Reservation 48 hours in advance. Duration 1 hour 30 minutes. Prices: between 15 euros; and 35 € per person. Tel.: 06 14 43 41 76.

The Uma domain, facing Pic Saint Loup.