Wine Tasting -Dégustation

Cahors is famed for it's red wine of the same name, more-often called the 'Black Wine', due to it's deep red colour, which appears almost black. Cahors is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) which forms part of the South West France wine region. The dominant grape variety in AOC Cahors wines is Malbec, which must make up a minimum of 70% of the wine, and which is known locally as "Côt", "Côt Noir" or "Auxerrois". It is supplemented by up to 30% Merlot and Tannat.

You can find many prearranged wine tasting tours all over the Lot Valley, but the truth is, there are over 200 different domaines in the area, and nearly all offer a "degustation" (tasting). The very best way to experience the vineyards the area has to offer, is to take a drive, and it won't take long until you see a sign for a domaine and an offer for "Degustation". Just drive in, and you'll soon be offered the wines that that domain produces!

We include a few vineyards and chateaux to get you started and don't forget, it's also worth checking with the Lot tourist board for more information.

Our suggestions

Château de Cayx

Situated at the heart of the wine district of Cahors, the Château de Cayx is listed as far back as the 15th Century. An ancient fort constructed to control the traffic on the Lot River. Perched on the slope of a hill, the Château de Cayx overlooks a curve of the Lot River, as well as the small village of Caïx, situated within the district of Luzech.

The vineyard is mainly planted with Malbec, but also includes Merlot and Tannat, which are traditionally used for Cahors wines.

The shop at the Château de Cayx is open to the public Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 am to noon and from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Visits of the winery and tasting upon reservation only.

46140 Caix (directions)
Tel: 06 75 88 39 49
Website

Château Lagrézette

The history of Château Lagrézette goes back to the 12th century. At that time, the site was a medieval fortress.

In 1982 the Chateau Lagrézette was classified as a historical monument and today it stands proud and magnificent amid its vines: a domaine of 90 hectares that gives the château wines their nobility.

A visit is strongly recommended, especially for the wine lovers amongst you.

Open daily from 10h to 18h.
46140 Caillac (directions)
Website

Château de Mercures

The vineyard of Château Vincens is located in the heart of the vineyards of Cahors at the junction of the villages of Luzech, St Vincent Rive d'Olt and Cambayrac. The vineyard of Château Vincens extends over 38 hectares.

The Château produces red, rosé and white on the appellations of Côtes Cahors, Lot. Some very simple and light, some more complex and intense, but all vvery good. Also try a selection of regional products conserves, foie gras and champagne.

Wine tasting is available, along with and a tour of the vineyards and facilities.

Winter: 9am to Mid-day Monday to Saturday. Summer: 09:30am - Mid-day and 2pm - 6pm Monday to Saturday
46140 Luzech
https://chateaudemercues.com/

Domaine de Capelanel

In 2001, Sébastien Dauliac, the descendant of a long line of winemakers dating back to 1870 returned to Domaine de Capelanel. He began a period of observation and testing on the property. In 2005, he signed his first cuvée. His wine was noticed by Decanter and by the Hachette guide, since then the small 14-hectare property has become more and more renown with each passing year.

Sébastien works with as little treatments as possible and crafts very specific cuvees combining age of the vines and quality of soil. A distinctive feature of his wines, is that he believes maturing in Oak casks is not a necessary to make really fine cuvées. He offers his wines in two versions, matured in oak or without. Both versions offer body and complexity.

46140 Luzech
Website

Château Eugénie

An Independent Vineyard, the Couture family offers you its Cahors (A.O.P.) wines, and its range of Local Wines (Côtes du Lot IGP), as well a traditional aperitif, the Ratafia', and Grape Juice.

Located in the heart of Cahors vineyards area, the vines of Chateau Eugenie symbolize perfect harmony between nature and wine. Planted on the terraces of the Lot valley, the vineyards of Chateau Eugenie enjoy some remarkable sunshine.

Rivière Haute - 46140 Albas
https://chateaueugenie.com/

Château Vincens

The vineyard of Château Vincens is located in the heart of the vineyards of Cahors at the junction of the villages of Luzech, St Vincent Rive d'Olt and Cambayrac. The vineyard of Château Vincens extends over 38 hectares.

The Château produces red, rosé and white on the appellations of Côtes Cahors, Lot. Some very simple and light, some more complex and intense, but all vvery good. Also try a selection of regional products conserves, foie gras and champagne.

Wine tasting is available, along with and a tour of the vineyards and facilities.

Winter: 9am to Mid-day Monday to Saturday.
Summer: 09:30am - Mid-day and 2pm - 6pm Monday to Saturday
46140 Luzech
https://www.chateauvincens.fr/