WINE
The Dordogne is a paradise for wine lovers. Among rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards and charming villages, you will discover the authentic taste of south-western France. From Ribérac, the world of wine lies at your feet: from the elegant wines of Bergerac to the famous appellations towards Bordeaux, such as Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Médoc.
Bergerac itself has a rich palette of wines – from fresh whites to powerful reds and seductive sweet wines, such as the famous Monbazillac, Montravel, Pécharmant, or Rosette. In the surrounding area, you will find countless wine châteaux where you will be welcomed for a tour and tasting, often surrounded by breathtaking views of the vineyards.
In our chambres d'hôtes, we bring this wine tradition to life: each room is named after a wine region around Bergerac – a subtle nod to the flavours and aromas of this region. Whether you come to taste, discover or simply enjoy French life, Ribérac is the ideal base for a wine journey full of charm and character.
Discover, taste and experience the Dordogne – where every wine tells a story.
MONBAZILLAC
Golden, luscious, and deeply aromatic – Monbazillac is one of the Dordogne’s true treasures. Perched on the hills south of Bergerac, this appellation is famous for its sweet white wines made primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes affected by the noble rot Botrytis cinerea. The result is a honeyed nectar with notes of apricot, quince, and acacia, perfectly balanced by a refreshing acidity. Monbazillac pairs beautifully with foie gras, blue cheese, or a fruit-based dessert, but it’s just as delightful enjoyed on its own as the sun sets over the vineyards. A visit to the Château de Monbazillac offers not only tastings of these golden wines but also panoramic views over the Dordogne valley – an experience that captures the soul of the region.
MONTRAVEL
Elegant and expressive, Montravel lies to the west of Bergerac, bridging the Dordogne and Bordeaux regions. The appellation produces both red and white wines of remarkable finesse. The whites, often made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, are crisp and aromatic, while the reds – crafted from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec – are smooth, structured, and deeply colored. Montravel’s wines reflect a unique terroir where limestone and clay soils give depth and balance. This lesser-known gem offers a perfect introduction to the sophistication of southwest France. For travelers who appreciate discovery off the beaten path, a tour through Montravel’s rolling vineyards and family-run estates promises both authenticity and warmth.
ROSETTE
Delicate, floral, and rare – Rosette is one of the Dordogne’s smallest and most charming appellations. Nestled on the hills north of Bergerac, this area produces subtly sweet white wines with a gentle golden hue. Crafted mainly from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Rosette wines are light, elegant, and delightfully balanced, offering aromas of white flowers, pear, and honey. They are perfect as an apéritif or paired with fruit tarts and soft cheeses. Because of its limited production, finding a bottle of Rosette feels like discovering a well-kept local secret. Visiting the vineyards around Rosette offers a glimpse into a peaceful, rural landscape where time seems to slow down – a place to savour life and wine at a gentler pace.
PÉCHARMANT
If Bergerac had a king among its wines, it would surely be Pécharmant. This prestigious red wine appellation, located on the hills northeast of Bergerac, produces rich, full-bodied wines with deep ruby color and aromas of ripe black fruit, spice, and earth. Blended from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, Pécharmant wines are aged in oak, developing complex flavors and excellent ageing potential. The gravelly soils of Pécharmant, unique in the region, lend the wines their characteristic power and structure. A visit here reveals a landscape dotted with stately châteaux and passionate vintners who continue centuries of winemaking tradition. Perfect with duck, game, or strong cheeses, Pécharmant embodies the depth and character of Dordogne’s red wines.
BERGERAC
Bergerac is the beating heart of the Dordogne’s wine country – a region of diversity, heritage, and generosity. Surrounding the historic town of the same name, the Bergerac appellation produces an astonishing range of wines: fresh whites, fruity rosés, and velvety reds. The reds, often Merlot-based, are supple and aromatic, while the whites balance crispness with floral elegance. Bergerac wines express the spirit of the southwest – authentic, welcoming, and full of flavor. Visitors can explore countless vineyards and cellars, where winemakers share their craft with warmth and pride. Whether you’re sipping a chilled white on a sunny terrace or enjoying a robust red by candlelight, Bergerac invites you to taste the good life at its most genuine.
BORDEAUX
The Bordeaux region - at around 1h30 drive from Ribérac - is a world of contrasts and elegance – where history, terroir, and craftsmanship come together to create wines of timeless character. From the Left Bank’s powerful reds to the Right Bank’s silky Merlots and the golden sweetness of Sauternes, each subregion tells its own story.
In the Médoc, gravelly soils near the Atlantic give rise to some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated wines. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme, producing structured, age-worthy reds with aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice. Legendary appellations like Margaux and Pauillac reflect centuries of tradition, their grand châteaux standing as monuments to winemaking excellence.
Further south, Graves offers a harmonious balance between red and white wines. The reds are refined and aromatic, while the whites – crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon – display remarkable freshness and minerality. In Pessac-Léognan, the region’s crown jewel, elegant blends meet centuries of heritage just outside Bordeaux city.
Across the Garonne River, the Right Bank reveals a softer, more intimate expression of Bordeaux. In Saint-Émilion, Merlot thrives on limestone slopes, yielding velvety wines filled with notes of ripe plum and chocolate. The medieval village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, radiates old-world charm, its vineyards wrapping around ancient churches and cobbled streets. Nearby Pomerol is smaller but equally captivating – its clay-rich soils nurturing opulent, sensuous Merlot wines that combine depth with irresistible smoothness.
Finally, in the southern reaches of the region, Sauternes turns winemaking into alchemy. Morning mists and sunny afternoons allow the noble rot Botrytis cinerea to transform grapes into golden jewels of sweetness. The result is a wine of unparalleled richness and balance, fragrant with honey, apricot, and citrus zest – a perfect match for foie gras, blue cheese, or dessert.
Exploring Bordeaux is to journey through layers of flavor, tradition, and landscape – from sunlit vineyards and majestic châteaux to intimate cellars and family-run estates. Whether you prefer the structure of Médoc, the freshness of Graves, the elegance of Saint-Émilion, the depth of Pomerol, or the decadence of Sauternes, each glass offers a taste of the region’s enduring passion for excellence. In Bordeaux, wine is more than a drink – it’s a way of life.
