The vineyards of Terres de Garrigues & du Pic Saint-Loup

Our spectacular vineyards

The destination Terres de Garrigues et du Pic Saint-Loup offers remarkable viewpoints over the vines and the scrubland, strong components of our landscapes. The scrubland, a true reservoir of biodiversity, constitutes a natural protection for this terroir (presence of species that protect against vine pests) and has a direct influence on the aromas of the wines.

However, the vineyards have always been linked to other agricultural productions, less present today. This polyculture has shaped the picture that is presented to your eyes: we speak here of a “mosaic of landscape” of which the central piece remains the vine. 

The soul of our vineyards

The viewpoints at the top of the Pic, from Puech des Mourgues, from Roc des mates, from Château de Saint-Jean-de-Buèges etc… offer, at the four corners of the destination, privileged viewpoints over our vineyards.

But one can also be surprised, at any moment: around a bend, along a footpath, by the side of a canoe… anywhere the vine can appear, unexpectedly, before your eyes!

The vine has become the engine of the local economy, thus bearing witness to an independent history forged by clearers, builders and conquerors. 
A story of men and women made of hard work, built in respect for the land.

Vineyards of men and women, engine of the economy

The vine is more than an integral part of the local economy; it is an engine. Few activities are not economically linked to the vine, notably in the period 1850-1950: The raising of sheep, the exploitation of wood and forests, glass, verdet, electricity production, silk farming… A family business in which everyone participates.

In 1955, it was the recognition of Vins du Pic Saint-Loup VDQS and then in 2016 the AOP Pic Saint-Loup that shows the accomplishment of years of work to have the quality of wines from this terroir recognized, allowing for an increase in notoriety and a beautiful economic development.

Today, running a vineyard is no longer reserved for men. Our destination proudly counts several estates led by women who put quality at the heart of their commitment. New generations also bring a fresh, modern perspective and thus energize the operations. Very strong ties around a shared passion to create surprising cuvées and to make a name for themselves.

Vineyards with an independent spirit

Unlike most vineyards in Occitanie, our vineyards have developed away from major roads and waterways. Hill vineyards, commercial exchanges were made towards the Causses and the Cévennes.

There is in the genes of the winemakers of Terres de Garrigues and Pic Saint-Loup an artisanal approach, including in terms of quality, as well as an intimate knowledge of the terroirs and a family structure of operations due to the small size of some estates.

Vineyards of conquerors and builders

The farmers cleared, stoned, built and then went to conquer water to take over forests and scrubland.

Today, the vineyards of the Terres de Garrigues and Pic Saint-Loup destination have emerged victorious from an economic conquest compared to other activities (pastoralism, sericulture, olive farming…).

This tradition of builders has continued to this day. A legacy that is very present in the character of the wines.

Vineyards in harmony with nature

Occitanie can be proud to be the 1st Bio region in France, representing alone ¼ of French organic farms. The destination Terres de Garrigues and Pic Saint-Loup truly reflects this desire of producers to always work more in respect of the land.

These environmental values are a significant part among our winemakers and allow the Vineyards & Discoveries network to forge a real dynamic of sustainable development and organic agriculture. To date, more than half of our 25 wine estates in the destination are already engaged in organic farming or biodynamics, and others are well on their way to conversion.