The vineyards of Terres de Garrigues & Pic Saint-Loup

The vineyards of the Grand Pic Saint-Loup, nestling between limestone hills and scrubland, enjoy a unique, unspoilt natural setting, between the Mediterranean coast and the foothills of the Cévennes.

International recognition

Since 2014, the Grand Pic Saint-Loup area has been part of the international network of Winegrowing Landscapes, also known as the  "Charte de Fontevraud", an initiative of excellence that highlights the splendour of our winegrowing landscapes.

Our spectacular vineyards

The Terres de Garrigues and Pic Saint-Loup destination offers remarkable views of the vines and garrigue, two key components of our landscapes. The garrigue, a real reservoir of biodiversity, provides natural protection for this terroir (presence of species that protect the vines from pests) and has a direct influence on the aromas of the wines.

But vineyards have always been linked to other agricultural production, which is less common today. This polyculture has shaped the picture before your eyes: we speak here of a "mosaic of landscapes", the centrepiece of which is the vine.

The region is home to a remarkable site of wild vines, the lambrusque, the ancestor of all the grape varieties grown in the world. However, the term "vignes engarriguées" (engarrigated vines) is most often used to describe our wine-growing landscapes, an expression that best reveals the unique identity of these vineyards, which flourish in an unspoilt, almost intimate setting.

The viewpoints at the top of the Pic, the Puech des Mourgues, the Roc des mates, the Château de Saint-Jean-de-Buèges etc... offer privileged views of our vineyards from all four corners of the destination. But you can be just as surprised, and at any time: around a bend in the road, along a footpath, on board a canoe... everywhere the vine can appear, unexpectedly, before your very eyes !

The soul of our vineyards

The vine has become the driving force behind the local economy, bearing witness to an independent history forged by pioneers, builders and conquerors. 
A history of hard work by men and women, built on respect for the land.

Vineyards of men and women, driving the economy

Vines are more than just an integral part of the local economy; they are its driving force. There are few activities that are not economically linked to the vine, particularly in the period 1850-1950: sheep farming, wood and forestry, glass, verdet, electricity production, sericulture... A family business in which everyone participates.

In 1955, the Pic Saint-Loup wines were awarded the VDQS label, followed in 2016 by the AOP Pic Saint-Loup marking the culmination of a long-term effort to gain recognition for the quality of the wines produced in this region, which has led to increased recognition and economic success.

Today, winegrowing is no longer the preserve of men. Our destination proudly boasts several estates run by women who put quality at the heart of their commitment. The new generations are also bringing a fresh, modern outlook and ideas to the vineyards, making them more dynamic. Strong bonds based on a shared passion to create surprising cuvées and make a name for themselves.

Vineyards with an independent spirit

Unlike most of the vineyards in Occitanie, our vineyards developed away from the main roads and waterways. As foothill vineyards, trade was directed towards the Causses and Cévennes.

The Terres de Garrigues and Pic Saint-Loup winegrowers have in their genes an artisanal approach, including in the sense of quality, as well as an intimate knowledge of the terroirs and a family structure of the farms, thanks to the small size of certain estates.

These environmental values are of paramount importance to our winegrowers, enabling the Vignobles & Découvertes to forge a real dynamic of sustainable development and organic farming. To date, more than half of our 25 winegrowing estates in the destination are already committed to organic or biodynamic farming, and others are well on the way to conversion.

Vineyards of conquerors and builders

Farmers cleared the land, cleared the stones, built and then conquered the water to conquer the forests and garrigue.

Today, the vineyards of the Terres de Garrigues and Pic Saint-Loup region have emerged victorious from this economic conquest compared with other activities (pastoralism, sericulture, olive growing, etc.).

This tradition of building has lasted right up to the present day. It's an enduring heritage that is reflected in the character of the wines.

Vineyards in harmony with nature

Occitanie is proud to be France's No. 1 organic region, accounting for ¼ of France's organic farms. The Terres de Garrigues et du Pic Saint-Loup destination reflects the determination of its producers to work ever more respectfully with the land.

On your way to discover our landscapes and winegrowers...