Our first vineyard visit upon arriving in French wine country heightened our enthusiasm for more wine experiences.
Consequently, we proceeded to Maison des Vins de Bergerac located in Bergerac for further wine tastings (*I ultimately acquired a bottle of a delightfully sweet white to bring home.*).
The Maison boasts a broad selection of wines from the region, making it an excellent destination for those pressed for time or interested in conducting preliminary *cough* “taste research” prior to deciding which wineries to visit in Bergerac and the Dordogne.
Upon concluding our wine tasting, we joyfully headed to Bistrot du Presbytère in nearby Queyssac for dinner. I started with a gizzard salad (it featured foie gras, which I opted to exchange as I am not particularly fond of it), followed by duck confit, and finished with a classic favorite—crème brûlée!
Having thoroughly indulged, we returned to our French Castle for a well-deserved night’s rest, prepared to explore further the following day.
The subsequent morning featured a rush of deliciousness as I devoured some of the flakiest croissants, entirely captivated by the view of the Chateau.
There were dimensions of the Chateau yet to explore from the previous day, prompting a wander through its numerous wings until shouts from Lloyd reminded me of our driver’s arrival to take us to our first vineyard of the day.
Our first location was Château de Bélingard, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the picturesque French countryside and intriguing history.
Interestingly, this château is situated on what was once druid land.
A storm, which ultimately damaged portions of the château, unearthed the remnants of these druids during repairs.
Amongst the findings was a stone alleged to have been used for decapitating virgins or potential druids who failed to demonstrate the necessary signs of being deemed worthy.
As a result, the local lore certainly lends a macabre charm to the vineyard exploration.
Our group meandered through the grounds before entering the tasting rooms at Château de Bélingard, indulging in various wines.
After savoring numerous delectable wine varieties, we bid farewell to the château and resumed our journey.
Our next destination was somewhat spontaneous; we had originally intended to visit another vineyard but decided to explore Château de Monbazillac instead after hearing recommendations.
Even from afar, it was evident we had made the right decision. Nestled at the end of a vineyard, the château embodies undeniable French elegance.
Indeed, I instinctively began capturing an extensive number of photographs to convey this spectacular experience to all of you!
I understand this may appear overwhelming due to the volume of images presented, yet you can only imagine the quantities I have filtered down through elimination!
In conclusion, while it may seem that autumn or winter could be less favorable periods for a wine tour in France, this assumption is misguided. The vineyards, adorned in their yellow-hued foliage, possess their own unique charm, particularly in the midday light.
Therefore, there is truly no “wrong” time to explore French wine country, as each season delivers its own ethereal essence, complemented by a continuous supply of wine to enjoy at any time of year.
