A brief guide to the vineyards of Languedoc

By Harriet O'Brien

Saturday, 6 December 2008

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ALAMY

Feeling fruity: the region has a rich viticulture

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There are plenty of opportunities to stay at vineyards, with accommodation ranging from small B&Bs to more established hotels – usually with a great deal of charm and character.

Just 2km from the coast at Narbonne Plage, Château l’Hospitalet is set in the dramatic Clape range of rocky hills, a protected area where orchids, thyme and rosemary grow in the wild. A faint scent of herbs and sea infuses the wine produced here.

A free hospital run by monks was established on this site in the Middle Ages and today’s restaurant and 38-room hotel carefully build on that original sense of hospitality. There are bikes to borrow, guides to take you around some of the 1,000 hectares of moorland that are part of the property, and art and craft workshops, while on Friday evenings live jazz is played in the restaurant.

Château l’Hospitalet is the headquarters of energetic winemaker Gerard Bertrand who owns five estates comprising 325 hectares of vines across Languedoc-Roussillon. The large “cave” in the hotel complex showcases his extensive range of wines while honey, olives, truffles and other produce of the estates are offered in a shop.

Accommodation on a more intimate scale is presented at Château de Raissac near Beziers. The 86- hectare estate has been in the Viennet family for six generations and produces everything from Cabernet Sauvignon and Rose to Viognier and dry Muscat across a varied range of hills and sunny river valley. The elegant chateau itself dates from the early 19th century and is the home of Jean and Christine Viennet, respectively artist and ceramicist. This delightfully laid-back place is full of surprises, not least a museum housing Christine’s extensive collection of porcelain.

Meanwhile for a great combination of vineyards, striking grounds and chic modern luxury, head to Domaine de Verchant near Montpellier. This atmospheric boutique hotel offers 16 sleek bedrooms, tennis court, infinity swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and a brand new spa.

Where to stay on a vineyard

Château l’Hospitalet, Route de Narbonne Plage, near Narbonne (00 33 4 68 45 28 50) Doubles from €90, excluding taxes (breakfast is an extra €8.90/£7.40). Or come on a Friday night when dinner (including wine), jazz concert and bed and breakfast costs just €199 for two.

Château de Raissac, Chemin de Carlet, Route deLignan, near Beziers (00 33 46749 17 60) Doubles from €100 (£83) including breakfast. Domaine de Verchant, 1 Boulevard Philippe Lamour, Castelnau-Le-Lez (00 33 4 67 07 26 00) Doubles from €190 including breakfast.

Where to learn more

Vinecole, Domaine de Gayda, Chemin de Moscou, Brugairolles (00 33 4 68 31 64 14) is a new wine school located near Carcasonne. Half-hour tasting sessions cost €15, one-day wine courses €175. Longer courses (with luxury gite accommodation) are also available