Uncorking Paradise – Exploring Wine Routes in the Vendée
Discover the hidden gems of France's Vendée region with our guide to the enchanting Wine Routes in the Vendée. Uncork paradise as you explore historic vineyards, savour unique grape varieties, and create unforgettable memories. Your wine adventure awaits!
Savouring the Vendée’s Wine Wonderland
Check Out These Local Wine Routes
Welcome, fellow wine enthusiasts and adventurous couples, to a journey that promises to uncork the secrets of the wine routes in the Vendée region of France. Picture this: rolling vineyards bathed in the golden hues of a setting sun and the exquisite taste of wines born from this enchanting land. If you have a love for good local wines, you're in for a treat. Let's embark on a wine adventure that will tantalise your taste buds and warm your hearts.
A Little Wine, A Lot of Love
My personal journey into the world of Vendée wine routes began with a move to the southern Vendée back in 2006. We always enjoyed exploring local vineyards when on holiday, and once we moved here, we were surprised at how good the local wines were. The Vendée has a rich wine culture and lots of hidden treasures – a perfect area for an afternoon’s wine tasting!
The Vendée Wine Scene: A Historical Sip
A Glimpse into Vendée's Wine History
Before we dive into the wine routes in the Vendée, let's touch on the region's history. The Vendée has been producing wines for centuries, and the winemaking tradition here runs deep.
Wine was introduced to the Vendée during the Roman period, and it was later cultivated by monks in the Middle Ages. It was only after the second world war that the quality of the local wines really began to improve. In 1953 local vineyards were grouped together under the name of Fiefs du Cardinal and later this changed to Fiefs Vendéennes in 1965. Eventually local winegrowers obtained the label of ‘Vin de Pays, then in 1984, they became ‘Appellation d’Origine Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieur. In 2011, the local wines obtained the prestigious label of AOC ‘Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée’ – putting the Vendée well and truly on the wine map!
Before we dive into the wine routes in the Vendée, let's touch on the region's history. The Vendée has been producing wines for centuries, and the winemaking tradition here runs deep.
Wine was introduced to the Vendée during the Roman period, and it was later cultivated by monks in the Middle Ages. It was only after the second world war that the quality of the local wines really began to improve. In 1953 local vineyards were grouped together under the name of Fiefs du Cardinal and later this changed to Fiefs Vendéennes in 1965. Eventually local winegrowers obtained the label of ‘Vin de Pays, then in 1984, they became ‘Appellation d’Origine Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieur. In 2011, the local wines obtained the prestigious label of AOC ‘Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée’ – putting the Vendée well and truly on the wine map!
Grape Varieties of the Vendée
The Vendée is home to some unique grape varieties you won't find anywhere else.
White wines from the Chenin and Chardonnay grape varieties represent around 20% of the local production, whilst the red and rosé wines account for around 40% each and come from the Pinot noir, Gamay noir, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Négrette grape varieties.
Vineyards and Terroir
Now, let's talk terroir. The Vendée's diverse landscapes, from coastal vineyards kissed by sea breezes to inland plots nestled among forests, give its wines their character. You'll taste the essence of the land in every glass.
The Vendée is home to some unique grape varieties you won't find anywhere else.
White wines from the Chenin and Chardonnay grape varieties represent around 20% of the local production, whilst the red and rosé wines account for around 40% each and come from the Pinot noir, Gamay noir, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Négrette grape varieties.
Vineyards and Terroir
Now, let's talk terroir. The Vendée's diverse landscapes, from coastal vineyards kissed by sea breezes to inland plots nestled among forests, give its wines their character. You'll taste the essence of the land in every glass.
Planning Your Vendée Wine Adventure
When to Go
Choosing the right season for your Vendée wine adventure is crucial. Spring offers vibrant vineyards, while the harvest season in late summer and early autumn is a sensory delight. We love to visit the vineyards in the late summer/early autumn – when the leaves are turning brown, and the fruits are bursting on the vines.
Getting There
Getting to the Vendée is easier than you might think. Nantes and La Rochelle airports are gateways to the region. You can rent a car to explore the wine routes in the Vendée at your own pace, or you can bring your own car over from the UK or other parts of Europe and then drive down to the Vendée. (This is the best option, as you will be able to return home with lots of wines in the boot of your car!)
Accommodation
The Vendée Holiday Cottages website offers lots of suitable accommodation – open throughout the year – and not too far from the main wine routes in the Vendée. Pop over to our Holiday Home Map page to see what is on offer. Click here to view holiday cottages available on this site …
Wine Tasting Etiquette
Before embarking on a wine route tour of the Vendée, you should familiarise yourselves with wine tasting etiquette. Remember to swirl, sniff, and savour. Ask questions and engage with winemakers; their passion is infectious. If French is not your first language, you will be happy to learn that many of the vineyards have an English-speaking member of staff who will be more than happy to help with your tasting and selection.
Choosing the right season for your Vendée wine adventure is crucial. Spring offers vibrant vineyards, while the harvest season in late summer and early autumn is a sensory delight. We love to visit the vineyards in the late summer/early autumn – when the leaves are turning brown, and the fruits are bursting on the vines.
Getting There
Getting to the Vendée is easier than you might think. Nantes and La Rochelle airports are gateways to the region. You can rent a car to explore the wine routes in the Vendée at your own pace, or you can bring your own car over from the UK or other parts of Europe and then drive down to the Vendée. (This is the best option, as you will be able to return home with lots of wines in the boot of your car!)
Accommodation
The Vendée Holiday Cottages website offers lots of suitable accommodation – open throughout the year – and not too far from the main wine routes in the Vendée. Pop over to our Holiday Home Map page to see what is on offer. Click here to view holiday cottages available on this site …
Wine Tasting Etiquette
Before embarking on a wine route tour of the Vendée, you should familiarise yourselves with wine tasting etiquette. Remember to swirl, sniff, and savour. Ask questions and engage with winemakers; their passion is infectious. If French is not your first language, you will be happy to learn that many of the vineyards have an English-speaking member of staff who will be more than happy to help with your tasting and selection.
Exploring the Vendée Wine Routes
There are 15 wine growers spread out over 418 hectares of land under the label AOC Fief Vendéen. The wine growing area is divided into 5 separate zones of production: Brem, Chantonnay, Mareuil, Pissotte and Vix.
There are also many other small vineyards dotted around the Vendée that do not fall under the AOC Fief Vendéen label and are also worth visiting.
There are also many other small vineyards dotted around the Vendée that do not fall under the AOC Fief Vendéen label and are also worth visiting.
Route 1: Coastal Vineyards around Brem
Explore the northern coast of the Vendée
Spend the morning on the amazing beach at Bretignolles sur Mer, and then have a drive around some of the smaller family-run vineyards in the surrounding countryside.
In Brem you will find:
Domaine de Garennes - open Saturday mornings, or by appointment
Domaine Saint Nicolas - open throughout the year
Domaine des Granges - open throughout the year
Domaine d'Éric Sage - guided tours in English, Dutch and French
Domaine du Lux en Roc - open every day and group visits by appointment
Domaine L'Orée du Sabia - visits by appointment
Spend the morning on the amazing beach at Bretignolles sur Mer, and then have a drive around some of the smaller family-run vineyards in the surrounding countryside.
In Brem you will find:
Domaine de Garennes - open Saturday mornings, or by appointment
Domaine Saint Nicolas - open throughout the year
Domaine des Granges - open throughout the year
Domaine d'Éric Sage - guided tours in English, Dutch and French
Domaine du Lux en Roc - open every day and group visits by appointment
Domaine L'Orée du Sabia - visits by appointment
Route 2: Inland Discoveries around Chantonnay
Visit the Vendée Bocage for a tasting
Created in 1978 by Philippe Orion, the Domaine de la Barbinière has developed based on the best terroirs of Chantonnay. The two sons, Vincent and Alban, having studied viticulture and oenology, and worked in French and foreign wine estates, joined him on the farm in 2005. Today, with a 31-hectare vineyard and a passion for the vine and the wine, the objective is to release the expression of the soils through their wines.
Domaine de la Barbiniére
Vignoble Epiard
Created in 1978 by Philippe Orion, the Domaine de la Barbinière has developed based on the best terroirs of Chantonnay. The two sons, Vincent and Alban, having studied viticulture and oenology, and worked in French and foreign wine estates, joined him on the farm in 2005. Today, with a 31-hectare vineyard and a passion for the vine and the wine, the objective is to release the expression of the soils through their wines.
Domaine de la Barbiniére
Vignoble Epiard
Route 3: Historic Wine Trails around Mareuil-sur-Lay
Visit the rolling hills around Mareuil-sur-Lay on a wine tour
With 330 hectares under the “Fiefs Vendéens” appellation, the terroir of Mareuil extends over the communes of Chaillé sous les Ormeaux, Champ Saint Père, Château Guibert, La Couture, Mareuil sur Lay Dissais, Rosnay, Saint Florent des Bois and Le Tablier. Located to the south of La Roche sur Yon, on schistous soils that touch the earth, the stronghold of the terroir of Mareuil is the country of red and rosé wines full of character and personality, as well as some more confidential whites. Cabernet, Gamay or Pinot noir, the dominant grape varieties, give drinkable wines with a fruity nose and an often-remarkable blackcurrant aroma. The assembly of chenin and chardonnay makes it possible to obtain white wines with good structure.
Chateau de Rosnay
Vignobles Mourat
Fabien Mural
Domaine de la Gracière
Domaine de Pierre Folle
With 330 hectares under the “Fiefs Vendéens” appellation, the terroir of Mareuil extends over the communes of Chaillé sous les Ormeaux, Champ Saint Père, Château Guibert, La Couture, Mareuil sur Lay Dissais, Rosnay, Saint Florent des Bois and Le Tablier. Located to the south of La Roche sur Yon, on schistous soils that touch the earth, the stronghold of the terroir of Mareuil is the country of red and rosé wines full of character and personality, as well as some more confidential whites. Cabernet, Gamay or Pinot noir, the dominant grape varieties, give drinkable wines with a fruity nose and an often-remarkable blackcurrant aroma. The assembly of chenin and chardonnay makes it possible to obtain white wines with good structure.
Chateau de Rosnay
Vignobles Mourat
Fabien Mural
Domaine de la Gracière
Domaine de Pierre Folle
Route 4: Hidden Wine Treasures of Pissotte
Small & local vineyards in Pissotte
The Fief Vendéen AOC Appellation of Pissotte lies close to Fontenay le Comte. There are 24 hectares laid to vines in Pissotte, with a thick clay layer covering the soil. The commune of Pissotte is best known for its fruity rosés and slightly sparkling whites. The same grape varieties are found there as in the other Vendée communes with the addition of a Melon flavour.
Domaine Coirier
The Fief Vendéen AOC Appellation of Pissotte lies close to Fontenay le Comte. There are 24 hectares laid to vines in Pissotte, with a thick clay layer covering the soil. The commune of Pissotte is best known for its fruity rosés and slightly sparkling whites. The same grape varieties are found there as in the other Vendée communes with the addition of a Melon flavour.
Domaine Coirier
Route 5: Hidden Wine Treasures of Vix
Taste the difference in the southern Vendée wines
With 40 hectares under the “Fiefs Vendéens” appellation, the Vix terroir extends over the communes of Auzay, Longèves, Poiré sur Velluire and Vix.
Les Vignobles Mercier
With 40 hectares under the “Fiefs Vendéens” appellation, the Vix terroir extends over the communes of Auzay, Longèves, Poiré sur Velluire and Vix.
Les Vignobles Mercier
Click on any of the pins on the map below to find the locations of many of the local vineyards here in the Vendée.
Memorable Wine Experiences
Romantic Vineyard Picnics
One of our most cherished memories was a picnic in a vineyard. We spread a blanket under the shade of a grapevine canopy, enjoyed local cheeses and baguettes, and sipped wine while gazing at the vine-covered hills. Pure bliss! In summer, the Mourat vineyards near Mareuil-sur-Lay organise picnics and cycling tours of their huge vineyards, so you too can take part in this unique experience.
Wine and Food Pairings
The Vendée's culinary scene complements its wines beautifully. You can indulge in freshly caught seafood paired with a crisp Muscadet, and rich reds with hearty meat dishes. The local gastronomy elevates the wine experience to another level.
Meet the Winemakers
Don't be shy to chat with winemakers and vineyard owners; they're eager to share their passion – they love to teach you about their winemaking philosophy and the region's history - it can be a truly enriching experience.
One of our most cherished memories was a picnic in a vineyard. We spread a blanket under the shade of a grapevine canopy, enjoyed local cheeses and baguettes, and sipped wine while gazing at the vine-covered hills. Pure bliss! In summer, the Mourat vineyards near Mareuil-sur-Lay organise picnics and cycling tours of their huge vineyards, so you too can take part in this unique experience.
Wine and Food Pairings
The Vendée's culinary scene complements its wines beautifully. You can indulge in freshly caught seafood paired with a crisp Muscadet, and rich reds with hearty meat dishes. The local gastronomy elevates the wine experience to another level.
Meet the Winemakers
Don't be shy to chat with winemakers and vineyard owners; they're eager to share their passion – they love to teach you about their winemaking philosophy and the region's history - it can be a truly enriching experience.
Bringing a Piece of Vendée Home
Wine Purchase Tips
Once you have completed your wine tasting, you may want to select some bottles to take home as souvenirs. The Vendée wines offer excellent value for money. Many of the wines are also available in ‘BIBs’ ‘Bag in Box’ – making it very easy to transport in the boot of your car.
Local specialities
Many of the vineyards will also produce a local liqueur called Troussepinette. This is made from locally grown fruit, mixed with wine, sugar and a spirit base – very moreish and very alcoholic! You will see it made from pear, peach, blackthorn, plums, and many other varieties.
Sparkling wines
Several of the vineyards produce their own sparkling wines – these are made in the same method as for Champagne, but because the Vendée is not in the Champagne region of France, they are not allowed to call it champagne! They taste just as good and are so much better value!
Once you have completed your wine tasting, you may want to select some bottles to take home as souvenirs. The Vendée wines offer excellent value for money. Many of the wines are also available in ‘BIBs’ ‘Bag in Box’ – making it very easy to transport in the boot of your car.
Local specialities
Many of the vineyards will also produce a local liqueur called Troussepinette. This is made from locally grown fruit, mixed with wine, sugar and a spirit base – very moreish and very alcoholic! You will see it made from pear, peach, blackthorn, plums, and many other varieties.
Sparkling wines
Several of the vineyards produce their own sparkling wines – these are made in the same method as for Champagne, but because the Vendée is not in the Champagne region of France, they are not allowed to call it champagne! They taste just as good and are so much better value!
Conclusion: Toast to Your Vendée Wine Adventure
We enjoy finding new vineyards in the Vendée – the wines all taste slightly different, depending upon where in the Vendée they are located. There is nothing better than opening a bottle of locally produced wine with your evening meal, or once you arrive back home after your holiday to sit down with a glass of wine – remembering all the fun that you had driving around the beautiful countryside and tasting wines from small producers.
The Vendée had truly uncorked a paradise for us, and it can do the same for you. So, pack your bags, set your GPS to Wine routes in the Vendée, and let the adventure begin.
The Vendée had truly uncorked a paradise for us, and it can do the same for you. So, pack your bags, set your GPS to Wine routes in the Vendée, and let the adventure begin.
Cheers to love, wine, and unforgettable journeys!
Now that you have read all about the amazing things that you could do on a holiday to the Vendée, it just remains for you to click on the button below to choose your holiday accommodation….
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