In the News – Gascony, France

For centuries Bordeaux has dominated France's wine scene, producing expensive and highly coveted vintages. But Bordeaux better watch out for the lesser-known region of Gascony. Situated in southwest France at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, just east of the French Basque coast and on the Spanish border, Gascony is a classic French destination. It's a hilly stretch of countryside dotted with dense forest, sunflower fields and medieval chateau.

And, of course, vineyards.

The remarkable wines these vineyards are now producing have, in recent years, helped Gascony step into the spotlight. There are rich, bold reds that could stand up to any glass of Bordeaux, as well as crisp, floral whites that are refreshing and easy to drink. They're better value too.

Unorthodox Techniques
Tariquet, established in 1972, spearheaded the transformation of the wine business in Gascony from a flailing industry into the pioneering wine region it is today.

The result: the arrival of fresh, vibrant wines to southwestern France -- a region historically prized for its aged, "old world" wines. Now, Gascony has about 1,200 wineries and produces more than 100 million bottles per year. There's a mix of dry, aromatic whites made from native grapes like petit manseng and ugni blanc, and velvety reds made from tannat and cabernet franc.

Tuscany of France
Like its wines, food and Armagnacs, there's nothing subtle about Gascony's dramatic landscape, which lies between the mountains and the ocean.

Unlike Bordeaux, Gascony has more than just vineyards. They have a real countryside: hills, sunflower fields, cornfields, forests, lakes, and changing colors throughout the seasons. Like Italy's Tuscany, the region is scattered with charming villages.

Fources is home to the only round square in France.

Lavardens is a medieval hamlet with a beautiful 12th-century castle.
Montreal-du-Gers is an ancient fortified village on the banks of the river Auzoue.

On the outskirts of each village, among the vineyards, are numerous beautiful gites: country cottages, often part of a farm or estate, that are often rented out for tourism.

In the absence of major hotel chains, gites are the best option for accommodation in the region, offering not just affordable lodging but immersion into Gascon culture.

Casual Swigs

For a more typical hotel experience, family-owned estates like La Belle vie de Chateau offer spacious rooms with amenities such as deep-soaking marble tubs.

Unlike Bordeaux or Champagne, there are no major chain hotels, celebrity chef restaurants or Louis Vuitton-owned wineries in Gascony. Instead, there are duck farm gites and family-run chateau, roadside foie gras, obscure wines and artisanal brandies. Instead of well-trodden wine trails, there are hand-painted signposts along rugged country roads. Instead of formal group tastings, there are casual swigs of Armagnac with winemakers.

Compared with Bordeaux, Gascony barely feels like a tourist destination at all.
Which is part of its appeal. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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