The vineyards to discover around Toulouse

The South-West of France is famous for its local products, between gastronomy and good wines . If the land is so generous, it is thanks to its geographical location and its climate, which is suitable for agriculture and breeding. Near the Pyrenean Piedmont, along the Garonne, its valleys benefit from exceptional sunshine and a mild climate, between oceanic and Mediterranean trends.

The Frontonnais vineyards are very old, with an establishment in Gallo-Roman times. Property of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, it will later be protected by the Commandery and then by the Priory of Toulouse. The Ways of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle have largely contributed to its fame. In the Middle Ages, a major construction campaign generated strong economic development. Agricultural and especially wine production spread throughout France and England, on the " Via Tolosana ". Religious wars will stop its development, which slowly resume at 18 ^century. 

Two wines stand out in Haute-Garonne: the “ Fronton ” and the “ Comté Tolosan ”. The Fronton is classified as an “ Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée ” and the County Tolosan is a “ Protected Geographical Indication ”. On the starting point of the “ Wine Route ”, in Toulouse , Haute-Garonne is a wine tourism region that 'we suggest you browse.

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Fronton wines, the wine of Toulouse

From the Pays Toulousain , the Fronton is called the “ wine of Toulouse ”, due to its proximity to the Pink City. Alluvium from the Garonne mixes with pebbles and sand, to give a very particular soil called “ Boulbènes ”. This soil does not contain limestone and this gives a very typical taste to this wine.

It is mainly a red wine. Even if you will find rosés , particularly interesting. In particular, the “ Rosé Ines de Vinovalie ” has been awarded several times. In 2008, he obtained the Gold Medal. Then in 2016, it became the “ Best Rosé in the World ”, just that!

The Négrette is the most characteristic grape of the Fronton. It is a local variety that he shares with the nearby Gaillac. The AOC specifications impose a minimum proportion of 50% of Négrette. It gives it a tannic side, a flavor of red fruits and a scent of violets.

They are not particularly wines to keep, except for certain vintages, but they are of a great diversity, which makes it possible to accommodate them with all types of dishes. You can serve them from starter to dessert. However, they form a very pleasant union with exotic dishes, with multiple spices.

Red grapes on feet

Tolosan County

The “Tolosan County” is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Its vineyard is very vast and covers many departments. The grape varieties are also very diverse, there is really something for everyone and you will surely find what you are looking for. These local wines are available in red, rosé and white, dry and sparkling.

Even if the aromas largely depend on the terroir and the grape varieties blended, red wines are generally very fruity. Their notes of black fruits and liquorice make them atypical wines . Full-bodied and powerful, they match well with regional dishes from the southwest, red meats and cold meats. The rosés are fruity and tangy. The whites are very floral and complex. Whatever their color, these are wines to be drunk young and rather fresh.

Vineyard of County Tolosan and Lake Aydia

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Wine tours and wine tourism

In the Frontonais:  

The Château de Bellevue La Forêt offers you its hiking trails in the heart of the vineyard , discovery and fun trails , tours for groups, from the vineyard to the cellar, but also thematic tastings. Discover all their activities on their website.

A must for rosé lovers: Vinovalie offers you the “ best rosé in the world, the rosé Inès ”. You can taste it in Saint-Sulpice or at Toulouse wine merchants.

The Domaine de Saint Guilhem is one of the smallest in the southwest. As quantity does not rhyme with quality, it offers you the richest polyphenol wine in the world ! The estate is located in a preserved environment, in the heart of meadows and woods with hundred-year-old trees. Its wines are renowned for their finesse. This visit will definitely not lack charm. You will find all the practical information on their site.

Château Caze offers you a wine that assumes its femininity. The visits are personalized and are made à la carte, from the walk accompanied by the owner in the vineyards, to the visit of the semi-underground cellar , followed by a gourmet and instructive tasting while discussing the making of the wine. Go to their site to organize your visit.

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Learn to taste wine in Toulouse

To appreciate a wine, you have to get to know it. For this, different options are available to you: a visit to the Maison des Vins et du Tourisme , an oenology course and a comparative tasting to train your palate, a visit to a vineyard with a commented tasting to know everything about a particular wine or in a wine cellar.

The Maison des vins de Fronton participated in the creation of the " Wine Route " and offers various discovery trails. She welcomes you to the Château de Capdeville for tastings of local products and wines, led by oenologists. She will also guide you in your wine tours.

To participate in a real oenology course, Toulouse is the place. At Dégust'Emoi you will have the opportunity to become a very enlightened amateur or a true professional...

In Tournefeuille, there is an atypical wine cellar to combine wines and cheeses : La Vache dans les Vignes…

To go even further in the flavors, the 3 left bank cellars offer tastings of wines, cheeses and cold meats.

You are now ready to explore the vineyards of the Pays Toulousain . We hope to have inspired you for a future getaway in Haute-Garonne , around Toulouse. But there are many other visits to be made in Ariège in particular, and in the nearby Hautes-Pyrénées.

You want to know more ? To learn more about the regions of Haute Garonne, Ariège and the Pyrenees, see our page.

To organize your stay more easily, discover our “Around me” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby tours and activities, a restaurant or your accommodation.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide.

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