Wine Festival Uzes 2023
Since 2001, the Uzès Wine Fair has been a showcase for the wine production of the Gard region. Around sixty selected winemakers, along with the traditional fougasses from Uzès bakers, gather on the Esplanade. It’s a rich program to discover!
A TASTING DISCOVERY
Head to the Esplanade to find the traditional Uzès Wine Fair, organized by the Agricultural Promotion Committee for nearly 50 years. Each year, the Uzès Wine Fair attracts a large number of people.
It is highly regarded by visitors, with around sixty exhibitors and numerous appellations present, including the Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) Duché d’Uzès, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tavel, Lirac, Côtes du Rhône, Côteaux du Languedoc, Costières de Nîmes, and the latest addition, Pic Saint-Loup. Alongside them, the Protected Geographical Indications (IGP) Pays d’Oc, Cévennes, Côteau du Pont du Gard, and many others, contribute to the event’s success.
This true showcase of regional wines brings a splash of color and allows you to taste exceptional vintages while benefiting from the expertise of the attending winemakers.
Numerous activities in a friendly atmosphere await you throughout this weekend, including guided tastings, evening events, auctions, and, of course, various wine stands and exhibitors from Uzès. They are eagerly awaiting your visit, with smiles included. All you have to do is let yourself be guided…
On August 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2023, the Uzès Wine Fair took place. Since 2001, the Uzès Wine Fair has become a showcase for the wine production of the Gard region. 52 selected winemakers, along with the traditional fougasses from Uzès bakers, were gathered on the Esplanade of Uzès.
A Wine Lover’s Guide to Uzès
If you’re a wine lover visiting Uzès, you’re in for a treat. Located in the Languedoc Roussillon region, now known as Occitanie, Uzès offers a delightful selection of wines that are gaining recognition both in France and around the world. While the region may be less familiar compared to Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux, its wines are definitely worth exploring and adding to your collection.
In Uzès, you’ll find a range of wines classified under AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) and IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée). AOP wines are labeled as such to ensure the grapes’ origin, cultivation methods, and grape varieties used align with the specific geographical area. On the other hand, IGP wines offer more flexibility in terms of grape varieties and allow winemakers to experiment with different regional and non-regional grapes.
When it comes to wine tastings, Uzès offers plenty of options. If you’re attending French cooking classes, you’ll likely have the opportunity to visit recommended wineries and savor their wines during meals and apéritifs. Uzès is known for its organic wineries, those following sustainable practices, as well as traditional wineries and cooperative establishments. The warm climate in the region contributes to wines with alcohol content ranging from 13.5% to 14%, although some winemakers have successfully produced wines with lower alcohol levels, around 10.5%.
Visiting wineries should be high on your list of things to do in and around Uzès. While some of the wines may not be widely exported yet, exploring local wineries provides a unique experience that you might miss once you leave France. Here are a few recommendations for wineries and wine shops to visit during your stay in Uzès:
1. Domaine de Malaïgue: This organic winery in Blauzac offers a variety of wines. You can taste their wines at the winery boutique and also find regional products to purchase. They have a green grocery in Uzès as well.
2. Domaine Deleuze-Rochetin: Located near the cooking school, this organic winery provides an exceptional tasting experience. The owners, Catherine and Jean-Michel, along with winemaker Baptiste Cartier, take pride in their wines.
3. Domaine de l’Aqueduc: Winemaker Jacques Vidal produces award-winning wines on his 38-hectare property. The winery offers tastings and international shipping.
4. Les Collines du Bourdic: This cooperative represents over 100 winemakers and produces a wide range of wines from different grape varieties. They have two locations for wine tastings.
5. Domaine Chabrier Fils: A family-owned winery with a long history, producing prestigious wines. You can visit their wine store to taste their selection.
6. Domaine Les Lys: Run by young winemakers moving towards full organic production, this vineyard in Blauzac offers tastings of their passionate wines.
7. Chateau des Cocinelles: Located between Avignon and the Pont du Gard, this organic winery produces Côte de Rhône wines. They have a lovely picnic area for visitors.
In addition to wineries, Uzès boasts wine shops where you can discover and purchase local wines. Les Terroirs, located on the Place aux Herbes, offers a wide range of regional wines and fine products. Le Marchand de Vins, situated on the outer ring of Uzès, presents a lovely selection of local and non-local wines, with knowledgeable wine enthusiasts to assist you.
If you’re interested in attending
