FRIENDLY WINE TASTING LOCATIONS

[Angie]

Hi again

We have relatives visiting in June and again in August.  We would like to take them wine tasting on one of these occasions, nothing too heavy going, can anyone recommend somewhere around Carcassonne, Limoux areas which are user friendly.  We did try to go last year but found it quite intimidating and as though we were "in the way".  We have emailed a few vineyards (in French) - only one replied, but they want to charge 30 euros per person and being 7 of us it makes it quite an expensive couple of hours and that's even before you buy some of the produce!  Any suggestions/ideas would be much appreciated.

[Chrissie]

You can get wonderful wine at a good price, and with friendly reception, at Massamier les Mignardes, near Pepieux (google it for details, there's lots.)  They do the tasting and selling in the old wine storage area of the chateau, with the biggest old barrels I have ever seen (I reckon you could get a carthorse inside each one) and so our overseas visitors love it. But they do like you to phone a day or two before, to check there will be someone around.  They speak no English though.

There are often "wine maps" for the areas you spoke of, available from tourist offices or from wine shops.

Never be afraid to taste and not buy, although it can seem awkward sometimes.  Just remember never to say that something is "nasty" or "dreadful" or that you "don't like that one", but say it's "not what you are looking for" or "not to your own personal taste" or something similar.  These people are proud of their wines!

Have fun

Chrissie (81)

[Angie]

Thank you so much Chrissie, this is great.  I checked out the website and it seems just what we are looking for and not too far away.  Cheers!