The Languedoc region of southwestern France presents a tremendous diversity of wine, food and travel opportunities. Set at the crossroads of many different historical cultures, the villages, cities, rolling hills and coastal plains of the Languedoc bear witness to the populations that have thrived there. Recognized as one of the most dynamic tourism destinations in Europe, this region is increasingly well-known for its wines and cuisine.

Wine production in the Languedoc began with the development of Greek cities in the region during the 8th century B.C., and grew considerably under the Roman Empire. During the turmoiled centuries following the fall of Rome, however, wine production decreased in the Languedoc. The beginning of the 9th century marked a rebirth in winemaking in the region. The Church played an important role in planting and maintaining the growing vineyard lands throughout the southwest of France.

Wine trade in the region truly began in the 14th and 15th centuries, as new technologies were combining with a continued growth in vineyard acreage and development. The development of the port of Sète and the construction of the canal des Deux Mers, linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, during the 18th century led to tremendous economic and commercial growth, which allowed for a more profitable and efficient wine trade. With the break-up of most of the Church's lands after the French revolution, winemaking continued to thrive in the region, and distribution was aided by the construction of a railroad network during the mid 19th century.

Phylloxera had a devastating effect on the regions vineyards, however, the region showed surprising speed in bouncing back. Many reconstituted vineyards in the area were able to grow in order to satisfy the large market for wine during and after the phylloxera crisis.

The Languedoc wines, for the most part, did not receive appellation status until the 1950's. Since then their number has grown to eleven A.O.C.s¹, four Vins doux naturels², one A.O.V.D.Q.S.³ and 53 local Vin de Pays inside the Vin de Pays d'Oc classification. The Languedoc's more famous appellations include the Coteaux du Languedoc, Cabardes, Costières de Nîmes and Saint Chinian.

Currently, the Languedoc's yearly production averages approximately 2 700 000 hl of A.O.C. wines and 30 000 hl of A.O.V.D.Q.S.. The regions most widely planted grape varietals are carignan, cinsault, grenache noir, syrah, mourvèdre, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot for the reds and rosés, and chardonnay and sauvignon blanc for the whites. Although much of the region's production is made from these widely-known varietals, certain traditional varietals such as terret bourret, grenache blanc or bourboulenc are used to produce outstanding, authentic Languedoc wines.

Family owned and operated, Domaine de la Dourbie is a leading Languedoc winery. Covering 80 acres of rolling hills in the Hérault region, the domain, stretching along the Dourbie river, produces a number of outstanding wines, both Coteaux du Languedoc and Vin de Pays d’Oc. Established in 1781, it was purchased and upgraded by the Serin family in 2003. Since taking over the winery, owner Bernard Serin, along with his sons Emmanuel and Nicolas and head-oenologist Hervé Chabert, have produced a wide range of highly respected, authentic wines.

In many ways, the beauty of the Languedoc lies in the perfect pairing of its wines with its refined culinary tradition and its matchless, deep-rooted culture. Like its beautifully varied landscapes, the Languedoc's cuisine provides a multitude of flavors and styles. Although most of the region's wines will match up with a variety of foods, combining some of the local cuisine with the Pigeonnier de la Dourbie wines will be a true Languedoc tradition.

Although not as well known as Carcassone, Aigues-Mortes is a medieval city with fine restaurants and stunning cultural monuments, only a few miles from world class beaches. Founded in 102 B.C. by Marius Caius, the city became an important trading center during the middle ages. As a major port, it served as the embarkation point for the seventh and eight crusades.

Today, the city is a preferred destination in the Languedoc. Inside the one thousand year old walls, the all-pedestrian, cobble stoned streets meander by open air cafés and restaurants. The Cave d’Aigues-Mortes, built outside the city walls, has a number of local wines for tasting and purchase. Wine production immediately outside the town has ceased, but this historic site is located in the middle of the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation.

The beaches at Le Grau du Roi and La Grande Motte are only a few miles from Aigues-Mortes, and offer calm, warm waters, often less crowded than other sandy stretches in the area.