Every evening of the week from July 2 to August 29, the Estivales de l’AOP Languedoc offer lovers of good wines the opportunity to discover the region’s wine wealth on several sites near Montpellier.
Have a drink, taste local specialties and relax in the shade of olive trees or by the ponds, all to music. This year again, the program concocted by the AOP Languedoc for its Estivales, from Monday to Friday throughout the summer in several towns near Montpellier, is something to be desired.
Good wines and beautiful landscapes
Launched in 2005, the Estivales de Saporta in Lattes have spread over the years to surrounding towns. “The basic concept remains the same: winegrowers, a festive musical atmosphere and local products, explains Stéphanie Daumas, director of AOP Languedoc. What varies from one village to another are the products presented, the musical programming and the setting!”.
On Monday evenings, visitors can taste the best grape varieties of the region in the medieval streets of Pézenas and Sommières. On Wednesdays, head to Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to find the winegrowers set up on the edge of the ponds, on the Passerelle du Pilou. On Thursday, head to the park of the Château de Salinelles, from July 4 to August 29 to discover some of the jewels of the terroir. A few kilometers away, Narbonne will welcome the winegrowers of the AOC La Clape and the appellations of Grand Narbonne every Friday from July 5 to August 16.
Without forgetting the emblematic Saporta wine farm, which remains a stronghold of the Estivales. Every Tuesday and Thursday, six to eight winegrowers will taste their latest vintages.
Rejuvenate attendance
In a context of declining wine consumption, “It is important to convey the culture of this product”, judge Stéphanie Daumas. In 60 years, consumption has fallen by 70%, going from more than 120 liters per year per inhabitant in the 1960s to less than 40 liters per year in 2020, according to the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies.
“An elitist vision of wine has developed in recent years. We associate this beverage with certain special occasions. But it is a product that can be consumed at any time, in moderation of course”explains Stéphanie Daumas.
To promote this product “vector of sharing and conviviality”, the Languedoc Wine School will provide an introductory tasting workshop every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 p.m. at Mas de Saporta. The entertainment is of course reserved for adults. Younger guests will be able to exercise their taste buds during a taste awareness workshop on Thursday evenings at 8:45 p.m. “Les Estivales is a family event. Everyone is welcome!” smiles Stéphanie Daumas.
The event is indeed trying to rejuvenate its attendance. New for 2024: DJ Sets will ignite the Mas de Saporta on Thursdays July 11 and August 22. On the organizational side, we promise an atmosphere “inflamed” where the bass will vibrate. The winegrowers present will also bring a breath of fresh air, since they will be cast according to their age.
