Home / The Cahors vineyards
In the Lot
The Cahors vineyards, home of Malbec
Cahors is where Malbec comes from: the “black wine” of the Lot. The nearest estates are 25 minutes from Escamps, and the town of Cahors is 30 minutes away: close enough to tour the cellars, taste, and bring a few bottles home.
Cahors wine in a few words
The Cahors appellation, recognized in 1971, covers about 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares) along the Lot valley west of Cahors and up on the causse plateau. Malbec, known locally as Côt or Auxerrois, must make up at least 70% of the blend; Merlot and Tannat make up the rest.
Vines have been grown here since Roman times, and the “black wine” of Cahors was already being shipped to England in the Middle Ages. Malbec made its name in Argentina, but this is where it comes from.
Wineries to visit
Six places to taste, listed from nearest to farthest. Times are driving times from Escamps.
- 25 minChâteau de Haute-Serre, Cieurac
The estate nearest to Escamps, on the causse plateau, where vines have been grown since the 16th century. Tastings and cellar-door sales.
- 30 minChâteau Pech de Jammes, Flaujac-Poujols
A small estate with 12 acres of vines on the causse near Cahors, which also grows truffles, saffron and olives. Tours and tastings by appointment; in winter you can join a truffle hunt with the owner's dog.
- 30 minVilla Cahors Malbec, Cahors
The showcase of the appellation, on Place François-Mitterrand: more than 200 wines and four walk-in tasting options. The right place to find out which estates you want to visit next.
- 35 minDomaine Rességuier, Cahors
A 16-acre organic family estate on the edge of town. The winemaker walks you through the journey of the grape, from the vines to the tasting cellar, by appointment.
- 45 minChâteau de Mercuès, Mercuès
A medieval château perched above the Lot river: wine estate, hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant in one. Cellar tours and tastings.
- 45 minChâteau Lagrézette, Caillac
A 220-acre vineyard with a three-level underground cellar. Tasting workshops, a shop on site, and bottles shipped within France and abroad.
Opening hours and visiting conditions change with the season: contact the estate before you set out. Most estates listed here welcome visitors in English, but it is worth checking when you book.
Buying wine at the cellar door
Most estates sell their wines on site: you can leave with a few bottles after the tour or the tasting. In Cahors, Villa Cahors Malbec lets you taste wines from many producers before deciding which ones to visit.
You will also find Cahors wine at the Cahors market, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. If you are flying home, Château Lagrézette ships bottles within France and abroad.
Please drink responsibly.