At the end of summer, something changes in the landscapes around Bergerac and Duras. The days slowly grow shorter, the hills take on golden hues and, among the vines, the first tractors begin to move between the rows.
It is grape-harvest season.
From Maison Les Terrasses, this is an ideal time to discover the Bergerac-Duras wine region. Here, the wine route is not one single road but a network of cellars and estates where you can discover the vineyards, the wineries, local expertise and the wines of the area.
Grape harvest: a special time to visit
The harvest does not begin everywhere at the same time. Weather, grape varieties and the ripeness of the grapes determine each estate’s calendar.
For several weeks, the vineyards live to the rhythm of the harvest. The bunches are picked, sorted and quickly taken to the winery, where a new stage begins: pressing, fermentation and ageing.
For visitors, it is a fascinating time. You see the vineyards at their liveliest, while remembering that the plots and wineries remain working environments. Visits must therefore always be booked in advance.
Autumn 2026 events
Several events offer a different way to discover the wine region this year.
- 13 September: the Harvest Walk in Monbazillac, organised by the Bergerac cycling association.
- 26 September: Harvest Day for families at Vignoble des Verdots, in Conne-de-Labarde.
- 16–18 October: Vignobles en scène, with a gourmet banquet, a sensory workshop and a food walk through the Monbazillac vineyards.
Programmes and booking arrangements may change, so do check the organisers’ websites before setting off.
First outing: Bergerac and Monbazillac
A first loop can begin in Bergerac, with a visit to Quai Cyrano, housed in the Récollets cloister. The Maison des Vins introduces the different appellations and helps you plan your route among the estates.
The route then continues towards Monbazillac. From the château, the view over the vineyards and the Dordogne valley is magnificent in autumn. It is also an opportunity to discover the appellation’s wines and understand what makes this terroir so distinctive.
Depending on what you feel like doing, you can then visit an estate, walk through the vineyards or simply enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the countryside.
Second outing: Duras and its hillsides
The other route leads to Duras, at the heart of the Côtes de Duras appellation.
The Maison des Vins de Duras, at the foot of the château, is an excellent starting point for discovering local production. Tastings allow you to compare the different wine colours and talk to a team who know the estates of the appellation well.
After this first introduction, take time to stroll through the village and visit the château of the Dukes. To round off the day, a stop at a wine bar or a place serving local produce makes a pleasant addition to the visit.
Seeing the harvest from a different perspective
The harvest is not only an opportunity to taste wine. It also helps you understand the rhythm of an estate.
Our advice: do not try to fit in too many visits. Two well-chosen estates in one day give you time to talk, take in the scenery and taste the wines in the right conditions.
Practical information
- Harvest dates vary from year to year.
- Book visits and tastings before you leave.
- Check estate opening hours, especially during the harvest.
- Drink responsibly and nominate a designated driver.
- Check event programmes a few days before your arrival.
Our advice: choose one loop, one or two addresses, and let yourself be carried along the small roads between the vines.
After a day in Bergerac, Monbazillac or Duras, what a pleasure it is to return to the peace and quiet of Dévillac, share a few local products on the terrace and continue the discovery over a bottle chosen directly from a winemaker.