Thenac

Being in the centre of a wine making region, Monestier is perfect for seeing and learning about wine.

Monestier is situated in the Saussignac area of the Bergerac wine region. About ten kilometres west is the boundary with the Bordeaux region, so it is an excellent place from which to explore the vineyards.

Within the Bergerac region, there are a number of apellations worth a visit, including Pécharment, to the north-east of Bergerac, Montbazillac to the south of Bergerac, and Duras to the south west, as well as Saussignac.

Monestier itself has numerous wine-makers, including Château Richard, about 500 metres from La Tuilière, Château Monestier La Tour, about 300 metres from La Tuilière, and Michel Brouillard at La Croix Blanche, just behind La Tuilière. Richard Doughty and Michel Brouillard will both give tastings before any wine is bought, as will most vignerons in the area. Richard Doughty is English, as is Patricia Atkinson of Clos d'Yvigne at Gageac-Rouillac, which makes any explanation and discussion easier to follow. Another wine, which you will find at Famille Moutier and elsewhere, is Château Grinou owned by Guy Cuisset, situated close to the cross roads in the centre of Monestier.

St Emilion