The vineyards of Ile de Ré
Covered with fields of vines, dotted with wine cellars, theIle de Ré is home to a vineyard that deserves to be better known. From Bois-Plage to Ars-en-Ré, via La Couarde-sur-Mer, take the wine route around the island of Ré!
Ile de Ré wines to taste
The Charente-Maritime island of Ré produces red, rosé and white vins de pays, as well as a few sparkling wines. The vineyards are planted with eight different grape varieties: cabernet franc, sauvignon and tannat for the reds; ugni-blanc, colombard, chardonnay and sauvignon for the whites. During your camping holiday on the Ile de Ré, you'll have the opportunity to taste some excellent local wines, such as "Soif d'Évasion" or "Rosé des Dunes", whose reputation is well established.
Between sky, sea and vineyards, the Ile de Ré is also the home of Pineau des Charentes and Cognac. The latter are obtained by distilling white wine, then aged in oak barrels. You'll also want to try the famous Pineau Ilrhéa, a traditional aperitif made by blending unfermented grape must and Cognac brandy. In moderation, of course!
Explore the vineyards on foot or by bike
Numerous footpaths and cycle paths allow you to explore pretty corners of nature where vines flourish. Visit the vineyards, take a break in the cellars, share the winemakers' secrets, then enjoy a tasting!
Famous for its bell tower, Ars-en-Ré is also famous for its wild beaches, salt marshes and vineyards. In the heart of the village, the two wine bars "Le 20" and "Le V" welcome you to taste the local wines.
On your way from Sainte-Marie to Le Bois-Plage, stop off at the Vignerons de l'île de Ré cooperative winery. Take a tour of the cellar, visit the barrel cellars and the distillery, before dipping your lips in a wine tasting.
Between Saint-Marie-de-Ré and Rivedoux-Plage, the former domain of the Lords of Le Défend offers a lovely stroll between squares of vines and the ocean, all the way to the Chauveau lighthouse, the only lighthouse at sea in Charente-Maritime.
From La Couarde-sur-Mer, follow the cycle path through the vineyards to Bois-Plage. At "Le Fond des Airs", the Domaine Pelletier winery is open for visits and, of course, tastings.
Between Saint-Martin-de-Ré and La-Couarde-sur-Mer, in the heart of the island, stop off at Domaine Arica AND take part in an introductory oenology workshop.
The fruit of a long history
The history of winegrowing on the Ile de Ré dates back to the end of the 3rd century, when the Roman emperor Probus granted all Gauls the privilege of growing vines and producing wine.
Around 850, vineyards were completely abandoned when the Vikings arrived on the island of Ré, leading to the exodus of almost the entire population.
Activity picked up again in the 12th century with the arrival of Cistercian monks from the Abbaye des Châteliers in La Flotte. Viticulture became the island's main agricultural activity. By 1880, vineyards covered almost 60% of the island!
At the beginning of the 20th century, mildew and powdery mildew ravaged the vineyards. The war and then the economic crisis brought the business to a definitive halt. In 1950, a cooperative was created, reviving the island's winegrowing past.
Today, the island of Ré boasts some sixty winegrowers who cultivate almost 650 hectares of vines, producing some two million bottles.