Chai Ouvert: Step Into 700 Years of Armagnac Heritage (27–28 September)

redazione
Sep 10
3 min read

This late-September, unlock the doors to Gascony’s living legacy. Chai Ouvert invites you to wander from half-timbered cellars to 19th-century underground caves—by way of a 17th-century château and its romantic park—as winemakers and distillers welcome you in to share their craft and passion.

A Weekend to Savor, Discover, and Meet the Makers

Across the day you’ll enjoy:

Behind-the-scenes visits to artists’ studios, tiny museums, historic alambics, and atmospheric chais.
Guided tastings featuring Armagnac, Floc de Gascogne, local specialties, and playful pairings such as Armagnac & chocolate.
Cocktail discoveries that spotlight the spirit’s versatility.

Every chai visit is different—shaped by a personal welcome, the soul of the place, the family story, and a kaleidoscope of Armagnac expressions. In every glass, you’re tasting not just an eau-de-vie, but a terroir, a vigneron’s work, and a chapter of the South-West’s history. There are no cooperatives here—only singular Armagnacs crafted by independent producers.

Saturday Highlights (27 September)

All day: Create your own itinerary—go from estate to estate at your own rhythm. All visits and tastings are free.
Evening in Villeneuve-de-Marsan (from 19:00): a lively Pasta Party brings together half-marathon runners and bon vivants for a convivial, music-filled dinner.

Sunday Flavors (28 September)

After the morning’s sporting activities, head to Parc Jean Rostand (Villeneuve-de-Marsan) for a grand producers’ market: grills and Landes specialties, Gascon sweets, and Armagnac flow in a warm, family-friendly ambiance with music and entertainment. Think côte à l’os, grilled ham, boar on the spit, pastis landais, tourtière, pâté, foie gras… and more.

How to Take Part

Hit the “Armagnac Route.” Yes, you can visit multiple domains in one day—totally doable.
Pick your stops based on the activities and workshops that inspire you.

All visits and tastings are free.

Participating Producers — Saturday 27 September

Domaine d’Ognoas (1043 route d’Ognoas, 40190 Arthez-d’Armagnac) — 15:00: See Gascogne’s oldest alambic (1804), chai tour, and Gascon snack (café & pastis landais).
Domaine de Paguy (290 chemin de Paguy, 40240 Betbezer-d’Armagnac) — 15:00–19:00: 16th-century manor, chai tour, pairing of Floc & blue-veined cheese.
Domaine de Marquestau (1095 route de Marquestau, 40190 Hontanx) — Tours start hourly 14:00–18:00; restaurant “L’Etable” booking recommended; cocktail Portagayola (white wine, passion fruit, Armagnac).
Château Garreau (3850 route d’Estang, 40240 Labastide d’Armagnac) — Departures 15:00–18:00, hourly: “Prince’s tour” of the underground chai, alembic collection, winemaker’s museum; tastings of Floc & Armagnacs.
Ferme de Labouc (route d’Estang, 40240 Labastide d’Armagnac) — 14:00–18:00: Estate alambic, chai tour, tasting of house specialty “Armagrumes.”
Château de Lacquy (404 chemin de l’Armagnac, 40120 Lacquy) — 14:00–19:00; 15:00 chai tour with Armagnac & chocolate pairing workshop.
Domaine de Jouatmaou (1399 route de Lannemaignan, 40190 Le Frêche) — 09:00–19:00: Family winemaker’s museum, underground cellar, visits and Armagnac tastings.
Château de Ravignan (40190 Perquie) — 17:00: Tour of the 17th-century château’s chai with a citrus-forward cocktail (lemon, orange, Armagnac).
Domaine de la Tuilerie (1194 route de Villeneuve de Marsan, 32240 Lannemaignan) — 09:00–19:00: Winemaker-painter exhibition, estate alambic, chai tour with Armagnac tastings.