The region - BERGERAC - the Dordogne Valley
The Dordogne river is the reason that prolific vineyards are found in Bergerac. It gives this
wide valley all the fertility of its alluvial soil, and softens its climate.
The area extends from the borders of the Bordeaux appellations of St. Emilion and St. Foy
in the west along the Dordogne river valley with the biggest concentration round the market
town of Bergerac, and continuing to Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin in the east, and Duras in the south.
The Bergerac vineyards are planted on both banks of the Dordogne, and encompassing 93 villages,
extending over an area of more than 12,000 hectares. The right bank consists of a mainly of
terraces composed of a mixture of sandy, stony and alluvial soils. The left bank rises in a series of hillsides with predominantly limestone soils.
The combination of these soils, particularly conducive to grape growing, with the mild climate
and abundant sunshine, naturally contribute to giving Bergerac wines all marked characteristics
of a great vineyard.
What makes this a great area for wine and food lovers?
Few wine regions in France have so much to offer the visitor as Bergerac. With a varied
landscape from river valley flats, the hillsides and upwards to the tops of rolling hills,
there is a virtual tapestry of colours and hues. Their celebrated gastronomy of beef, nuts,
cream, goose and other rich and delightful dishes. A rich history of settlement from
pre-historical times of Neolithic man, through the ages of Romans, English and French 100 year
Wars, Religious wars and more recent conflicts all have shaped the history of this region.
And despite all of that sleepy villages where time stood still and man continues to till
the soil and bring forth a bountiful harvest especially in regards to grapes and wine.
| 
