The November “Portes Ouvertes” offer tourists access to Madiran vineyards in this thriving wine region. When is Portes Ouvertes 2025? What is on offer?
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On the third weekend of November every year, the wineries of Madiran throw open their doors for their Autumn/winter “Portes Ouvertes”. These “open days” give tourists and wine enthusiasts an opportunity to explore many of the region’s vineyards; to enjoy a range of hospitality and cultural events over the weekend.
Madiran Portes Ouvertes November 2025
This year’s weekend spans Friday 14th (evening), Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November 2025, and it is packed full of activities: from escape games, chocolate and wine workshops; guided visits and walks to farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, wine tastings and dinners celebrating the “terroir” of Madiran (red wine) and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh (white wine).
Terroir is a wonderful French word that takes a bit of translation into English. It comes from the French word “terre” for soil or earth. Terroir describes the technical local environmental conditions that shape a crop’s development. For example, in the case of Madiran wine, the specific land, soil and climate that cultivates the grape and shapes its distinct characteristics.
Perhaps more importantly, terroir also celebrates the deep relationship between people and land, and a sense of place and belonging expressed through local food and wine.
On 14th, 15th and 16th November 2025 we come together to celebrate the terroir of Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh. There’s something for everyone. Events range from free or a small fee to workshops and lunches. A few of the internationally famous domaines are offering gourmet lunches with star chefs. Some events must be booked in advance.
Madiran’s charm
Madiran is a fascinating wine region for numerous reasons, not least because it spans two regions and three departments. It is also interesting because it is a thriving wine region in the middle of nowhere.
Madiran is not like Bordeaux where the wine region is attached to a global city. Even with new motorways and transport networks, Madiran is at least two hours’ drive from the southwestern powerhouses of Bordeaux and Toulouse.
Geographical isolation is fundamental to Madiran’s charm. Lush rolling countryside, pretty villages and unspoilt lanes provide enough space to lose yourself and disconnect from the pressures of the modern world.
There are about fifty domaines/cellars in total currently in the appellation (the official geographical area of the wine region). Twenty-nine of them (at the time of writing) are hosting events for this 2025’s November “Portes Ouvertes” weekend.
Find out more
We’re located at the southern end of the Madiran area and the closest chateaux and cellars to us are Chai Doleris, Close Basté, Chateau Floris, Chateau Peyros, Domaine Mesté Bertrand, Clos d’Eglise, Cave de Crouseilles, Chai du Château d’Arricau Bordes and Domaine Pichard. Some of these are involved in the November open days.
If you want to read a basic background blog about Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, which explains more about what it is, then read this blog I wrote in August to coincide with the Madiran wine festival. Continue reading here.
The activities sheet produced by Madiran Pacherenc for the November 2025 open days is here (via an external link). It provides prices for adults and children: https://madiran-pacherenc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/web-depliant_A3ouvert-programme-Portes_ouvertes-Vinsdemadiran-2025-min.pdf
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Disclaimer: This blog has been written as a useful information-only resource and we take no liability for any errors, changes, availability of access or failures of personal responsibility. Always check opening times and costs. Journey time is estimated using Google maps and personal experience. This being the countryside, sometimes allow for delays caused by tractors!
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