The vineyards for PGI Saint Guilhem le Désert stretch over an area North of Montpellier where garrigue and limestone plateaux vie for space with arable land. The landscape is one of rolling Mediterranean hills at the foot of Larzac plateau and the Cevennes mountains. The foothills of the Sérane, Causse de la Selle, the Londres basin and woodland around Ferrières les Verreries were for a long time prime grazing land for shepherds. Nowadays, vineyards mostly grow at elevations of between 100 and 150 metres and the wines display remarkable hallmark freshness. The western part of the area is home to one of France’s eight major beauty spots covering Gellone abbey in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert - a jewel of Romanesque architecture listed as World Heritage by Unesco _ and the Pont du Diable bridge straddling Hérault gorge.
Not far from here or from the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, the village of Aniane was founded by Saint Benedict in the 8th century. In the East, Montferrand castle has overlooked the vine-clad plains since the 12th century. These magnificent areas have become choice spots for walks, bike rides and microlight flights and are enjoyed by both holidaymakers and families from Montpellier.
Additional geographical statements for PGI Saint Guilhem le Désert wines are Val de Montferrand and Cité d’Aniane.