Duration
1h30
Distance
5,93 km
Elevation +
240 m
Max Group
12 people
Languages
EN · FR
On the heights of Cassagnes, in the Agly valley, Domaine Modat cultivates its vines organically and biodynamically on gneiss and granite soils. This 6 km guided wine hike, accessible to beginner walkers, crosses the estate's high-altitude plots and the village of Cassagnes, before a tasting of the domaine's wines.
Domaine Modat, high-altitude wines on gneiss
Founded in 2007 by Philippe Modat, the family estate is perched at an altitude of around 400 m. Its gneiss soils, rare in the vineyard, produce wines of great finesse and beautiful tension. In the vineyard, work is done by hand and cover crops keep the soils alive. In the cellar, vinification takes place with indigenous yeasts and gentle extractions, with no oenological artifices, followed by ageing in tank or in wood. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault rub shoulders with Roussanne, Viognier and Muscat in a varied range of grape varieties.
The route: vineyards, garrigue and the village of Cassagnes
The loop of around 6 km takes 1 h 30. It ranges between 325 and 540 m in altitude, alternating between the estate's plots, garrigue and a passage through the village of Cassagnes. The climb is steady and without technical difficulty: the hike is also suitable for less experienced walkers. The guide accompanies the group throughout the loop.
Cassagnes, a hilltop village in the Agly valley
A small hilltop village above the vines, Cassagnes raises its bell tower amid cypresses and gardens. It belongs to the Agly valley, one of the most singular wine terroirs of Roussillon, where altitude, soil diversity and the tramontane shape wines of character.
Practical information
The hike is led by a guide, for groups of 2 to 12 people. Departure and arrival take place at the estate, and the exact meeting point is sent to you after booking.
When to do this hike?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking in the Agly valley: mild temperatures, vines in full growth or in the colours of the harvest. Thanks to the altitude, summer remains feasible early in the morning, but the route offers little shade: bring water and a hat.
The walk ends at the estate with a tasting of its wines and a moment of exchange with the winegrowers about biodynamics and their gneiss terroir.
Adults
18+
Children
Under 18
Hike details
Distance
6 km
Elevation gain
240 m
Level
Beginner
Type
Loop / short tour
Estimated duration
1h30 to 2h
Terrain
Stony paths, vineyard tracks and coastal trails
Best season
Spring, autumn and winter
Commitment
Soft mobility
Route map
Interactive map locked
GPX track, numbered waypoints and fullscreen available after booking.
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Included
- Hike accompanied by a guide
- 6 km hike starting from the estate, with the GPX track of the route
- Tasting of the estate's wines at the end of the hike
- Exchange with the winegrowers about their wines and their terroir
Recommendations
- Closed walking shoes, 1.5 litres of water per person, a hat and sunscreen: the route has little shade in summer. Avoid the hottest hours of July and August and stay on the marked trails, among the vineyard plots.
Our approach
Another way to discover the Catalan vineyards
At Viny'aquí, we believe wine is also discovered on foot. Our oenorandos connect landscapes, terroirs and human encounters along accessible, authentic routes.
This experience in Vallée de l'Agly helps you understand how the winegrowers work a land shaped by wind, stone and sea — favouring soft mobility and support for local producers.
Your guide
Julien
Passionate about the landscapes of Roussillon and the connections between nature and viticulture, I accompany you on wine hikes designed as genuine immersive experiences, to help you disconnect and reconnect. Between hiking, local culture, and visits to wine estates, I design each itinerary to offer a balance between the pleasure of walking, discovering the terroir, and moments of sharing. My goal: to offer a simple, accessible, and authentic approach to wine tourism, where you take the time to understand both the landscapes you cross and the wines you taste.
