The Vendée sits on France’s Atlantic coast, south of the Loire Valley proper, in a region better known for its beaches and marshlands than its vineyards. But the Fiefs Vendéens appellation, which earned its AOC status in 2011 after decades as a VDQS, produces genuinely interesting wines that deserve more attention than they typically receive.
The appellation covers five distinct communes: Mareuil, Brem, Vix, Pissotte, and Chantonnay, each with its own soil types and microclimate. Mareuil, the largest and best-known, makes elegant reds from Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir on limestone soils. Brem, right on the coast, specializes in crisp, saline whites from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay — wines that pair perfectly with the local oysters and seafood.
We enjoy including the Vendée in Loire Valley itineraries for visitors who want something off the beaten path. The wines are unpretentious and excellent value, the producers are friendly and unhurried, and the coastal setting makes a refreshing change from inland vineyard touring. The region also happens to be one of the sunniest in western France, which doesn’t hurt.
If you’re touring the southern Loire and have a day to spare, a detour to the Vendée vineyards — particularly around Mareuil and Brem — is well worth the drive.