Open Doors for Jurancon wines

Jurancon wines come from the foothills of the Pyrenees in South West France just west of Pau (64 Pyrenees Atlantiques, Aquitaine)  – a long way south compared to the Loire, or even Bordeaux. However because of the proximity of the Pyrenees mountains it is an appellation for crisp dry whites and rich dessert wines. The sweet wines are often made from late-harvest grapes (Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Courbu), some of which are harvested as late as December.
On 13 December 2009 the winemakers of the appellation throw open their doors (Portes Ouvertes) for the day. 40 domaines will be open for tastings, giving an ample opportunity to explore the region and its wines.
Amongst the domaines I can recommend are Domaine de Cinquau at Artiguelouve and Domaine Cauhapé at Monein.