Sheltered in the north by the 'Pic de Vissou' (1,440 feet high), the vineyards of Cabrières have been cultivated through time at the foot of these hills. The vines are planted principally in the valleys cut through the schistous rock by the river Boyne and its tributaries. We chose the appropriate variety of grape, depending upon the nature and exposition of the area to be planted, to ensure the quality of our wines.


   

The complex geology of Cabrières has resulted in a wide variety of soils.

The soils around the village are more or less stony, more or less clayey or chalky, with or without iron, with a varied depth of topsoil.

They are variously water-retentive or, depending on the rock structure, penetrable by the roots of plants and vines seeking humidity deeper in the ground. The models at the permanent exhibition at the Wine Cellar give a visual presentation of the relationship between the types of soil, the hills and the geology of the area around the village.

   

The vegetation around Cabrières has changed greatly since our ancestors first started mining for copper. At present, green oaks grow on the schists and the sandstone, as well as heather, a plant which enjoys the acidity of the soil.

The vegetation on the low moorland barely hides the chalky nature of the soil

A few plantations of pine trees have been established close to Cabrières.

Obviously, the vines are now the major vegetation. Several new vineyards are in preparation, and further possibilities projected, but appropriate land is limited.