Irouléguy is the smallest AOC designated region in France, and one of our research locations for the Convivium activity “Re-framing Viti-cultural Landscapes.” Situated across a series of villages in the mountainous French Basque region, near the convergence of the French trails of the Camino de Santiago, the vineyards of AOC Irouléguy show an inspiring example of polyculture, as the steep terraced do not allow for large monoculture plantations, but rather, are scattered among pastures for sheep to graze and apple orchards. Many producers making wines, sheep’s cheese, and cider.

Another particularity of the region is the presence of the wine cooperative, the Cave d’Irouléguy, which groups together winemakers who represent nearly half of the entire region’s wine production. The collective not only shares in decision-making, but also performs blind tastings on the grapes and wines to decide which styles to produce, showing horizontal cooperation at work. The “Cave” offers educational activities, tastings, tours, and also serves as a shop for local products.

The French Basque region shares language and cultural and culinary overlaps with its Spanish Basque neighbors, and even some grape varieties. Next October, we will organize a knowledge-sharing workshop between the French and Spanish Basque regions.