Wine Tasting and Cruising Canal du Midi

Canal cruising is more than floating along slowly in a barge. Wine tasting and cruising was the perfect way to spend the day on the Athos Canal du Midi.

Our first full day on the Athos Canal du Midi barge itinerary took us to the House of Noilly Prat in Marseillan for a wine tasting. The famous vermouth company, owned by Martini & Rossi, was developed by French herbalist Joseph Noilly from Lyon in 1813. Noilly Prat was officially created when Louis Noilly became a business partner with his son-in-law, Claudius Prat. The company moved to Marseillan in the 1850s because of its ideal location. Proximity to Marseille enabled easy shipping, and the sea spray from the coastal location aided in oxidizing and aging the wine.

The location was perfect for wine tasting and starting our Canal du Midi cruise, too!

 Noilly Pratt’s three vermouth variants are made in the factory we visited — except for bottling. Our tour followed each process.

Wine exclusively for Noilly Prat are produced on the property and aged up to 12 months, exposed to the seasonal climate

Second-hand barrels provide neutral wood for storing the Picpoul wine. Cognac (largest barrels) Scotland and Spain when 8-10 years old. Spray barrels daily to keep wood humid. Don’t want wood to flavor the wine.

Wine is aged for 12 months before going into the next process for vermouth

Wine is stored in concrete vats

Muscatel grape juice and sugar make up the give Noilly Prat vermouth its sweetness

Spices and herbs from around the world are the secret of Noilly Prat fine vermouths

Wine Tasting and Canal Cruising

Entering the Canal du Midi

From the harbor in Marseillan, the Athos canal barge approached the entrance to the Canal du Midi. It wasn’t long before we were at the first of the canal locks we would encounter over the following days of our cruise.

Enjoy the video and the ride!