3 Reasons Animal Lovers Should Visit Domaines Paul Mas

Venture far into southern France’s Languedoc region — across bucolic rolling hills and wild, garrigue-strewn countryside — and you’ll find Domaines Paul Mas. Renowned for crafting refined, authentic expressions of the Languedoc’s rugged terroir, this family-owned property proudly embodies rural, everyday luxury.

Or, as proprietor Jean-Claude Mas calls it, “Le Luxe Rural.”

It’s far more than a catchy turn of phrase. As Jean-Claude explains:

“Le Luxe Rural sums up our culture and philosophy. With the greatest respect for our rural roots, we aim for perfection. It is our mission to inspire real emotions.”

This mindset extends beyond wine. Jean-Claude, a lifelong animal lover and steadfast steward of his family’s land, has infused “Le Luxe Rural” lifestyle into every facet of Domaines Paul Mas — including the unique, animal-centered activities offered to visitors. Beyond creating an unforgettable experience, these activities support Domaines Paul Mas’ all-important eco-stewardship initiatives.

So, if you’re an animal and nature lover who wants a taste of “Le Luxe Rural,” here are three reasons to add Domaines Paul Mas to your enotourism bucket list.

Reason #1: Horseback Riding Through the Vineyards

What could be more enchanting than a horseback ride through the vineyards? Perhaps a horse-drawn carriage ride? At Domaines Paul Mas, you can do both.

Jean-Claude has always loved horses and has been riding since childhood. So, it seemed only natural to combine his passion for horses and wine — and to share them with guests.

Located on the Côté Mas property — near the vineyard, cellar, and gourmet Côté Mas restaurant — the stables of Château Paul Mas offer riding lessons, horseback rides, and carriage rides.

Riders and their steeds stroll through the vineyards and scrubland, which includes magnificent views of the Thau lagoon, Mont Saint-Clair, and the Cévennes mountain range. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can take in the scenery from the comfort of a carriage, pulled by Éden, the estate’s resident draft horse. Along the way, you’ll learn about the grape varieties and the exceptional wines they produce, while enjoying the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. 

For years, Jean-Claude dreamed of acquiring a draft horse to plow his vineyards. Not only does the sight of a horse-drawn plow recall a slower, more natural pace of agriculture and life — a luxury so often lacking in modern times — it has incredible ecological benefits.

When she’s not pulling the carriage or relaxing in the stables with her beloved Shetland pony companion, Éden is hard at work in the vineyards.

Idyllic sentiments aside, using horses for tilling reduces soil compaction, which can be detrimental to sustainably farmed or organic vineyards. (All Domaines Paul Mas vineyards are certified Haute Valeur Environnementale and 30% are certified organic.) Soil with good aeration improves the flow of rainwater and allows for its deep infiltration into the ground. This provides vines with underground water reserves during periods of drought, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

Éden is, Jean-Claude hopes, the first member of a whole new family of draft horses that will one day tend his precious family vineyards as a larger group.

Reason #2: Bird Watching & Preservation

As you explore the gorgeous, garrigue-draped hills around Domaines Paul Mas, you’ll spot dozens of birds soaring in the sky and flitting among the vines. Domaines Paul Mas is a true birders’ paradise — and a proud partner in the protection of these feathered friends.

Domaines Paul Mas’ properties lie on the plaine de Villeveyrac-Montagnac, which is an official Natura 2000 area. Located throughout Europe, Natura 2000 sites are designated to protect habitats and species representative of European biodiversity.

The plaine de Villeveyrac-Montagnac, along with 49 other Natura 2000 sites throughout France, are managed by the League for the Protection of Birds (“LPO” for short). The LPO aims to protect birds, wildlife, and nature, while encouraging people to fight against the decline of biodiversity through knowledge, protection, education, and civilian mobilization.

To help further this important mission, Domaines Paul Mas has hosted environmental educators from the LPO Occitanie to lead observation walks at the Côté Mas estate. Educators guide visitors through vineyards and scrubland to explore the environment, discover native bird species, and learn how to preserve both for future generations.

By helping locals and tourists alike witness nature firsthand, Domaines Paul Mas hopes to inspire people to take action in their own communities. It’s a natural extension of the winery’s own biodiversity initiatives, which include introducing beehives, sustainable viticulture, and a herd of adorable vineyard workers …

Reason #3: Watching Goats & Sheep at Work

While we can’t promise the opportunity to pet the goats and sheep, visitors may luck out and spy them roaming the vineyards. Beyond serving as an adorable background to your wine tasting, the herd plays a key role in Domaines Paul Mas’ eco-stewardship efforts.

As they graze among the vines, goats and sheep keep weeds at bay without the need for harmful chemicals. The lack of herbicides, and the animals’ gentle touch, preserve the wildlife habitat and allow for a thriving ecosystem among the vines. At the same time, the goats and sheep fertilize the soil with their droppings, enriching it with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for healthier vines and — therefore, better quality grapes.

Thanks to the herd — and Éden at the plow — the vineyard team uses less machinery, which in turn reduces the emissions they create.

Bonus: Meeting the Winery Dogs

Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention man’s best friend. Or, should we say, winemaker’s best friend?

Jean-Claude’s love for dogs runs as deep as his passion for winemaking. These furry friends are not just pets — they’re part of the Domaines Paul Mas family.

Wherever Jean-Claude goes among the estates, you’ll find a loyal companion like Mac, above, at his side. The dogs share in the everyday moments of life at a working winery, from tending the vineyards to exploring the barrel cellar to greeting visitors.

Perhaps, one day, Jean-Claude and Mac will happily count you among them. Learn more about enotourism at Domaines Paul Mas on their website.