L'Été du Malbec

The festival that makes the Cahors vineyards vibrate

Created in 2016 at the initiative of the Union Interprofessionnelle des Vins de Cahors (UIVC), the Fédération des Vignerons Indépendants du Lot, the municipality of Puy-l'Évêque, and the Communauté de communes de la Vallée du Lot et du Vignoble, L'Été du Malbec was born from an ambition: to make the medieval city of Puy-l'Évêque the summer capital of Malbec and the Cahors vineyards. Every summer, the festival transforms this small town perched above the Lot into a place of celebration, discovery, and sharing around wine and gastronomy.

La Dinambulation: a gastronomic and musical journey

The festival's flagship event, the Dinambulation, is a walking dinner through the medieval streets of Puy-l'Évêque. Participants move from one stage to another — aperitif, starter, main course, dessert — prepared by local restaurateurs and accompanied by tastings of Cahors wines. The journey ends with an open-air concert on the banks of the Lot, creating a unique atmosphere combining heritage, gastronomy, and live music. At a price of around €25, the Dinambulation includes the full meal, wine tastings, and access to the concerts.

Les Noctambules du Malbec

Every Thursday during the summer, the Noctambules du Malbec take over the Grand'Rue of Puy-l'Évêque for evenings combining oenology and music. Winemakers from the Cahors appellation offer their vintages for tasting while music groups — jazz, swing, reggae, rock, French chanson — liven up the evening on several stages scattered throughout the town. Purchasing a glass (€3) and consumption tickets (€2) allows you to discover the diversity of Malbec wines in a festive and relaxed atmosphere.

The Fête des Vignerons Indépendants du Lot

An unmissable highlight, the Fête du Vin des Vignerons Indépendants du Lot is held on the banks of the Lot in Puy-l'Évêque, continuing a tradition of over thirty years. This major wine festival brings together independent winemakers from across the department for an evening of tastings, meetings, and conviviality. Accompanied by food trucks and concerts, it is one of the highlights of the summer in the Lot.

Malbec Shops and the gourmet market

Throughout the festival, pop-up shops — the Malbec Shops — are set up on the Grand'Rue of Puy-l'Évêque. Winemakers from the entire AOC Cahors appellation present their red, rosé, and white wines, while local artisans and producers offer their creations and regional products. A fun and sensory trail allows you to discover the aromas of wine and the vineyard through photographic exhibitions. The weekly gourmet markets, held on Wednesday evenings, complete the offering with open-air meals prepared by local producers.

Concerts and summer entertainment

L'Été du Malbec offers a varied musical program throughout the summer. The opening evening features headliners — such as Innocents and Babylon Circus in the 2019 edition — in the Jean Neumille stadium parking lot, with food trucks and wine bars. The festival also includes partner events such as the guitar festival, outdoor activities (ziplining, hot air balloon rides, water sports on the Lot), regional wine fairs, and themed evenings at partner wineries.