Toques et Clochers

Since 1990, the marriage of wine and heritage

Toques et Clochers was born in 1990 from an initiative by the Cave du Sieur d'Arques, an emblematic wine cooperative in Limouxin, producer of the famous Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant de Limoux. The concept is unique: each year, a village in the Limoux appellation is selected to host the event, and the profits from the wine auction are donated to the restoration of the host village's church and bell tower. The name 'Toques et Clochers' symbolizes this dual purpose: the 'toques' (chef hats) representing haute gastronomy, and the 'clochers' (bell towers) representing the architectural heritage of the villages.

The Chardonnay Auction

The highlight of Toques et Clochers is the auction of Chardonnay barrels specially aged for the occasion by the Sieur d'Arques cooperative. Since 1990, four terroirs in Limouxin have been identified for producing Chardonnay with remarkable character: Méditerranéen, Autan, Océanique, and Haute-Vallée. The auction, presided over by Michelin-starred chefs and led by an award-winning sommelier, attracts wine professionals, restaurateurs, and enthusiasts from around the world. All funds raised are dedicated to the restoration of local religious heritage.

A Popular Festival in the Villages

The first day of Toques et Clochers is dedicated to a popular festival in the host village. The streets come alive with wine tastings, art exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Visitors discover the village's heritage, its church restored thanks to previous editions, and meet the winemakers of the appellation. It's an opportunity to taste local specialties—cassoulet, foie gras, Pyrenean cheeses—while enjoying the Toques et Clochers vintages in a friendly atmosphere. In 2024, Ladern-sur-Lauquet hosted the 35th edition; in 2025, it will be Cournanel; and in 2026, Bouriège.

An Event of International Reach

With nearly 30,000 visitors each year, Toques et Clochers has become a major event for promoting Limoux wines and the heritage of Limouxin. It benefits from national and international media coverage, attracting specialized journalists, importers, and wine influencers. Over the years, more than 30 churches and bell towers have been restored thanks to funds raised at the auctions, making Toques et Clochers a unique model of viticultural patronage in service of heritage.