Cocoa & Grapes
Cocoa & Grapes
5
Food Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings
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9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
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About
Love Wine Tasting? Love Chocolate? Enjoy hearing historical stories of places you visit? Cocoa & Grapes Chocolate & Wine Tasting Food Tour of Carcassonne is the tour for you. Taste exquisite handmade chocolates and delicious local fine wines, while hearing and seeing fascinating and fun historical stories of Carcassonne, France.
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(11 reviews)

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
257 reviews
Excellent
248
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Lynsey F
1 contribution
Jul 2022
A WONDERFUL tour! During the heatwave of July ’22, my husband and I joined Brent for his Cocoa & Grapes tour around Carcassonne. Not only did we get to taste some of what the areas has to offer in terms of incredible wine and outstanding chocolate, but we finished the tour having learned so much about the wine industry/production and the history of the area too. We found ourselves referring back to “remember Brent told us that…” throughout the rest of our stay in France, linking it to what else we saw and experienced! Brent was very informative but in a conversational way and we easily found ourselves in extended discussions with him and sharing a few laughs along the way. He was a considerate tour guide when it came to coping with the heat but he also gave us an understanding of Carcassonne as a community. This was out first day of our holiday, and the tour really helped us get our bearings of the town both geographically and culturally. We made some purchases of wine and chocolate during the tour but there was no pressure to do so. Brent added a few extra treats along the way which we were so appreciative of too. If you are pondering doing this tour, I would highly recommend that you book, you won’t be disappointed.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so very much for this lovely and welcome review. I am thrilled you enjoyed your time with as much as you did. I really appreciate you taking the time to write and post such an informative and detailed review. I enjoyed meeting you both so very much. I trust your further stay in Carcassonne continued to be fabulous. Happy Travels & Happy Tastings, Brent
Written July 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill D
Melbourne, Australia110 contributions
Sep 2022
Fantastic tour - not just chocolate and wine (both are magnificent) but also a great history of Carcassonne as well. A tour through the real, current bastide, with the current merchants, but all in context of the place and time. Brent is a fantastic host, makes the history of the city relevant to today, but very flexible to the group ( we have done the tour twice, three years apart, both were different, but fun, fun, fun). Big Tip: Do the tour early in your visit to Carcassonne, you will get great ideas for follow up visits, connections with local wine and food makers.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WOW indeed! Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for sharing the photos too. I had a marvelous time with you both and the rest of our group. It was my absolute pleasure to spend a morning with you all. Happy Travels & Happy Tastings, Brent
Written September 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael R
Phoenix, AZ306 contributions
Apr 2022
My wife and I with a friend visited Carcassonne this week and participated in the Cocoa & Grapes walking tour with Brent McTavish. Brent was knowledgeable, accommodating, and flexible. Clearly he has a superb network of locals where we visited a chocolatier, a wine shop, and a wine and eatery place. During the tour, we heard about the history of the region and city, as well as the origins of cocoa and wine as we walked through the Bastide (the "newer" part of Carcassonne). We all agreed that this tour was the highlight of our visit to Carcassonne (even though La Cité Médiévale was the initial reason for the trip).
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonjour Michael, Thank you so very much for this kind and welcome review. I'm so sorry it took me so long to respond. Since I do not sell my tours through Viator, and they now own Tripadvisor, I no longer receive notifications when I receive a review. However, I am so happy that you enjoyed your time with me. We shared a lovely morning together. Happy Travels & Happy Tastings, Brent
Written June 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gayle S
Mailhac, France31 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
I highly recommend Cocoa & Grapes to anyone visiting or living in the Carcassonne area. Brent is a charming guide who knows a lot of local history. We visited local businesses and enjoyed wine and chocolate!
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for this lovely review. I really appreciate it. I am thrilled you enjoyed the tour as much as you did. Happy Travels & Happy Tastings, Brent
Written September 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
klbr
Anthem, AZ6 contributions
Apr 2022
Wonderful walking tour with Brent in the Bastide area of Carcassonne. In addition to the historical information that Brent gave us, the highlight was the tasting of the chocolates and wine! First we learned about chocolate and sampled it in a small boutique chocolate store. Then we tasted wine in a wine store with a huge selection of wines from around the world. And finally we had wine and chocolates in a small restaurant where the owner served us delicious panini. We loved every minute of the tour.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello and thank you so much for this lovely review. I am so sorry for this late reply. Since I do not sell my tours through Viator, and they now own Tripadvisor, I no longer receive notifications when I receive a review. However, I really appreciate you taking the time to write and post this kind review. It means the world to me. I am so glad you enjoyed our morning together. Happy Travels & Happy Tasting, Brent
Written June 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sflorence
Amsterdam, The Netherlands6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We had a great day with Brent in Carcassonne and learned that the 'newer' part of town is just as worthwhile exploring as the old Cité. Brent is very kind and full of interesting stories about the history of Carcassonne, and the region and showed us several lovely spots. And of course he let us taste some of the best chocolates, wines and bites the Languedoc has to offer. Would highly recommend!
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonjour Stephanie. Thank you so very much for this kind review. I am thrilled you enjoyed your tour with me. I had a brilliant time with you both. We shared some good laughs didn't we. And I am so happy you enjoyed all the delicious tastings along the way. Kindest regards, Brent
Written August 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marie H
3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
What a find this tour is! Thank you Brent for 4 very well spent hours - which absolutely flew by. If you love chocolate, wine and learning about a beautiful historic town this tour has it all. Brent was very knowledgeable, good fun and lovely company . Such a great way to spend my birthday. I can’t recommend this enough!
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I am thrilled you enjoyed the tour so much. I had a wonderful time with you both. And I am so glad the tour was a fitting birthday celebration for you. Thank you for taking the time to write and post this very kind review. All the very best, Brent
Written September 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Moonbeam
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Fabulous tour, sering and hearing the history of the new town of Carcassonne. The wine and chocolate tasting was lovely, with stories of their production. Brentis a wonderful guide. Very informative and friendly. Do book this tour if you can.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so very much for your kind and welcome review. I really do appreciate it. I am so pleased you enjoyed the tour and your time with me. Happy Travels & Happy Tastings, Brent
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trip2n
Buckinghamshire, UK153 contributions
Jul 2022
We enjoyed a great full morning tour with delightful Brent. We started our chocolate & wine tasting tour of Carcassonne in the fabulous Bruno Bimas Patisserie. Where we tasted some delicious chocolates and treated ourselves to a small box for later, they were just so good. After being shown some of the historic sights of the old town, we stopped in a closed wine shop for a private tasting. We ended our tour in a small wine bar where the owner arrived especially to make us the most delicious panini ever ! to accompany the fabulous selection of wines. Just wish we could remember the name.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hey there, thank you so much for your kind words, and for taking the time to write and post this review. It was great to hear that you enjoyed the tour as much as I did. The Tasting Room is the name of the wine bar. Hadrian would love to see you again if you are still in town. Happy Travels, Happy Tastings, Brent
Written July 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leeza R
Dublin, Ireland13 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
My fiance and I did this tour with Brent and really enjoyed it. He was very friendly and funny and kept us entertained the entire time. He took us to taste some of the most amazing chocolate (that we would not have found elsewhere) and we now have a much better appreciation and understanding of what goes into producing such quality.
We also went to a little gem of a wine store, where we tasted and learned about many amazing local wines. I wanted to buy a bottle of everything we tasted!
Brent was also very knowledgeable about the history of Carcassonne so we left with a much better feel for the town on a whole. We would highly recommend this tour!
We also went to a little gem of a wine store, where we tasted and learned about many amazing local wines. I wanted to buy a bottle of everything we tasted!
Brent was also very knowledgeable about the history of Carcassonne so we left with a much better feel for the town on a whole. We would highly recommend this tour!
Written September 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leeza we had so much fun together didn't we. You two were so delightful. I wish you many many happy years together. Thanks so much for the lovely review :) Brent
Written October 6, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Faithypoos
Cirencester, UK1 contribution
Are the walking tours dog friendly?
Brent McT
Carcassonne Center, France23 contributions
Small, well behaved dogs only. A dog you can easily pick up. No dogs that beg or cause disruption to others on the tour. Otherwise they will need to be taken outside the shops we visit.
We are a couple with a boy (3 years)... We would like to make something like that. We will be in carcassonne in agoust. Is it possible??
Brent McT
Carcassonne Center, France23 contributions
HI there, Sorry for the late reply. I did in the past allow small children on the tour. But unfortunately it did not work out well. My tour is best suited to those 18 years and above. We spend a fair amount of time tasting and talking about wine. Kind regards, Brent
RubyTyke
South Yorkshire, UK64 contributions
Hello
I am visiting Carcassonne in September and like the sound of your tour. My issue is that I use a walking stick and my mobility is not great. I can't walk very fast or far so did wonder if I would be able to do the tour. Please could you advise me of the distance and time covered. Thank you
mwaterson789
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK10 contributions
Hi The tour last,s about 4 to 5 hours, Brett is very helpful, best to e mail him, walking pace is slow as he is showing you,around, the Patisserie / chocolatiere,may have a chair you can sit on and the wine tasting as well, in a small house cellar in the centre.He is very helpful the pace is leisurely.
Mark
DBOxon
Oxford, UK67 contributions
Hey all, my partner and I are looking into doing the Chocolate and Wine tour. Does anyone have an approximate price and duration, please?
mwaterson789
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK10 contributions
Hi We did the tour, approx 55 euros each met at 9am by the bridge to view chateau, walking tour ,drinks in a cafe and wine tasting worth every penny very informative , patisserie chocolatiere, wine cellar fabulous, and we did the sat market very good.Tour finished approx 2pm. Brent our guide brilliant . Mark
Lori C
Paisley, UK
Hi, How do we book this tour? We are arriving on 31 May for 3 days.
B-McTavish
Carcassonne Center, France103 contributions
Bonjour Lori
Thank you for your message and interest in Cocoa & Grapes Chocolate and Wine Tasting Walking Tour.
I am very sorry to have to disappoint, but exceptionally, I am unable to offer any tours during your stay in Carcassonne this year. I will be in Biarritz for a short time, just when you will be visiting here.
Very regrettably,
Brent
lizfairylover
Chelmsford, UK4 contributions
Is this tour suitable for someone with mobility problems ie: can't walk too far or too fast
Brent McT
Carcassonne Center, France23 contributions
Bonjour
Thank you for your interest in Cocoa & Grapes Walking Tour in Carcassonne.
It is somewhat difficult for me to say as I don't know your level of limited mobility.
The tour is a walking tour that lasts up to 4 hours. We walk to and visit 3 shops all together. On the way to the first shop, and in between as we are walking to the next shops I share historical stories of both Carcassonne and chocolate and wine. Depending on the shops we visit (which depends on which ones are open) sometimes there are chairs to sit on while in the shops, but not always.
There are no hills but surfaces can be uneven as this is an old town with old uneven sidewalks and roads etc. In the summer months it can be quite hot when walking around which can add to someones difficulty. The tour is definitely not wheelchair accessible.
For any given tour date I require a minimum of 2 people on the tour. Sometimes I have up to 8 people, but usually only 4 - 6 at the most.
If you are concerned about keeping up with the others, I could possibly offer you a private tour at an additional cost.
I'm not really sure what else I can add to this. Ultimately it will have to come down to your decision.
Many thanks for your enquiry and hopefully I have answered your question satisfactorily.
Kind regards
Brent
CidaSantos2014
Campina Grande, PB132 contributions
Há algum passeio com guia falando português ou espanhol em Carcassone?
Brent McT
Carcassonne Center, France23 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry. At the moment Cocoa & Grapes tour is only offered in English. Sorry.
Obrigado pelo seu inquérito. No momento em Cocoa & Grapes passeio é oferecido apenas em Inglês. Desculpe.
RovingBob59
Northallerton, UK3 contributions
Good afternoon Cocoa and Grapes, we are coming to stay in Homps mid October 12th - 22nd, will you still be doing your tours? Dates time and place please would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Regards
Ruth Barker
Brent McT
Carcassonne Center, France23 contributions
Bonjour Ruth
Merci beaucoup for contacting Cocoa & Grapes.
I can offer you a walking tour on 15, 16, 17, 20 or 21 of October. The walking tour runs in the morning from 09h00 to approximately 12h30. The cost is €55 each with a €20 per person non refundable deposit required to hold your places.
If this interests you please forward me your email address so that I can send you my confirmation email which includes where the tour begins from and how to pay your deposit.
Kind regards,
Brent