Tucked deep within the Pyrenees along the Spanish border, Irouleguy is the western-most appellation in France. In contrast to the masculine peaks of the Alps on the other side of the country, the green grass-covered mounds that comprise the Pyrenees are rounder, giving one a sense of security rather than peril. The green fields lining their sides are scattered with grazing cows and sheep. In the valleys, white houses with red rooves cluster together in small, picturesque towns. Irouleguy is part of the Pays Basque (Basque Country) that extends north to Bayonne and West to Bilbao, Spain. It is an area rich in tradition, folklore and cuisine. Grapes are planted along the slopes of the mountains surrounding the town of St. Jean Pied de Port and eight other villages that make up the region of Irouleguy. These vines are the last remains of the huge Basque vineyard complex that dates back to the eleventh century.