The mornings are crisp all of a sudden. The days are still hot. The harvest, of just about everything, is in full swing. I went for a walk and followed the smell of a skip full to the brim of grape skins before I stepped into the leaking juice running …

Pitcher and Powell is a small travel company that combines the creative talents and cooking passions of two talented ladies. Join them for a week-long culinary tour in Provence from September 28 – October 5, 2024. Please continue reading below for details on this trip and why you should book …

France was the most significant wine country in Europe in 2023. However, the growing season was not without its challenges this year. Italy, France, and Spain are usually the three largest wine-producing countries. Since France, relatively speaking in the “average” between the regions, has done well while the other countries …

This year there has been a severe drought in southern Europe, as several heat waves have hit the countries. In Provence, the whole summer felt like one long heat wave (canicule), with temperatures above 30 degrees mid-September in many locations. As a result, virtually all departments in France experienced some …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: August is a quiet month in Provence where everyone believes it to be their right to do absolutely nothing (farniente) that requires any energy (other than catching up with friends, sunbathing by the pool or on the beach) In September, there are plenty of festivals …

Contributor blog post by Mirabeau Wine: Harvest was over in many parts of Provence by late September. The winemakers that I have talked to are optimistic that the fruit from 2015 will produce great wine.  Here is what the gang at Mirabeau Wine has to say: It’s not even the …

September is always a busy time in the wine world! It’s harvest time! To accompany the very important business of creating a new vintage, September traditionally sees various wonderful wine events and festivals to participate in. Here is a selection of my top Super September wine events on the French …

“The origin of the olive tree is lost in time, coinciding and mingling with the expansion of the Mediterranean civilizations which for centuries governed the destiny of mankind and left their imprint on Western culture.” ~ International Olive Council Olives of Provence If you like olives, wine, and beautiful vistas, …

Running east to west in Provence’s Bouches-du-Rhône department, the Alpilles (“small Alps”) is a mountain range, protected park, and agricultural area. Its rugged, arid alpine terroir suits growing grapes and olives on its flanks. Below, we cover ideas for touring the Alpilles vineyards in Provence, many of which also produce …

Here we are, October first, and it’s impossible to deny the season is changing. Thankfully, it can be glorious and sunny, with many days reaching up to +30. One never knows past mid-September if you’ll ever see those summery days again, but we have lucked out this year after a …