In 2024, France fell from first place among the largest wine-producing countries in 2023 to third place, behind Italy and Spain. 2024 Grape Growing Challenges in France Throughout the 2024 season, the wine year in France has been problematic, with great variation across the country. It started with frost in …

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 …

Nestled among vineyards near the village of Gigondas sits Notre Dame des Pallières, a family-run winery specializing in the wines of the southern Rhône. It should be a stop for anyone who loves the robust, long-lived wines of this part of France. Gigondas is sometimes described as the little brother …

We have lived in Rousset since 202o, a small Provençal village at the foot of the Mont Sainte-Victoire just 15 kilometres from Aix-en-Provence. Arriving at Rousset for a French immersion stay, you will notice that vineyards surround us. Mont Sainte Victoire Vineyards The four (4) vineyards listed below are at …

If you’ve never considered the possibility that wine might not be vegan, you’re certainly not alone. While the primary ingredients of wine, like grape juice and yeast, are inherently vegan, the winemaking process commonly involves fining agents, typically of animal origin. Vegan-certified wine contains no animal-derived substances or by-products in …

Playing around with this recipe for paella (Arroz con Pollo) took me years to perfect. Paella is a Spanish dish from the Valencian Community but is often found in Provencal markets. The exact ingredients are up to the chef, but this version was inspired by Jacques Pépin’s Arroz con Pollo, …

The Camargue, in the southernmost region of France, spreads over more than 360 square miles of pastureland and wetlands formed by the two branches of the River Rhône and the Mediterranean Sea. It creates the largest river delta in Europe. Between its lagoons, reed beds, dunes, and pine forests, which …

Provence is a famous winemaking (and drinking) country. The region has a justified reputation in wine circles for terrific rosé blends, celebrated reds and coveted whites from Châteauneuf du Pape, and the outstanding production of crus from the Côte du Rhone vineyards. So, perhaps it’s unsurprising that beer is not …

The Book of Rosé: The Provençal Vineyard That Revolutionized Rosé By Whispering Angel and Château D’Esclans. Published by Rizzoli International Publications in April 2024. Wrapped in dusty pink, the book promised a visual feast almost as appealing as a chilled glass of Whispering Angel from the wine estate. The Book …

If you are lucky enough to be in Provence at the beginning of June, the wine-interested gourmet must not miss two wine tours! After attending these several times, we recommend both. Here are some details on the two events:  June 2: Les Balades Gourmands par les Vignerons des Côtes de …