Old School Grape Crush at Les Pastras

The summer truffle-hunts have wound down, and it’s too early to look for the black diamond beauties, but the Pepins refuse to take a break! Instead, they invite you to come on over and get your feet dirty…or rather purple.

For some background on this Franco-American truffle-hunting couple, please read about their truffles here.

Beginning September 1st, Johann and Lisa are adding another fun activity to their roster by inviting you and three friends to stomp their grapes. Long before mechanical processes, grapes were gathered by hand and crushed by foot. So, for September (weather permitting), the Pepins are paying tribute to Provence’s tried and true wine-making methods.

The program starts with a tour of the Les Pastras vineyard with a look at the vines and ends with 4 of you in an enormous antique oak barrel crushing the berries in a method used by generations of old in Provence. During your visit with the Pepins, you will learn about some of the typical grape varieties in Provence and even hear a few stories about the realities of the trade. Plus, imagine your Instagram photos!

After your hard “work”, you can enjoy a buffet of cheese, paté, charcuterie, red wine and a chance to taste Les Pastras olive and truffle oils.

Here are the details:
Grape stomp, cheese and charcuterie buffet, all you care to drink of Les Pastras red wine, olive oil, and truffle oil tasting: 60€ per person (40€ for children). Minimum of 2 people.

Weekend tours at flexible hours, weekday tours at 10:30 am. Please book at least one week in advance.

September 1 – September 30*

Please contact us for more information or to schedule your tour.
Johann & Lisa Pepin, Les Pastras website, +33 6 26 05 30 49

As always, the Pepin’s are very generous: 50% of the profits from Les Pastras products go to the One Family orphanage in Haiti

Photo credits: All images were provided by and published with the permission of Les Pastras

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).