Valensole Lavender Provence Highlights Trip Planning
ExploreGuest Post

7 Reasons Why Provence is a Perfect Holiday Destination

When you plan a vacation, the first thing that you probably start with is choosing the perfect destination. Provence has always been a popular place to visit. So what is Provence famous for? It is renowned for wine, food, a colourful environment, and plenty of sites worth visiting. Why Choose …

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DrinksMaison Mirabeau WinesProvencal RecipesTaste

Cocktail Twist Try a Rosé Negroni

Our limited edition Rosé Vermouth collaboration with Vault Vermouth was born out of a shared love for the aperitif culture and our passion to re-use and upcycle. Using our rosé wine from previous vintages and grape spirit from our gin production, we’ve created an aromatic Rosé Vermouth inspired by the …

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L'AUGUSTE Provence Beautiful Accessories
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireShopping & Gifts

L’AUGUSTE Provence Beautiful Accessories from Watercolours

At L’AUGUSTE Provence, showcasing the Provencal countryside always starts with an image. Finding endless inspiration in Provence’s landscapes, local traditions, and exceptional French craftsmanship, the three founders (Laure, Stéphanie, and Caroline) launched L’AUGUSTE Provence in 2021. These friends combined their expertise to turn Laure’s watercolour paintings into attractive, practical accessories. …

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Provençal Pairings Acquiesce Winery
Provence WineZineTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Debating Provençal Pairings at Acquiesce Winery

Gathering in the Acquiesce Winery tasting room with owner Susan Tipton and Susan and Towny Manfull and the wine lovers behind Provence WineZine was a joyful occasion after so much time apart. However, we were not in Lodi, California for simply a social occasion, we had some wine tasting and …

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Beautiful Bonnieux
ExploreGuest PostVillages Towns and Cities

Bonnieux a Great Place for a Day in the Luberon

Discovering Bonnieux Our family first visited Bonnieux during a week in Provence in early June 2003. We stayed in a nearby village and spent a few hours in Bonnieux one afternoon. The Luberon truly captivated all three of us. The following year we returned for a longer stay—six-and-a-half months—renting a …

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Provencal Feta and Sardines
AppetizerDavid Scott AllenProvencal RecipesTaste

Provencal Feta and Sardines a Recipe for Wine Pairing

Salty food and oily fish is a wine pairing challenge. However, nothing that Cocoa & Lavender wasn’t willing to try. Taking inspiration from southern France, this delicious warm platter of feta and sardines paired beautifully with two Acquiesce wines. Producing only Rhône-style white and rosé wines, Acquiesce Winery is a …

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Bonnieux
ExplorePaul ShawcrossRoad Trips South of France

How to Spend 2 Days Driving Around the Idyllic Luberon

Mountains, Old Abbeys, Pretty Villages and a Roman Bridge The Luberon in the Vaucluse boasts many charming villages, four of which are classified as Plus Beaux Villages. Moreover, there are wooded hills with plenty of good walking, great markets, excellent restaurants and a producer of quality wines—all in this relatively unspoiled …

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Wintertime Braised Oxtail Stew
BeefDavid Scott AllenMain CourseProvencal RecipesTaste

Winter Meals Braised Oxtail with Potato Purée

As the weather in the Sonoran Desert finally cools down, the morning temperatures are just low enough to use the fireplace. Once winter arrives, I  look forward to that first fire and spend all morning staring into the flames. Along with those indolent desert winter days come the addictive comfort …

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Simple Recipe French Brioche
BreadsDavid Scott AllenProvencal RecipesTaste

Simple Recipe for French Brioche Loaf

You might shy away from bread making, but this simple Cocoa and Lavender recipe for a French Brioche Loaf will make you reconsider. Our friend Barbara took a no-knead brioche bun recipe and turned it into a loaf. This easy loaf has become one of our favourite bread for sandwiches …

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melanzane a scarpone
David Scott AllenMain CourseProvencal RecipesTasteVegetarian

Eggplant, Aubergine Melanzane a’Scarpone Recipe

While this recipe is not typically Provencal, aubergine (eggplant) and tomatoes are plentiful in the region, and we highly recommend trying this vegetarian dish. While we will always love a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood, we add more vegetarian options for our health! Melanzane a’Scarpone is one of our favourite …

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