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 …

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 …

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 …

The 12th edition of Les Musicales dans les Vignes de Provence starts on June 1 with the first concert at Château la Gordonne in Pierrefeu. Festival organizers want you to enjoy music from around the world while sipping on local wines at one of 40 prestigious vineyards. Whether you are …

Provence’s Mediterranean climate includes warm, dry summers, mild winters, and soil well-suited for vineyards. It’s no wonder that the wine regions of Provence are well known for producing some of the best wines in France – and around the world. The following article overviews the Provence wine regions, wineries and …

Recently, in Provence, there have been some substantial acquisitions in the rosé wine industry. The most famous acquisitions are LVMH’s purchase of Château d’Esclans, Château Minuty, Château de Galoupet, Domaine des Grands Esclans, and Domaine du Jas d’Esclans (!) as well as Pernod Ricard’s purchase of Château Sainte Marguerite. Still, …

The winery Château d’Esclans in the Esclans Valley north of Le Muy has had a strong ownership journey, to say the least. Thirty years ago, the winery was owned by the Swedish Match pension fund, with Lars Torstenson as the responsible winemaker, and since 2019 the winery is owned by …

Unfortunately, there are even more Provençal vineyards that are bought up by larger “consortia”, it is the Provençal rosé wine success that contributes to the fact that there are fewer and fewer family-owned vineyards! Billionaire Rosé Ever since 1908, there has been a wine cooperative in the port of Saint-Tropez, …