Does navigating a wine list or timing when to open the bottles in your cellar feel like rolling dice? If so, then it’s time to close that “wine gap” in Provence. Chêne Bleu, a stunning boutique winery in the Rhône Valley, is the backdrop for Extreme Wine, rated by Food …

With the harvest behind us, our consultant viticulturist Clément and his team have been focusing on continuing our journey to regenerating the Domaine’s soil. Traditionally, vineyards are monocultures that are sprayed and ploughed, providing neatly manicured rows of vines and eliminating all ‘competition.’ However, this process oxidizes the soil leaving …

After leaving Aix-en-Provence and its busy neighbourhoods, the winding road descends through a forest of pine trees and cork-oaks. After a 15km drive, at the bottom of a small valley, the eye catches a glimpse of metallic silver reflections. You have arrived at Château La Coste. Impressive concrete gates (from superstar …

Visiting local vineyards for a walk, tasting, and some art should provide a perfect outing for these days of social distancing. Here are a few suggestions by region: Luberon Vineyards: Wine and gourmet food are reasons to visit Chateau la Coste (near Aix-en-Provence), but there is no question the contemporary …

Imagine staying in a glorious 19th century Provencal country estate surrounded by mighty cedars, olive trees and resplendent vineyards framed by the rolling Luberon hills of the Durance Valley. Transformed in 2013 by architect Alexandre Lafourcade, Domaine de Fontenille is now a luxury spa hotel and exceptional wine domaine, with …

Les Alpilles are a small mountain range in Provence, about 20 minutes south of the papal city of Avignon. These mountains and the surrounding countryside are dotted with charming villages and rolling vineyards, the perfect place to spend a few days. My wife and I live part of the year …

By Liz Gabay This article was originally published in Nomacorc website magazine in summer 2016, following my three-day visit to Trevallon in April 2016. A cold Mistral was blowing for most of that week, so hiding in the cellar some days, despite the noise, was a respite. Sometimes the most …

By Jill Barth: As France’s oldest wine region, Provence is infinitely important to the global history of viticulture. The region was settled by the Phocaeans around 600 BC, and it’s believed that the Greeks were responsible for the dawn of winemaking and grape growing in ancient Provence. These early wines …

Nestled among rolling vineyards between the historic city of Aix-en-Provence (14km) and the stunning Luberon Valley (21km) you will find Château La Coste. Purchased by Irish real estate developer Paddy McKillen in 2002, the ordinary has been transformed into the extraordinary. Château La Coste is now a stunning domain set within 600 hectares, dedicated not just …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Here’s a suggestion for an interesting art lover’s outing, about an hour’s drive from Aix-en-Provence.  La Commanderie de Peyrassol is not only a successful Var vineyard producing 500,000 bottles of wine a year but is a fast-growing contemporary sculpture park. …Continue reading here for details from Lynne’s visit to …