Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE VENTS DU SUD: NATURAL WINES MADE USING TRADITIONAL METHODS

349 Views Posted on: 2024-06-04
 

Florence and Jean-Claude: From Non-Wine Careers to Winemaking

A New Path in Winemaking

Florence and Jean-Claude were not initially destined for the world of wine. She was a director of a temp agency, and he worked in an architecture firm. In 2006, these two wine-loving epicureans, who were members of a tasting club, decided to purchase a vineyard.

For two years, we traveled the wine routes from Banyuls to Nîmes. We eventually settled in the Tautavel-Vingrau terroir, notably for its variety of soils and grape varieties, as well as its climate, since the vineyard is ideally located in a region that is both sunny and influenced by the tramontane winds.

2009: The Birth of Domaine Vents du Sud

Located in several terroirs, the vineyard of Domaine Vents du Sud features 6 different grape varieties. This richness is precisely what Florence and Jean-Claude were seeking. In the early years, the two winemakers learned the intricacies of winemaking alongside an oenologist. Today, they work on a 5-hectare vineyard.

We greatly appreciate this "small-scale" aspect, as it allows us to work in an artisanal manner, hand-harvesting and monitoring our plots daily. From the start, we wanted to produce unique wines that are representative of the terroir.

Finesse, Indulgence, and Balance

Eager to create authentic products, Florence and Jean-Claude strive to step away from "standardized wines." Their main point of differentiation? The production of 100% natural wines—wines without chemical yeast or sulfites. True to the multifaceted identity of their terroir, Domaine Vents du Sud offers a range of wines: white wines, red wines, rosés, natural sweet wines... and even grape juice!

Guest Houses & Bed and Breakfasts

For the past two years, Fabien, Florence and Jean-Claude's son, has joined his parents on the estate. While all three are involved both in the vineyards and cellars as well as in the offices, Florence focuses more on managing the guest accommodations, a wine tourism complex established a few years ago. Bungalows, equipped kitchens, and swimming pools welcome visitors year-round in an idyllic setting amidst nature.

Wine is primarily a convivial experience. It encourages the pleasure of sharing because if we keep it to ourselves, it loses part of its appeal. That’s why we also organize vineyard walks to showcase our plots and soils, and to introduce visitors to the biodiversity surrounding our estate