Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE VINTUR, JAMES WOOD: A BRITISH MAN IN AOC VENTOUX

Unique Oenotourism Experiences at Domaine Vintur

James offers a unique experience to wine enthusiasts through a series of highly original oenotourism events.

Evolving Wines with Each Vintage

James is one of those for whom wine is a compelling reason to relocate. While he loves his home country, he does not see himself returning there as long as he continues in the winemaking profession. “Outside of sparkling wine, finding quality wine in England is challenging!” he remarks. This “quality wine” was found in the Ventoux vineyard. “I love Grenache and wines from southern France. It’s a vineyard with a future, full of opportunities to create superb wines.” In 2012, James joined the British wine enthusiast Graham Shore, owner of Domaine Vintur.

Deeply committed to respecting his terroir, James prides himself on producing wines that best reflect the characteristics of the Ventoux appellation. “My wines vary with each vintage. The 2016 vintage, which was sunny, promises very fruity wines with a round palate, unlike the 2015 vintage, which produced more tannic and complex wines,” explains James. While the winemaker mainly practices barrel aging, he produces white, red, and rosé wines.

Notable Wines and Prestigious Awards

His favorite cuvée? The “Bélénos” AOC Ventoux 2012, from an “exceptional” vintage. Created as a limited edition of 1,300 bottles, this cuvée is named after the Provençal god “Bélénos” (also known as “Vintur”), whom Julius Caesar considered the god of music and light. It received a score of 90/100 in the prestigious Robert Parker guide.

But this is far from the only accolade for Domaine Vintur. Three other cuvées (including two white wines and one red wine) have also received similar ratings from the same guide. In 2013, the cuvée Le Gentleman won a silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris. A flagship wine of Domaine Vintur, this red wine with silky, generous aromas was named in tribute to the cyclists of the 2012 Tour de France, including Bradley Wiggins.

Free Tastings, Concerts, and Vineyard Tours

Domaine Vintur also stands out for its wide range of oenotourism offerings. A convivial host, James gladly welcomes visitors for free tastings, as well as rock and jazz concerts, all paired with a selection of fine cheeses.

Never short of ideas, especially regarding oenotourism, James plans to organize “open-air cinema” evenings amidst the vines for the warm summer nights. A big fan of the surrounding biodiversity, James has also created a “picnic park” featuring apricot trees, fig trees, and olive trees. So, it’s clear: Domaine Vintur is “The Place to Be,” perfect for leisurely visits in spring and summer.