Yesterday we made a quick trip to the market in Vaison. This would be our last food run that will tie us over for the remainder of our stay in Provence. Waiting on the checkout line we were conversing when this young gentleman in front of us asked if we were American. Not sure what was the give away but we home in on english speakers among the din of French. We started to chat and found out that he divided his time between the US and France and was currently working at a winery started by his grandparents fifty years ago. We exchanged information along with the location of his winery, Since it was along our planned flat vineyard ride for tomorrow he suggested that we stop by for a tasting. Not our normal routine but worth consideration.
Lavender is a common crop in Provence so this field that was past its prime was worth a photo. Unfortunately the lavender colored fields reach their peak earlier in the fall.
No self respecting wine region will always have a symbol advertising their wares in the hopes of drawing tourists in for a tasting and purchase.
This was the first sign we saw of Julian's winery so we knew we were on the right track. It sits on a knowl with a steep climb up to the winery.
We parked our bikes and Julian showed us to the tasting room.
A bottle of one of their premium offerings.
Julian insisted on pouring a few of his favorite picks. With more than a handful of miles back home Kim has a sip of each but had enough restraint to insure a safe ride back.
Julian gave us his origin story which started with his mother who was born in Resteau but sent to the California wine country to expand her wine making education before taking over the reign of the family business. While working for Joseph Phelps in Napa she met Julian's father who was also learning the wine business from the bottom up. After marrying they moved back to Provence where Julian and his younger sister were born. They returned to California where Julian went to high school and perfected his English. Later on he returned to the winery to run the manual operations while his parents continued to handle the business end. Although Julian spends most of his time in France he continues to visit the states to connect with friends and spend time with his sister who is a sommelier in the New York area.
Fortunately the last few miles were negotiated without incident ending a very interesting and rewarding day. Having exchanged contact information we invited Julian to stop by Vail on one of his trips to the states. He is a skier but has to schedule his time away when the call of harvesting and pruning it not all consuming.
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