I have to say that it is beyond amazing to me that I am now at the point, four and a half years in with Lost in Arles, that I need to update posts! But there is something of the “I am still here!” Happy Birthday tune to be sung about it as well, isn’t there?
When out with Remi in the pups roaming the Alpilles, I reminded Mr. Photographer that we were close to the Domaine de Valdition and why not stop by and pick up a little something to parch our dry throats? *hint, hint*
It was only after I stepped into the cool of the boutique (kept purposefully darkened during the blare of our summer, so I hope you will excuse the grain in the photos, I tried, sans trépied) that something seemed a bit off…
…despite the really gorgeous elegance around me that I had remembered from my last visit…full of pretty much everything that you could wish for to make a Provençal kitchen homey…
…from sets de table proclaiming that tomatoes have been harvested “since always”…
…ceramic hens and delicate candle holders to light up the terrace at night…
…to a range of local honey both sucré and a bit salé…
…and not to mention the absolutely quintessential tablecloth so that all of your meals are comme il faut!
It was all intensely familiar and yet…”Is this the same bou…” I started to ask a young woman whose face I recognized as she served a tasting from behind the counter. “Ah, non,” she quickly cut me off to end my confusion, “we moved the boutique two kilometers up the road from where it was before.” Oh, thank goodness, I haven’t completely lost my mind…yet.
The new boutique and tasting room is just as wonderful as before – truly one of the prettiest in this corner of Provence – but that doesn’t change what we were really there for, the wine. I am happy to report that the Domaine is continuing to bloom, winning a bronze medal at the prestigious Concours Général Agricole de Paris for their 2014 rosé Tradition (yes, we bought a few bottles of this).
The estate is huge, covering 90 hectares with a highly unusual amount of varietals for these parts – especially when you consider that Valdition’s wines are nearly all bio or organic. Here is a list of what is grown on the property:
- Cabernet-sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Marselan, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot and Syrah for the reds.
- Bourboulenc, Chardonnay, Chasan, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Muscat Petit grain, Roussane, Vermentino, Viognier and Pinot Grisfor the whites.
If you would like to find out more, then by all means please read my initial post about the Domaine by clicking here.
I definitely stand by what I wrote in 2012: “There is something so timeless and beyond time about this special place.” And I most certainly recommend that you stop by when you favor our fair corner of the world with a visit.
Domaine de Valdition
Route d’Eygalières
13660 – Orgon
Tel.: +(0)4 90 73 08 12
* As always, this is not a sponsored post – my goodness, I wish! – Just my hoping that you discover all the best that Provence has to offer…Salut!
Oh that late summer light, that promises, still many sunny days to come. Buy local is my motto, especially when i copmes to wine and vegetables. Drinking wine that you "found" yourself, is one of the best souvenirs. Both for sunny days, and during the tweillight of Winter. Summer in a bottle.
Henrik
Apparently your memory is pretty good — at least when it comes to certain things! When we were in California about 8 years ago, Paul went on a tour of an organic vineyard. It sounded fascinating since every detail was thought out, including encouraging honeybee activity on the premises. Where was I, you ask? I was being a very good friend by accompanying another of our party in keeping her young son entertained. I envy your mom. Do give her a few extra daughter hugs and I don't think I need to explain why 🙂
I remember your first visit – still intoxicating!
"harvested with love since forever" oh I love that!
That’s a lot of varietals. Is that common?
I am attracted by the photo of that long path lined by trees on both sides. The path looks like it can go on forever.
Heather, thanks for your post. Interesting as always! I googled the area map and also their website. What a stunningly beautiful place. Lucky girl! Hope you enjoyed a nice chilled wine (if it was white) and had a chance to relax!
Cheers,
Deborah – Melbourne
Alas, I am not favoring your corner of the world with a visit soon, but SOMEONE is! (that someone being Mom, of course!). Maybe you'll have to take her there – that boutique looks so adorable, and I believe Mom partakes in wine as well! How funny – the low lighting because of the heat! (duh!). And I'm glad you're not going cuckoo yet (YET) and that the place had moved! Maybe I'll stow away in Mom's suitcase…
It's perfect and so beautiful. I hope that we make it to Provence one day. It is definitely on our bucket list.
It's all so pretty – I would probably spend most of the time in the boutique- just lovely! And, it would be 'cool'!!!! I truly love this part of France and I love how you share it all with us! Putting this one in the file for 'next time in Provence."
Heather what a perfect boutique and wine tasting room right in the area!!
I would be in heaven!!
xoxo
Karena
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