Wine Journey through France – A Discovery of Taste, Friendship, and Passion
Together with my good friend Alex Burke, a passionate wine lover, we decided to embark on an exploration of some of the finest wine estates in France in early July 2025. This journey took us to various regions, each with its own charm and unique wines.
Our first stop was Domaine de l'Enchantoir in Puy-Notre-Dame, near the picturesque town of Saumur in the Loire Valley. The estate, taken over in 2016 by Amandine’s parents, is a gem in the heart of the region. The 15-hectare vineyards are predominantly planted with Chenin and Cabernet Franc. From the courtyard of the estate, you can access a network of troglodytes – underground tunnels that wind their way through the region. These impressive passages provide the perfect environment for the storage and aging of the wines, giving them unmistakable character.
After this unique experience, we traveled 100 km west to Domaine Bonnet-Huteau, located in the subregion of Sèvre et Maine in the Loire. Jean-Jacques Bonnet welcomed us with an engaging explanation of the diversity of their vineyards and terroirs. The estate specializes in Muscadet and grows varieties such as Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. The Muscadet wines, which are so typical of the region, offered us a broad range of flavors and aromas, from fresh and mineral to complex and refined.
Next, we journeyed to Bordeaux, where we visited Domaine Millaire, located near the Dordogne. This estate has a long tradition of growing Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Canon Fronsac, a red wine from their collection, particularly impressed us. Jean-Yves Millaire, the winemaker, also experiments with other grape varieties, but these were less to our liking.
In the Gaillac region, near the breathtaking town of Albi, we arrived at Château les Vignals. Matteo, the passionate winemaker, took us on an extensive tasting adventure, where we tried wines made primarily from indigenous grape varieties like Loin de l’œil, Mauzac, Braucol, and Duras. The combination of incredibly friendly hospitality and the enchanting nature of the estate made the experience unforgettable. The estate is newly biodynamically certified by Demeter, which meant we could taste naturally produced wines with little to no added sulfites, something we as wine lovers really appreciated.
Our final stop was Château de la Selve, in the heart of the Ardèche. Here, we were welcomed by Benoit and Florence, who showed us that wines can indeed be made in the Ardèche that rival the more renowned wine regions of France. The wines, made from Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier, were full of character. The estate is Biodyvin-certified, meaning the wines are produced using biodynamic principles. This farming method, which I personally admire, ensures wines that are both natural and healthy.
This wine journey was a delightful discovery – not only of beautiful wines and new vintages but also of new friendships and the undeniable passion of the winemakers. An adventure that will surely continue.
