Gastronomy & Wine

Luxe Provence Wine Tasting Guide to Cassis
Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Luxe Provence Wine Tasting Guide to Cassis

Cassis is a slice of seaside dreams, a true Provence treasure. Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, Cassis is home to the characteristic Massif de Calanques, the highest cliffs in France, stunningly dressed in white limestone. These deep inlets shelter the terraced vineyards of Cassis, which are truly distinct from their Provençal neighbors. Established as an Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) in 1936, Cassis was one of the first in the region. The village of ...

VIEW the POST
Domaine des Masques
Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Domaine des Masques

I must share one of my favorite, local wine domaines to take visiting friends and family just outside of Aix-en-Provence. The domaine is located directly on the Cengle, in a very dramatic setting nearly at the top of the majestic Sainte Victoire of Provence. Perched upon one of the most breathtaking natural sites in the region at 550 m altitude and down roughly 17 kilometers of bumpy gravel roads, you will find Domaine ...

VIEW the POST
Baumanière, Iconic Gastronomy Retreat
Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Baumanière, Iconic Gastronomy Retreat

It at all started in 1945, when Raymond Thuilier purchased an abandoned and relatively, isolated provençal mas tucked into the protected hillside called the Baumanière. At the time, this area of Provence was considered "Le Val d'Enfer" or the valley of hell, due to the rugged shape of the surrounding limestone rocks and difficult to access location. Raymond was taken with the majestic property setting at the foot of the fortified hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence ...

VIEW the POST
Fontcreuse Côtes de Provence
Gastronomy & Wine

Fontcreuse Côtes de Provence

I had the true privilege to meet the charming family winemakers behind the highly regarded Château Fontcreuse (The Brando Family pictured below right) recently, as they opened up their château and tasting room in Cassis to us, to learn about an exciting new wine collaboration they are set to release. Jean-François Brando is the winemaker and proprietor of Château Fontcreuse, a highly regarded "vigneron" producing some of Cassis' finest wines at his historic and mystical site, right at the ...

VIEW the POST
Carriage Rides and Wine Tasting in Provence
Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Carriage Rides and Wine Tasting in Provence

Looking for a festive and charming activity for the whole family over the holiday?  What about a carriage ride on a beautiful domaine in the Var? Every Saturday and Wednesday in December the Château Fontainebleau du Var hosts Wine and Gourmet Family Workshops at their stunning vineyards for the whole family to experience.  Escape on a historic visit of the domaine and nature by horse and carriage. A great family outing idea and activity to do with visitors and children. Try out their Epicurean Advent Tasting ...

VIEW the POST
Luxe Provence Southern Rhône Wine Guide
Taste of Provence Gastronomy & Wine The Good Life

Luxe Provence Southern Rhône Wine Guide

Thanksgiving is the American holiday of gratitude and appreciation. It’s a time to honor the abundance of harvest and enjoy traditional foods with family and friends. It’s a nod to lineages and settlers, to those that planted the bounty that is enjoyed on harvest tables around the country. Though the holiday is distinctly American, the essence of the day reflects values practiced around the globe: gratitude, family and gracious mealtimes. Here in Provence, ...

VIEW the POST
Auberge La Fenière – The Tastes of Provence
Taste of Provence Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Auberge La Fenière – The Tastes of Provence

I recently attended a fabulous gastronomic event at Auberge La Fenière in Cadenet, just near the picturesque Provence village of Lourmarin. It was a fabulous day, well organized and inspired me to share their great local recipe for Boullabaisse. Timed just perfectly for our Luxe Provence Box clients who just received organic saffron in their Autumn curation. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, this family-run auberge, in a stone farmhouse and its outbuildings, is 1.8 km from Lourmarin village ...

VIEW the POST
Artichokes, Tastes of Provence
Taste of Provence Gastronomy & Wine

Artichokes, Tastes of Provence

What to do with those gorgeous artichokes, so photogenic but never sure if it's worth the effort? Here's a simple, delicious sounding recipe I found on Cooking Light that I'd like to try out tonight, especially inspired by the combination of artichokes + garlic... and a little wine. Why perfect! What you'll need: 2 whole garlic heads 4 medium artichokes 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup organic vegetable broth 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 teaspoon salt Chopped fresh parsley Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Remove ...

VIEW the POST
Famille Sumeire Vignobles of Provence
Taste of Provence Gastronomy & Wine The Good Life

Famille Sumeire Vignobles of Provence

The Sumeire Family has lived in Trets next to the Sainte Victoire since the 13th century. This local winemaking family owns three châteaux in Provence, the region where the first vines were planted in France: Château Maupague, Château Coussin, and Château l'Afrique. We caught up with Annabelle Sumeire recently to visit the property and learn more about the story of their wines including César, which was inspired by local artist, César Baldaccini (1 January 1921 in ...

VIEW the POST