Provence Collection

Celebrated for the excellence of their rosés, the vineyards of Provence are also known for the generosity of their hospitality. A stay in the heart of the Côtes de Provence is reasonably a folly to indulge in... Provence Collection aims to be an inspiring work for those tempted by this destination. Editions d'Autils have selected nineteen châteaux, estates, and vineyards where the vintner's hospitality has become an authentic way of life. Preface: Perhaps because of its unparalleled prestige, the French vineyard remains a somewhat inaccessible world, and in many cases, one must have the right connections to hope to cross the threshold of châteaux, estates, and vineyards. While in other countries such as South Africa, New Zealand, or California, wine tourism has long been embraced and extolled for its virtues, the art of hospitality in French vineyards is sometimes still in its infancy and often limited to a vineyard tour, a brief discovery of the cellars and caves, and a tasting experience. Furthermore, gaining access to the inner sanctum is not always possible. The vintner's spirit has its mechanisms and principles; it staunchly upholds the sanctity of its private space and remains rooted in the idea that the art of hospitality should be reserved for a privileged few. In many vineyards, it is hard to imagine sharing a meal with a disciple of Bacchus or staying under their roof. The vineyards of Provence, however, quickly realized that embracing wine tourism could breathe new life into the reputation of the Côtes de Provence. Château de Berne led the way in this and opened up to wine tourism. Wine was no longer to be the sole key to its success - The art of hospitality, combined with culinary pleasures and respect for nature, shaped its new destiny. Its name soon became well-known, and its example inspired others. From the hills of Haut-Var to the valleys of Bandol, from the slopes of Montagne Sainte Victoire to the shores of the Mediterranean, the watchword became to follow the path laid out by Château de Berne. With this Provence Collection publication, Editions d'Autils have met these pioneers of Provencal wine tourism, winemakers who have succeeded in elevating Provence rosés to great heights while remaining true to Provence's tradition of hospitality. It is this sense of welcome and sharing that now allows them to seamlessly move from the cellar to the kitchen, to forget their winemaker's attire in the evening and don a chef's apron to prepare dinner for their guests. Editions d'Autils have thus crossed the threshold of nineteen vineyards, prestigious châteaux, and intimate estates, where women and men from all walks of life inspire admiration. They were painters, antique dealers, jewelers, bailiffs, business people, who became winemakers, all driven by the same generosity. Their unparalleled sense of sharing now allows them to proudly promote wine tourism in Provence and make vineyard hospitality an authentic way of life.