Languedoc-Roussillon Organic Wine Discovery at Domaine Lérys

Very interesting. You can truly see the passion through the explanations and the tastings. Thank you!

An informative 3km tour of the local vineyards and winery building, followed by some lovely wine tasting back at the caveaux. Naturally some purchases to enjoy as well.

This was a lovely and unexpectedly personal visit, followed by a very good tasting of several wines. We met up with Alban, the (eighth-generation) owner of Domaine Lerys, who personally showed us around his vineyard (we were the only visitors at that time, so had a personal tour). We walked up the slopes where Alban showed us the different grapes he grows, explaining (in very good English) the differences in the varieties, the wines they produce and how they must be grown and harvested. As well as finding out about this, we also learned about the challenges vineyards are facing, both from changing consumption habits and climate change (including the serious impact on his other crop, almond trees). This lasted around an hour (we lost track of time, partly because it was so interesting and partly because of the beautiful views from the top of his land!). We then headed back to his offices where he gave us an excellent tasting of no fewer than eight very different and distinctive wines and liqueurs. We wanted to buy them all, but weight restrictions on our flight home sadly restricted us to four - next time we are in the area, we will go at the start of our holiday, not the end, and definitely buy more! It was also fascinating to see how a small vineyard can produce wines so distinct from one another, with unique and delicious tastes. We have been on many wine tastings at vineyards but this one stood out for several reasons. First, it was an opportunity to talk directly, 1-1, with the owner and second, because instead of the usual tour of processing rooms we were able to get out and see the grapes actually growing in the soil, giving us a greater appreciation of the varieties and the growing conditions and challenges. I should also add that Alban was a lovely, friendly and generous host! All in all, a lovely couple of hours, worth much more than the fee (yes, we would have happily paid more!) and we will enjoy happy memories as we drink the wine we brought back to the UK. I do hope that the grapes and almonds get the weather they need and that Alban is able to meet the challenges of the changing climate and see a ninth generation of his family in place one day.