When the USA fell in love with rosé

It wasn’t that long ago that rosé wine was hard to find in USA. Initially it was often confused with white zinfandel, wine of a similar color but not similar in any other way. I can even remember rosé being dismissed as being a watered down red with half the alcohol content! But then, about ten years ago, Provençal rosé hit the American supermarket shelves and when sales exploded it sent the local vintners scampering to produce something to rival it. And small wonder that Provençal rosé has been such a success, for this subtle, pale pink shimmer in your glass, so crisp and refreshing seems to define what so many of us love about Provence. As it sparkles like sunshine, with every sip one is transported to be sitting at a bistro table below the shaded branches of gently swaying plane trees, cicadas chattering incessantly above as you ponder the biggest decision of the day, what are you going to order for lunch?

Léoube

I digress, what has this got to do with Léoube the wonderful rosé from a wine château near Bormes-Les-Mimosa in Provence? Well believe it or not the first time I tasted Léoube was not in Provence but in California. A dear friend found it at our favourite, local épicerie, Diablo Foods in Lafayette, 30 miles east of San Francisco near where we live, and we were smitten.

Daylesford

The second time I saw it was a year later, again not in Provence, but at a gorgeous organic farm shop, Daylesford, in The Cotswolds, England.

Courtyard at Daylesford

In fact, I remember it was the only wine I saw there.

Léoube wine for sale at Daylesford

Situated next to an organic farm, belonging to the Bamford family, in addition to the farm shop, Daylesford offers a collection of stunning home, gift, clothing and garden shops, a cookery school, several fabulous dining options and the Bamford Wellness Spa.

There are also several equally lovely deli style farm shops and cafés in London, click here for locations

A few weeks after my first visit to Daylesford we were having lunch at a nearby pub in the Cotswolds, The White Rabbit, in Kingham and once again Léoube featured predominantly on the menu. Intrigued we got chatting to the manager who explained, Daylesford owns the White Rabbit, Daylesford is owned by Lord and Lady Bamford who also own a château in Provence, volia Léoube!!

The bar at The Wild Rabbit pub

Organic farming, a JCB and a chateau in Provence

Their story goes something like this….. when the Bamfords, also owners of JCB (England’s equivalent to Caterpillar) bought a fairy tale château in Bormes-Les-Mimosa it came with a small vineyard.

They became friends with their neighbour, a local vintner, Jean-Jacques Ott. They dispatched some JCB’s, recruited Monsieur Ott and later his son, who helped them in the conversion of both the vineyards and the olive grove to organic production. It's an incredible success story!

In my opinion they have established one of the loveliest domaines in Provence. Under Lady Carole Bamford's expert care, just like their farm in England and Daylesford, the commitment to sustainability and nurturing the land shines.

Although rosé is the star of the show they also produce red, white and sparkling. They now export to more than thirty countries and are full of further aspirations.

The tasting room and shop at Château Léoube

The shop at Château Léoube has the same enticing ambience as Daylesford.

Shop at Daylesford

At both locations the understated, artistic displays reek of style and good taste.

The natural, 'feel good' look tugs at your soul and makes you ignore the price tag!

And let's not forget the opportunity to taste the wine!

Just down the road the story continues at The Léoube Café.

Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach

The café and it's location on Pellegrin beach is yet another Daylesford style haven.

One that feels like you’ve arrived at a 5 star desert island.

Although we did think it was a bit much having to pay 11 euros to park the car when we had a reservation for lunch at the café.

The menu was delicious.

We chose the daurade ~ sea bass

The shop on the beach was a continuation of the same allure, brimming with temptation.

A beach version of  the ladies clothing shop at Daylesford.

The Daylesford ladies clothing shop.

Even the plates for sale at Café Léoube begged to be purchased.

Everything at Café Léoube and Pellegrin Beach is dedicated to relaxing with its laid back, feel good vibe.

We will be returning for sure; to Pellegrin Beach, Château Léoube and Daylesford of course!

Château Léoube

2387 Route de Lèoube 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas

Café Léoube

Open from April - October for lunch and dinner reservations are essential.

Call +33 04 98 07 69 88 or book online here

Check out their summer program and the various events hosted here throughout the season.

Click here for directions to both the Château and Café at Pellegrin Beach.

Daylesford

Daylesford near Kingham Cotswolds GL56 0YG +44 (0)1608 731700

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We decided we'd like to explore a little more of the region beyond the Luberon and spend a few days on the Côte d'Azur. We were in search of a quiet, boutique hotel, one that offered good food where we could relax for a few days by a pool and feel a little indulged. With lots of places to chose from you're never completely sure if you've made a good selection until you arrive. Nestled on the cliffs above the sparkling Mediterranean, Hôtel La Villa La Duce, proved to be a gem!

About a three hour drive from Lourmarin we chose to drive across country instead of taking the autoroute. It was a scenic journey, through vast areas of sweeping vineyards into the beautiful countryside of the Var.

We stopped for lunch by the Mediterranean at the pretty beach town of Le Lavandou, just 13km west of our destination at Rayol-Canadol-sur-Mer and 30km west of the beaches of the Saint Tropez Peninsular.

Le Lavandou bustles with restaurants, shops and cafés, cheerily strung along the quay.

We wandered by the water until we found somewhere that seemed impossible to resist. Doubtless tempted by a display of one of our favourite rosés, Léoube, from nearby Bormes-Les-Mimosas. (There's a story to Léoube which I'll share next time.)

After lunch we wound our way a little further along the oleander fringed corniche. Mediterranean villas, smothered with bright purple and fushia bougainvillea clung to the hillside either side of us, painting a profusion of color along our pathway

Then we arrived at Hôtel La Villa La Duce, perched amongst the clay tiled roof tops with dazzling views from the terrace, of our beautifully appointed room, of the Mediterranean and Côte d'Azur.

Champagne and rosé were some of the offerings at cocktail hour, carefully positioned to show case the view.

As was the hotel's restaurant, Le Café l’Envol.....

The cuisine was a delicious work of art without being pretentious and it was reasonably priced.

View the menu here.

Breakfast was served on the upper terrace at Le Club Papillon with sweeping views across the glistening, blue water.

The breakfast buffet was a sumptuous feast, we certainly didn't need lunch!

After 2 days of  indulgence we decided to explore a little further and visited Gassin one of Les plus beau villages de France, a medieval village high above the beautiful Saint-Tropez Peninsular.

Jean-Luc Ducreux' incredible bronze and steel sculpture dangled by the village entrance.

Where 'Don Quixote' seemed to be guarding the secrets of this picturesque little spot.

And it was really very pretty.

A visit to one of Les beau villages never disappoints.

We stopped on the short drive back at the beach near Croix-Valmer.

Where we were enticed to stay for dinner with the sand between our toes.

Gambas et frites..... très délicieux!

We only had a few days in this little haven,

and it was hard to tear ourselves away.

Only open a few years, we've already booked to go back. If you'd like to visit Hôtel La Villa La Duce click here, it's cheaper to book direct!

Where do you like to stay on the Côte d'Azur?

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The Côte d'Azur or 'French Riviera', as called by Les Anglais, is a region of startling contrasts. From its dramatic coast line of rocky cliff tops to gentle sandy beaches where the sea gently laps and the sun soaks into your pores. Glamorous resorts, bustling cities and village perchés are all part of its make up. This sunblessed eastern corner of France, the Côte d'Azur, an illustrious stretch of coastline from Cassis to Menton, could take a life time to explore. A favourite of artists, writers and initially a haven for just the very rich, the Côte d'Azur is infused with the scents of lavendar, olives and pine and just like the rest of Provence it is beautiful and intoxicating.............

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, is a picturesque medieval village nestled between stunning Monaco and bustling Menton, minutes from the Italian border. Over the years Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has been owned by the Grimaldi Family, the Italians and the French, who each in their own way have contributed to the charming little squares, beautiful fountains scattered here and there and ornate wrought-iron balconies. As you explore its deep vaulted passages, like the Greeks and Romans before you, you find yourself becoming entranced by this sun-drenched idyll which clings to the cliffs above Monte Carlo.

Wandering Roquebrune's narrow, stepped, stone streets, just one person wide, you wonder about all those who have trod these worn paths before you. Pausing momentarily in the shadows, a respite from the midday sun, the stillness and ancient heritage envelopes you. Only the gentle scuffle of a leaf, caught in the breeze, twirling somewhere behind you and a faint distance birds' chatter fills the air, the village seems deserted.

Yet just a few paces away you turn a corner, suddenly dazzled by the vibrant provencal sky, to find yourself immersed in a lazy lunchtime of Roquebrune's central square, tucked in between its chateau and high protective rocks.

Hotel du Grand Cap Ferrat

Further along the coast towards Nice is one of the Cote d'Azur's most spectacular destinations, Hotel du Grand Cap Ferrat. Expensive and beautiful yet at the same time serene and discreet, an atmosphere of timeless chic, no wonder this a favourite escape for the rich and famous! In nearby St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat you almost expect to bump into David Niven, Somerset Maugham, or Charlie Chaplin, all of whom had homes here!

The elegant hotel lounge tempts you to order an English tea before retiring to one of the hotel's sancturies to slip into a silk evening dress for cocktails and then dinner.

The immaculate hotel gardens scented with jasmine and rosemary offers shady recluses to read your book undisturbed. Beyond the pool and the glistening Mediterraean beckons.

Just looking at this makes one want to recline on one of the loungers, close ones eyes and relax!

Leaving St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat behind us, the coastline before Nice bends and twists, revealing small, quaint habours on almost every turn.

Valbonne

Valbonne, meaning the 'good valley' is another favourite spot about 20 minutes along the coast from Nice towards Antibes, just slightly inland. Traces of settlement here dates back to the Iron Age. This charming, splendidly preserved village showcases provencal architecture, shopping and delicious food. In stark contrast to its neighbour, the 1970s built high tech centre of Sophia Antipolis. Its name, Sophia Antipolis, was adopted from the ancient Greek colony of Antipolis which resided in nearby Antibes. Today, Sophia Antipolis has became an important site of research and development, the 'Silicone Valley' of France!

Mougins

The delightful village of Mougins sits back on the hill from Valbonne closer to the coast, just 15 minutes from Cannes. Mougins also enjoys a rich historical heritage having been occupied prior to the Romans. For centuries afterwards Mougins was a sleepy backwater and for a long time the home of the local Monks of Saint Honorat. During this period, Mougins became a fortified village enclosed by medieval ramparts, parts of which still exist today. Surrounded by forests, the village has an abundance of pine, olive, and cyprus trees and provencal charm, a favourite spot of mine!

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