Although you are probably familiar with Provence’s reputation, beauty, charm, and importance, let us nevertheless provide a quick introduction. Provence, located in southeast France, is home to some of the most iconic wineries (and wine)

Although you are probably familiar with Provence’s reputation, beauty, charm, and importance, let us nevertheless provide a quick introduction. Provence, located in southeast France, is home to some of the most iconic wineries (and wine tours!) in the country. If you’re considering French wine tours, this region should be at the top of your list. It’s a definite must-visit destination for wine and food lovers. In this article, we will explore some of the best wineries in Provence, including centuries-old châteaux, and of course, the world’s best wines produced in the region.

Château d’Esclans

Château d’Esclans  near the ancient Roman city of Fréjus on the Mediterranean coast, has built a reputation as one of the premier producers of rosé in the world, and if you’ve ever had a glass of Garrus, you’re already familiar with their masterpiece. Like their rosés, this stunning estate feels like the epitome of French elegance.

Perched at an elevated altitude, the estate enjoys a unique microclimate, perfect for growing some of the finest grapes in Provence. The current château was constructed in the 19th century, modeled after a Tuscan villa, blending Mediterranean charm with European sophistication.

The story of modern winemaking at Château d’Esclans began in 1994 when a Swedish retiree purchased the property and embarked on small-scale wine production. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when Sacha Lichine acquired the estate, that Château d’Esclans rose to international prominence. Lichine, a visionary in the world of wine, was determined to elevate rosé wines to the level of world-class prestige previously reserved for premium whites and reds. His mission led to the “rosé renaissance,” positioning Château d’Esclans as a pioneer in crafting luxurious and complex rosé wines.

Today, the estate spans over 450 acres of vineyards, with Grenache as the predominant grape, some vines being over 90 years old. In addition to Grenache, the vineyards cultivate Vermentino, Cinsault, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Tibouren, all benefiting from the limestone-rich soils and the estate’s ideal growing conditions.

What Château d’Esclans wines to try

• Garrus: One of the flagship wines from the estate. Though it presents as a traditional Provençal rosé with a delicate blush hue, its rich bouquet and intense flavors reveal a more complex, Burgundian-like character. The wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes, primarily Grenache from almost 100-year-old vines, along with Vermentino and a touch of Syrah. Fermented in 600-liter French oak barrels and aged for 10-12 months using the “batonnage” method, Garrus develops layers of complexity. With notes of ripe peaches, dried citrus, spices, and vanilla, it delivers a full-bodied, creamy texture with a long, elegant finish.
• Whispering Angel: One of the most famous rosés from Provence. Pale pink with delicate aromas of strawberry, grapefruit, and peach, this rosé is both complex and refreshing. Its minerality and crisp acidity make it versatile, pairing perfectly with summer salads, salmon carpaccio, or grilled shrimp.
• Rock Angel: Another refined rosé from Château d’Esclans. With a pale pink color and aromas of red berries, nectarine, and citrus, Rock Angel is more structured and full-bodied, with a hint of salinity on the finish. Partially barrel-fermented, this wine pairs wonderfully with white meats, fish, and creamy pasta dishes.

What to do at the Château d’Esclans winery

• Estate Tour: Learn about the history of Château d’Esclans and how they’ve revolutionized the rosé category.
• Wine Tasting: Explore the nuances of their world-class rosés in a guided tasting session.

“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

This compelling novel tells the story of Kya Clark, known as the “Marsh Girl,” who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. Abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself from a young age, Kya becomes intimately familiar with the natural world around her. The narrative unfolds as a dual timeline, alternating between Kya’s coming-of-age story in the 1950s and a murder investigation in the 1960s where Kya becomes a prime suspect.

Delia Owens‘ descriptive prose vividly captures the beauty and solitude of the marshlands while exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the impact of human connections. The novel became a runaway bestseller, captivating readers with its atmospheric setting and haunting portrayal of Kya’s survival against the odds. In addition to its literary success, “Where the Crawdads Sing” has also been adapted into a feature film, bringing Kya’s story to life on the big screen and further solidifying its place in contemporary literature.

The dual timelines of Kya’s coming-of-age journey and the gripping mystery that unfolds later in her life kept me eagerly turning pages late into the night, driven to uncover the truth alongside her. While I understand that opinions on this book vary, for me, it was a story that lingered in my thoughts long after I finished reading, prompting reflection on themes of loneliness, resilience, and the enduring power of nature.

I recommend pairing it with a crisp and refreshing Rosé. Known for their harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity, a well-crafted Rosé will beautifully complement the themes of nature and survival of “Where the Crawdads Sing.” The light, vibrant character of a Rosé mirrors the atmospheric setting of the marsh, reflecting its vivid descriptions of flora and fauna.

A Rosé offers versatility and a refreshing uplift that aligns with the novel’s emotional depth and hopeful moments. The wine’s rejuvenating qualities parallel the story’s depiction of nature’s transformative power, making it a perfect companion for delving into Kya’s world.

For “Where the Crawdads Sing“, I paired it with Whispering Angel Rosé from the Côtes de Provence in France. This popular rosé is celebrated for its fresh, crisp flavors of strawberry, peach, and citrus, accompanied by a light, elegant body. Its refreshing character enfolds and uplifts the natural beauty and outdoor settings vividly depicted in Delia Owens’ novel.

This wine with its delicate and nuanced flavors also reflects the serene and unspoiled landscape of the North Carolina marshlands, where the protagonist, Kya Clark, finds solace and a sense of belonging in the natural world around her.

“Language is wine upon the lips” – Virginia Woolf

The August energy in New York is electrifying — as Labor Day approaches, in the world of sports, it means one thing: the NFL season is on the horizon. On Wednesday evening, Haute Time celebrated its August 2024 cover star and legendary NFL quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, after a rather exciting practice game between the NY Jets and the NY Giants. The evening, in partnership with Zenith Watches and the world’s most popular rosé brand, Whispering Angel, was an evening to celebrate Rodgers and wish him the best as he heads into his 20th year in the NFL.

The intimate cocktail was hosted at the incredibly sleek Bar Bastion, a cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan by The Bastion Collection designed by acclaimed French architect Joseph Dirand. As guests arrived, they indulged in premier wines like Whispering Angel (Rosé 2023, Côtes de Provence France), Rock Angel (Rosé 2023, Côtes de Provence France), as well as Château d’Esclans “Garrus,” (Rosé 2022, Côtes de Provence France) and Les Trois Croix (2016, Bordeaux, Famille Patrick Léon France).

The guests toasted Rodgers and his legendary career, and you could feel his infectious energy fill the room throughout the evening.