Project

We decided to create a intermediary solution between a 'cooperative', a wine merchant and private domain in order to help vine-growers who are, literally, at «the end of their rope».  WALDEN was born; a modest attempt in embracing the concept of «Winery», similar to the American one and «Fair Trade» with the goal to produce: - the best possible wine; - sold at the lowest possible price, considering the low yields; - where the majority of the profit goes to the vine-grower, - mainly sold through the Internet or by distributors who support this project and will work with reasonable margins; - Providing clear and honest information to the wine enthusiast. In 2004 three vine-growers joined the program and provided part, if not all their production. One, an old member from a cooperative who, with his wife, contributed 6 hectares (14.8 acres). And two vine-growers who recently established their own winery but whose wine-making facilities don't allow them to process their entire harvest. We provided them with the technical support needed to properly tend their vineyards, using the AOC regulations as guideline The system is based on trust, each understanding their craft and taking their own responsibilities; barely needing us to intervene. The date and method of harvesting as well as the wine making process were decided by Hervé Bizeul, with the help of one of today’s best wine expert Athanase Fakorellis, who worked unpaid on the project. In the autumn of 2004 and 2005, the first vinifications took place in an old cellar, in the heart of the little village of Vingrau, in large hundred years old concrete vats, with limited technology but with a lot of thinking, patience, care, if not to say, love. The result was a delicious 2004, a praised in the Revue du Vin de France, June 2004 issue, sold-out now, and then a delicious 2005. WALDEN was the subject of respected French food & wine critic Jean-Pierre Coffe radio program on France Inter, « Ça se bouffe pas, ça se mange » on October 22 2005. To listen to the program (in French), click HERE.