Harvest 2005

In 2005, due to the lack of space, we will only be able to ad two new wine-makers in our old building in Vingrau. Still, we hope this will allow us to double the production.
We convinced the General Council for the Region of Roussillon to explore new avenues. They embraced this project and started building a new workshop-relay station in Rivesaltes. In addition, it is looking like the region of Languedoc-Rousillon Septimanie is also going to participate and make this project a reality.

This building will be ready for the 2006 harvests. In addition to the wine production
(goal: 5 000 to 10 000 cases, 8-10 partner wine-makers), it will become a 'nursery' for wine entrepreneurs.

A Nursery for wine entrepreneurs:

This project is developed in parallel to WALDEN. Its goal is to receive two or three «neo-wine makers» who never made wine before but wish to start their own domains. Coming from diverse backgrounds, they will be able to develop their own tools within a collective structure where they will find the support, counseling and assistance as much on the technical level as on the commercial, whilst adapting to their wishes, their needs, their experience and their dreams...

They will then be able for a period of two years to make wine at a minimum cost, and then leave « the nest » to fly on their own.

In case of commercial failure or simply a change in direction caused by the demands from the job, they could join a collective structure or stop their activity without having exhausted their own funds. In case of success, they will have the appropriate tools to start their own winery, in particular the proper commercial experience, backbone for a solid financial foundation. They will have proven that they are able to produce their wine from start to finish, all the way to the glass of the wine enthusiast.

We are receiving many requests and will have to make some hard choices, only selecting the applications which have the best chance to succeed.

The profiles are very diverse: from a member, of a certain age, from a cooperative winery wanting to open his own domain; to a young farmer wanting to take over the vineyards from his family; a former wine maker unable to find vineyards in his own region; an Asian importer who fell in love with the Vallée de l’Agly; a sommelier who decided to change his life; or a group of friends wanting to create their own vineyard...

To be selected and become a part of the «WALDEN ALLIANCE», one must adhere to the values of WALDEN contained in a charter, for no long term contract is signed as handshakes and verbal agreements still hold value in our land, as in the whole world of agriculture.

WALDEN is, above all, a way to share knowledge and means; some important points are drawn to the attention of the partner wine-makers in the charter of the Walden Alliance, in particular, their commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Perhaps you fit the profile and are interested in being part of the WALDEN adventure? If so, please contact us in the Spring 2006.