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Vineyard in the Dordogne: How an English Family Made Their Dream of Wine Good

Robert Louis Stevenson

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In 2004, Chris and Ceri James left the rat race behind and moved to the beautiful Dordogne region of France with their two young children. They had always dreamed of owning a vineyard, but with no prior experience in winemaking, they knew it would be a challenge.

A Vineyard in the Dordogne - How an English Family Made Their Dream of Wine, Good Food and Sunshine Come True

by Cynthia D. Bertelsen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4736 KB
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Print length	:	194 pages

Undeterred, they bought a small plot of land and set about planting vines. They quickly learned that winemaking is a complex and demanding process. The weather can be unpredictable, and pests and diseases are always a threat. But Chris and Ceri were determined to make their dream a reality.

They spent countless hours working in the vineyard, learning from other winemakers, and experimenting with different techniques. They also invested in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that their wines were of the highest quality.

Their hard work paid off. In 2010, they released their first vintage, and it was an instant success. Their wines have since won numerous awards, and they are now exported to countries all over the world.

Chris and Ceri's story is an inspiring example of how anything is possible if you have a dream and are willing to work hard to achieve it. Their vineyard is a testament to their passion for winemaking and their love of the Dordogne region.

The Dordogne: A Wine Lover's Paradise

The Dordogne is a beautiful region in southwestern France, known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and medieval villages. It is also a major wine-producing region, with a long history of viticulture dating back to the Roman era.

The Dordogne's climate is ideal for growing grapes, with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soils. The region is home to a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.

Dordogne wines are known for their elegance and complexity. They are often described as having a "mineral" quality, with flavors of ripe fruit, herbs, and spices.

The Dream of a Vineyard

Chris and Ceri James had always dreamed of owning a vineyard. They had visited the Dordogne region on several occasions, and they were captivated by its beauty and tranquility.

In 2004, they decided to take the plunge and move to the Dordogne. They bought a small plot of land in the village of Bergerac, and they set about planting vines.

They had no prior experience in winemaking, but they were determined to learn. They spent countless hours working in the vineyard, learning from other winemakers, and experimenting with different techniques.

They also invested in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that their wines were of the highest quality.

The Challenges of Winemaking

Winemaking is a complex and demanding process. The weather can be unpredictable, and pests and diseases are always a threat. Chris and Ceri faced many challenges in the early years of their vineyard.

In 2007, a hailstorm destroyed a large part of their crop. In 2008, a fungus attacked their vines. But Chris and Ceri never gave up. They learned from their mistakes and they persevered.

The Rewards of Winemaking

Winemaking is a demanding profession, but it is also a rewarding one. Chris and Ceri love the feeling of creating something beautiful and delicious. They also enjoy the sense of community that comes from being part of the winemaking industry.

But the greatest reward of all is seeing the joy that their wines bring to others. They love hearing from customers who tell them how much they enjoyed their wine. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Chris and Ceri James's story is an inspiring example of how anything is possible if you have a dream and are willing to work hard to achieve it. Their vineyard is a testament to their passion for winemaking and their love of the Dordogne region.

If you are thinking about starting a vineyard, I encourage you to read their story. It will give you the inspiration and motivation you need to make your dream a reality.

A Vineyard in the Dordogne - How an English Family Made Their Dream of Wine, Good Food and Sunshine Come True

by Cynthia D. Bertelsen

4.5 out of 5