Tag: Wine Shop

Wine and Women that Network in Provence

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

The 2023/24 Network Provence season ended on a high note with a wine tasting at the wonderful Racine’s in Bonnieux.  Jess and Pierre, the Luberon’s favourite ‘caviste couple’, shared some of their preferred summer wines, two roses and a white, in a tasting set to prepare us for the summer ahead. Besides a rosé from Corsica’s Domaine de Leccia, the standout favourites were Cadet de La Begude for its drinkability and price point, and the white we shared was loved by all-L’Odalisque de Sylvain Morey, which is set to be a summer star, produced in the Luberon.

Jess talked us through why they chose these three wines, and judging by the refills; she was right on the mark for what we would enjoy. This couple knows their profession and can answer most questions, as evidenced by our curious attendees.  We learned about regional differences, discussed the myths of pink depths in rosés and found some interesting facts about what happens to wines that are exported and rack up the travel miles.  Comme d’habitude, Jess and Pierre let their passion for wine shine with great enthusiasm, knowledge, and good humour.  They break the mould of stuffy wine stereotypes and bring a sparkle of enjoyment to learning about the intricacies of our region’s favourite beverage.

Meanwhile, Network Provence welcomed newcomers and regulars with interest and laughter, which is always a feature of meetings.  We have had a brilliant season of meetings in Aix, and at our new meeting place the Cafe de la Gare in Bonnieux.  Events this year have included talks with Nora Jaccaud, photography with Raina Stinson, an art exhibition with Miriam Hartmann featuring NP members, floral arranging with Helen Puillandre, Hypnotherapy with Mei Yee, storytelling with Sabine Copinga, to name some of the special programs at our meetings.  We have also attended many art openings and other local events and used our connections to the fullest!  It is proven that connection is one of the most important elements in longevity and happiness. There is no better group in Provence to find community and connections among like-minded women than Network Provence.  I think I speak for everyone and give big gratitude to our leader, Rebecca Ronane, for founding such a wonderful group full of networking potential, friendship opportunities, and a creative connection hub.

Although meetings will be paused for July and August, make sure you follow along through Facebook and Instagram to see what wonders the women of Provence are creating and doing over the summer.  Now is also an excellent time to review your membership status and revise any ads you have on the website.  Keeping others updated on what you do and what you have to offer is a key point of being in a group such as NP. You should also have a look to see what others are up to as well.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer until we meet again in September!

Written by Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

Two Top Places to Discover In Provence

Published on by Rebecca Ronane1 Comment

The past few days have positively swirled with Network Provence energy, and two major events have shown the actual value of connections made through our network, with upward spirals of collaborations in play all over the place.  

On Thursday evening, Ruth Ribeaucourt of Faire Press and founder of Mira Menerbes and Faire Residency hosted a book launch for her formidable collaboration on the Antoinette Poisson “A Year In the French Style” Interiors and Entertaining with Jean-Baptiste Martin and Vincent Farelly. This book, the papeteries and fabrics alongside as well as all the Antoinette and Poisson accessories, are heart-stoppingly beautiful, of course, but also unique and far away from the “look” we usually are served as French style, while all at once presenting such a marriage of antiquities and glorious colours and design of right now. Ruth captures magic in photographs and sends it straight to hearts like no other. The words, the images and the glimpse into the possibilities of their collaborative book are jaw-dropping.

They may become a bible of striving towards the ultimate beauty of living a French-styled life. The celebration at Mira was sublime, with sponsorship by Victoria at Maison Victoire to provide wine from Racines in Bonnieux, served up by Jess and Pierre with mini-lessons about their delectable vintages on offer. We had a sumptuous table of treats from the authors themselves. Many women of Network Provence were present, and the sparkling community of creatives and connoisseurs were an absolute delight. You can visit Mira Menerbes to see the world of Antoinette Poisson until November 26th. 

Following this on Friday, we met again at the vernissage of Janice Jaquet‘s exhibition “Landscapes in Chromatic Abstract” Ode To Provence, at Le St Hubert in Saint-Saturnin les Apt. Long-time member Janice presented her beautifully executed, ethereal and dreamlike paintings that graced every wall of the restaurant. The canvases in this collection represent Provence’s skyscapes, landscapes, and colours, echoing the rich glow of light that causes the viewer to see in paint the views we imagine we are looking at in the dawns and golden hours, which nature treats us to here. The turnout of guests was formidable, and the only negative was the brevity of time allowed before the restaurant hosted a private dinner with the artist. Again, many of the audience were NP ladies, always an inspiring mix of personalities and talents. One could have spoken for hours with all the guests; however, time was limited as we were seated to enjoy a delightful meal inspired by Janice’s Caribbean, Indian and Scottish heritage. St. Hubert did a fantastic job interpreting this fusion to make the meal delicious. Ode to Provence will be showing at Le St Hubert through December 24th. As Lise has recently announced new hours (and menus!), we highly recommend visiting to view Janice’s heavenly paintings and experience the restaurant’s hospitality.

We are fortunate to have this community and these outings to meet our fellow Provence lovers in person. Even at such high-profile events, it is certain that you will feel not only inspired but included with Network Provence. Of course, not everyone can attend the daytime meetings, but going out together allows us to speak, dream up future collaborations, and see what is happening in the region.

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

Network Provence Special Event in a Wine Shop

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

Wednesday night saw Network Provence gathered at Racines Caviste and Wine Store in Bonnieux to experience tasting four female winemakers’ recommended cuvées and sharing an end-of-summer jolly. Women from many nations, backgrounds and ages sharing a tipple and community over our common denominator of choosing life in Provence proves again to be a magical combination.
Our hosts, Jessica and Pierre, taught us a few things about these female vigneronne who came to the wine industry by birth or by adventure, and it was enlightening to know that so many women have cracked into the trade in recent years. The knowledge and experience of our young hosts were exceptional and accessible- Racines is quickly becoming the go-to shop in the region for buying excellent wines. Tonight’s stand-outs included oenologist-turned-winemaker Helene Bluezen and Isabel Ferrando, whose Stella Ducit was a big favourite.
I’m looking forward to learning more about these inspiring women!

As always, our leader, Rebecca Ronane, allowed everyone to introduce themselves and speak about endeavours and encouraged much mingling and easy acquaintances.
The sunset gloriously bathed us all in its convivial glow, and how we laughed! Network Provence is a marvellous group of women – warm and welcoming, with much to share. Free of pretence and always open to new participants, Network Provence provides a much-needed connection point where collaborations happen, and good friends are found.

by Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence