Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we would like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month, it’s Isla Gordon’s turn. Her French journey began when she settled in the Faugères wine region fifteen years ago and started the wine estate Domaine La Sarabande with her husband.
Introduction
Originally from Ireland, I went on a backpacking trip in the early 2000s. In 2003, I was in New Zealand and needed a job. I found one as a grape picker on a wine estate, and that’s where I met my now-husband Paul, an Australian winemaker. Things were getting serious between us, and I lived back and forth in New Zealand. I had already passed my Agriculture and Environmental Science degree in Edinburgh, so I decided to train in Viticulture in New Zealand. Here, I had the chance to learn from the best viticulturists. For a couple of years, Paul and I were really established there. I didn’t want to stay so far from my family for the rest of my life though, especially because I hoped to have children.
First Time Visiting the Region
Initially, we started our move to Europe in Spain, just outside of Taragona. However, as it was our dream to start our own little winery, France drew us. Being a flying winemaker, Paul had heard of the Faugères (1 & 2) wine region in the South of France. So, after visiting a big French wine fair- Millésime Bio- and tasting the Faugères wines, we decided to focus on that area. In France, you can get a nine year lease on a vineyard. It was the perfect way for us to see if we could get it up and running. To find the right place, we went to all the Mayors around and eventually found a place in Laurens.
Settling in Languedoc
In 2009, we moved from Spain to France. As soon as we settled in France, we felt relaxed. Growing up on a farm, I already had a farming background. Therefore, I really enjoyed setting up our wine estate. So, there I was, six months pregnant with our Oldest and pruning in our vineyards. After a couple of years, son number two was born to enlarge our happy family. And in 2013, we bought 6 hectares of land. Little by little, we built our house and winery as of 2020, as it is easier to live on site as a farmer. We built it as ecologically as possible. Being off-grid, we get our electricity from solar panels and our water from a well.
Domaine La Sarabande
Our passion for winemaking has brought us from New Zealand to the Faugères wine region. And here, amid schist soils perforated with limestone, we started our wine estate: Domaine La Sarabande (3 & 4). Being a relatively modest-sized winery, we currently grow grapes on 9.5 ha of land, all organic. As we are part of the Faugères apellation (AOC), we mainly produce grenache, syrah, mourvèdre and carignan for the red wines, and marsanne and roussanne for the whites.
Of course, winemaking is our main focus, but we also like to organise events. Our barbecues, concert evenings, and Christmas markets are legendary! Dates for this year will be on our website and socials. We have also set up the Sarabande Wine Club, which you can join with a silver or gold membership. By doing so, you help us grow and continue producing high quality wine. In return, both memberships include a summer and winter delivery with a selection of our wines.
Setting Up a Business in France
… is a nightmare! It involves so much paperwork and takes me from what I love and do best: working in my vineyards. Unfortunately, being an entrepreneur in France means you have to deal with a lot of bureaucracy. Both Paul and I spend so much time on things we must do to run the winery. Another big challenge as a winemaker is the changing wine industry and climate change. But I am still happy with our decision to start our wine estate. It gives me a great sense of freedom. And I even like pruning…
The language was also a big hiccup. I learned through our day to day business. And it was- and is- essential to integrate into the village life. Not only to learn the language but also to understand French culture.
Living in the South of France
I absolutely love the people here. The mentality of the community reminds me of growing up in Ireland. A good example is during Covid when everybody struggled to survive. Our fellow winemakers helped us out, and in return, we worked for them so we all could save money. The people here work hard but also appreciate life and know how to enjoy it.
Best Languedoc Wine
We try to drink other wines, as the Languedoc wines have become so much better. There is so much choice! A few of our favourite wine estates are Château la Négly in the la Clape region near Narbonne and Laurent Miquel (5), a free-spirited winemaker who brought the Albariño grape variety back to France.
Favourite Restaurant
Although my favourite restaurant is Pica Pica (6) in Béziers, I also enjoy visiting a local restaurant called Manja e Cala. It’s at the square in front of Autignac’s town hall and serves a perfectly decent ‘plat du jour’ for 18 euros. If we want something nice and warm during the pruning period, we go here for a worker’s lunch, which is always quick and good.
Perfect Day Out in Languedoc
I would start my perfect day by waking up at home and listening to the birds in springtime. Then, I would go for a good walk in the Caroux with my family. It would be followed by a big fat lunch at Les Grands Vins du Terroir in Faugères, which has stunning views overlooking the area where I live.
