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Pioneering purity
 

PIONEERING PURITY

“Don’t be afraid to be a pioneer.”
— Xavier Rolet, QUOTED IN HONG KONG TATLER
 

   “The natural environment sustains the life of all beings universally.” - The Dalai Lama.

 
 

UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY, SUPREME SUSTAINABILITY

The very essence of La Verrière called for a sustainable project.  With a history dating back a millennium, our family felt responsible towards its future guardians for leaving the place in a better state than we found it.

Uncompromising quality and supreme sustainability can and must be reconciled.  They germinate from the same seed.  We were drawn to this estate, a diamond in the rough, specifically because of its dual potential.

 
 
 

SHARED PROBLEMS, SHARED SOLUTIONS

Planète Chêne Bleu is not just a sanctuary for birds, bees, dragonflies and butterflies [1400 species of the latter in our Biosphere], but also for people who share an appreciation for the pursuit of a single goal and a respect for the individual.  If you're reading this as a winemaker yourself, please feel free to contact us to exchange knowledge.

We use our facilities as a think tank, for hosting symposia and roundtables.  We believe in sharing our findings with other wineries wanting to do the right thing for the planet and for their consumers, just as others have inspired us.

 
 
 
 

CHÊNE REACTIONS – SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

  • Our public-private partnership with the Nature Park biologists of the UNESCO Mt Ventoux Biosphere, and the University of Avignon, has resulted in mutually beneficial scientific exchanges.

  • We reach out regularly to entities such as the ‘Office de tourisme Vaison-la-Romaine‘, working closely with local artists and community to advance the region’s environment.

  • We greatly enjoy our partnership with the international ‘Vaison Danse’ festival, during which a few performances and exhibitions are organized at the property, including in the vineyard.

  • Chêne Bleu’s involvement with over 20 charitable causes has led us to donate in contributions and in kind.  Collaborations include Climb for Freedom [against human trafficking]; the Gerard Basset Scholarship Fund, the Institute of French Culture; the Global Heritage Fund; KIDS, Médecins sans Frontières; the Oxford Literary Festival; The United Sommeliers Foundation, and the Yale University College Fund, to allow an economically disadvantaged student to attend this top university.

  • Nicole has joined the Yale Sustainable Food Program Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Gastronomy Summit and the advisory board of Moët Hennessy’s World Living Soils Forum.  Through this we hope to do our part and also access valuable research and contribute findings related to the role of bees in sustainable viticulture.

  • Every year we invite students from the local public school in Crestet for a day of outdoor activities and nature discovery at La Verrière - in particular they learn about the important role of bees on the property and in the ecosystem.

  • We support the local Rotary Club by donating a prize to their annual event.

“A case study for the pursuit of making fine wine sustainably by harnessing the ecosystem surrounding the vines rather than using artificial chemicals.”
— Edith Hancock, The Drinks Business