When the USA fell in love with rosé

It wasn’t that long ago that rosé wine was hard to find in USA. Initially it was often confused with white zinfandel, wine of a similar color but not similar in any other way. I can even remember rosé being dismissed as being a watered down red with half the alcohol content! But then, about ten years ago, Provençal rosé hit the American supermarket shelves and when sales exploded it sent the local vintners scampering to produce something to rival it. And small wonder that Provençal rosé has been such a success, for this subtle, pale pink shimmer in your glass, so crisp and refreshing seems to define what so many of us love about Provence. As it sparkles like sunshine, with every sip one is transported to be sitting at a bistro table below the shaded branches of gently swaying plane trees, cicadas chattering incessantly above as you ponder the biggest decision of the day, what are you going to order for lunch?

Entrance to Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

Léoube

I digress, what has this got to do with Léoube the wonderful rosé from a wine château near Bormes-Les-Mimosa in Provence? Well believe it or not the first time I tasted Léoube was not in Provence but in California. A dear friend found it at our favourite, local épicerie, Diablo Foods in Lafayette, 30 miles east of San Francisco near where we live, and we were smitten.

Daylesford

The second time I saw it was a year later, again not in Provence, but at a gorgeous organic farm shop, Daylesford, in The Cotswolds, England.

Daylesford, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

Courtyard at Daylesford

In fact, I remember it was the only wine I saw there.

Léoube wine for sale at Daylesford Barns, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK

Léoube wine for sale at Daylesford

Situated next to an organic farm, belonging to the Bamford family, in addition to the farm shop, Daylesford offers a collection of stunning home, gift, clothing and garden shops, a cookery school, several fabulous dining options and the Bamford Wellness Spa.

Topiary courtyard at Daylesford Barns, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK

There are also several equally lovely deli style farm shops and cafés in London, click here for locations

A few weeks after my first visit to Daylesford we were having lunch at a nearby pub in the Cotswolds, The White Rabbit, in Kingham and once again Léoube featured predominantly on the menu. Intrigued we got chatting to the manager who explained, Daylesford owns the White Rabbit, Daylesford is owned by Lord and Lady Bamford who also own a château in Provence, volia Léoube!!

Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

The bar at The Wild Rabbit pub

Organic farming, a JCB and a chateau in Provence

Their story goes something like this….. when the Bamfords, also owners of JCB (England’s equivalent to Caterpillar) bought a fairy tale château in Bormes-Les-Mimosa it came with a small vineyard.

Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

They became friends with their neighbour, a local vintner, Jean-Jacques Ott. They dispatched some JCB’s, recruited Monsieur Ott and later his son, who helped them in the conversion of both the vineyards and the olive grove to organic production. It’s an incredible success story!

Olive groves at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

In my opinion they have established one of the loveliest domaines in Provence. Under Lady Carole Bamford’s expert care, just like their farm in England and Daylesford, the commitment to sustainability and nurturing the land shines.

Château Léoube's vines at Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

Although rosé is the star of the show they also produce red, white and sparkling. They now export to more than thirty countries and are full of further aspirations.

Wine at Gift shop at Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The tasting room and shop at Château Léoube

Château Léoube's gift shop, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The shop at Château Léoube has the same enticing ambience as Daylesford.

The shops at Daylesford, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

Shop at Daylesford

At both locations the understated, artistic displays reek of style and good taste.

Gift shop at Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The natural, ‘feel good’ look tugs at your soul and makes you ignore the price tag!

Wine at Gift shop at Château Léoube, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

And let’s not forget the opportunity to taste the wine!

Château Léoube's 'Love Léoube' wine, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

Just down the road the story continues at The Léoube Café.

At Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach

The café and it’s location on Pellegrin beach is yet another Daylesford style haven.

The beach at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

One that feels like you’ve arrived at a 5 star desert island.

On the beach at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

Although we did think it was a bit much having to pay 11 euros to park the car when we had a reservation for lunch at the café.

The menu was delicious.

Menu at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

We chose the daurade ~ sea bass

Lunch at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

The shop on the beach was a continuation of the same allure, brimming with temptation.

Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

A beach version of  the ladies clothing shop at Daylesford.

Shop at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var Provence, France

The Daylesford ladies clothing shop.

Clothing shop Daylesford Barns Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, England

Even the plates for sale at Café Léoube begged to be purchased.

The plates at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

Everything at Café Léoube and Pellegrin Beach is dedicated to relaxing with its laid back, feel good vibe.

Cushions at Café Léoube, Pellegrin Beach, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var, Provence, France

We will be returning for sure; to Pellegrin Beach, Château Léoube and Daylesford of course!

Château Léoube

2387 Route de Lèoube 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas

Café Léoube

Open from April – October for lunch and dinner reservations are essential.

Call +33 04 98 07 69 88 or book online here

Check out their summer program and the various events hosted here throughout the season.

Click here for directions to both the Château and Café at Pellegrin Beach.

Daylesford

Daylesford near Kingham Cotswolds GL56 0YG +44 (0)1608 731700