Presentation Le Domaine…

FROM RUBBER AND DIRT ROADS TO GRAPES AND OAK BARRELS

Before, there was left-foot braking, mastering four-, rear- and front-wheel drive, finding the fastest way around a corner, and always, always keeping an eye on the clock to get from start to finish in the shortest time possible.

Now, there’s a 200-year-old farmhouse, tranquil vineyards buzzing with grasshoppers, cicadas and bees, the scent of blooming lavender, and always, always the taste buds at the ready to decide when the wine is at its best.

Dirk Vermeersch, a Flemish Belgian, is a man of many experiences. He owned a clothing store, owned a Volvo and Maserati dealership, and was a champion race and rally driver from 1973 to 1986, when a serious accident cut his racing career short. His latest adventure is acquiring Domaine Le Plan in the South Rhône Valley (France) in 2000, with his wife, Hélène, and daughter, Ann.

While his CV may be varied, each activity has been intense.  His approach to winemaking is a good example. Dirk, or “Mr. 100%” to those who know him well, is a completely self-taught winemaker. Without any preconceived ideas, he threw himself into researching and comparing the various viticultural methods before deciding, with characteristic common sense and humility, which modern techniques to associate with more traditional ones, in order to reach the ideal compromise. At the same time, Ann went to the local oenology school in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region to learn her trade.  Together, and with help from neighbors and advice from two oenologists, their first wines from the 2001 vintage won national and international awards and accolades. Each vintage since has been no different.

Award-winning wine being a convivial product, the Vermeersch family converted part of their farmhouse into 4 self-catering apartments. Guests to the Domaine can enjoy not only exceptional wine, but also relaxation by the pool and quiet contemplation of the Mont Ventoux (that is, until Dirk talks you into climbing it as fast as you can, thereby competing with previous guests... see page Mont Ventoux).