Domaine Vintur, James Wood: a British man in AOC Ventoux

James offers a unique experience to wine enthusiasts through a series of highly original oenotourism events.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How did James end up making wine in the Ventoux?

Evolving Wines with Each Vintage

James is one of those for whom wine is a compelling reason to relocate. While he loves his home country, he does not see himself returning there as long as he continues in the winemaking profession.

Outside of sparkling wine, finding quality wine in England is challenging!

he remarks. This “quality wine” was found in the Ventoux vineyard.

I love Grenache and wines from southern France. It’s a vineyard with a future, full of opportunities to create superb wines.

In 2012, James joined the British wine enthusiast Graham Shore, owner of Domaine Vintur.

Deeply committed to respecting his terroir, James prides himself on producing wines that best reflect the characteristics of the Ventoux appellation.

My wines vary with each vintage. The 2016 vintage, which was sunny, promises very fruity wines with a round palate, unlike the 2015 vintage, which produced more tannic and complex wines,

explains James. While the winemaker mainly practices barrel aging, he produces white, red, and rosé wines.

Which cuvées have earned the estate its reputation?

Notable Wines and Prestigious Awards

His favorite cuvée? The “Bélénos” AOC Ventoux 2012, from an “exceptional” vintage. Created as a limited edition of 1,300 bottles, this cuvée is named after the Provençal god “Bélénos” (also known as “Vintur”), whom Julius Caesar considered the god of music and light. It received a score of 90/100 in the prestigious Robert Parker guide.

But this is far from the only accolade for Domaine Vintur. Three other cuvées (including two white wines and one red wine) have also received similar ratings from the same guide. In 2013, the cuvée Le Gentleman won a silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris. A flagship wine of Domaine Vintur, this red wine with silky, generous aromas was named in tribute to the cyclists of the 2012 Tour de France, including Bradley Wiggins.

What can visitors expect when they come to the domaine?

Free Tastings, Concerts, and Vineyard Tours

Domaine Vintur also stands out for its wide range of oenotourism offerings. A convivial host, James gladly welcomes visitors for free tastings, as well as rock and jazz concerts, all paired with a selection of fine cheeses.

Never short of ideas, especially regarding oenotourism, James plans to organize “open-air cinema” evenings amidst the vines for the warm summer nights. A big fan of the surrounding biodiversity, James has also created a “picnic park” featuring apricot trees, fig trees, and olive trees. So, it’s clear: Domaine Vintur is “The Place to Be,” perfect for leisurely visits in spring and summer.

Discover the wines of Domaine Vintur directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine Vintur

Who is James Wood, the winemaker at Domaine Vintur?

A British wine lover drawn to Grenache and southern French reds, he left England for the Ventoux vineyard. He joined the estate in 2012, alongside its owner, Graham Shore.

What wines does Domaine Vintur produce?

The estate makes reds, whites and rosés, often aged in barrel. Their character shifts with the vintage: rounder and fruitier in sunny years, more tannic and structured in cooler ones.

What is the Bélénos cuvée from Domaine Vintur?

It is the estate's signature AOC Ventoux wine, made in a limited run of 1,300 bottles. Its name honours the Provençal deity Bélénos, also called Vintur. The Robert Parker guide rated it 90 out of 100.

Where is Domaine Vintur located?

The estate sits at Carpentras, in the Vaucluse, within the Ventoux appellation. This southern vineyard, known for Grenache, favours generous, sun-ripened wines.

Can you visit Domaine Vintur?

Yes. A convivial host, James Wood opens the estate for complimentary tastings and live rock or jazz sessions. A shaded picnic area planted with fruit and olive trees rounds out the visit.