From the metro to Valmer Castle

One evening, as he waited for his third packed RER train, Jean de Saint-Venant had an epiphany: no more RER, work, sleep, he was going to study oenology to take over the Château de Valmer . Before returning to the vineyards of his native Touraine, he started working in a tower block in La Défense, Paris… A nightmare for an outdoor enthusiast like him! He tells us about his life change in a lovely interview.

From Paris to the vineyards of Château de Valmer

The question is no longer even relevant. The years spent in Paris certainly brought me a lot, but you have to listen to yourself and have the courage to live your life. Mine was no longer in Paris, like an animal out of its natural habitat.

A passion for wine: a family story at Jean de Saint-Venant

It's a family passion passed down for six generations. Although I was fortunate enough to be immersed in this environment from a young age, it wasn't until my teenage years that I realized my life would be dedicated to cultivating vines and making wine. I had to wait ten years to fulfill this dream.

Why “The Grapes”?

At a wine fair, I met Loïc Tanguy, with whom I started discussing wines. During our conversation, he explained the project he was developing. Faced with the standardization of online wine retailers, I saw in the Les Grappes concept a simple and modern way to share my wines and ideas with a wider audience, with the key benefit being the ability to communicate directly with people who love my wines and are interested in the world of wine.

Our favorite wines from the estate:

Vouvray dry 2017

Raw Traditional Method 2015

Vouvray demi-sec 2014

Valmer bottle in the gardens of the Château

The history of Valmer Castle in a few words?

Following tradition, Valmer is believed to have belonged first to King Charles VII, then on May 23, 1640, Thomas Bonneau, Councilor to King Louis XIII, purchased Valmer. The buildings as we see them today—outbuildings, terraces, the Petit Valmer pavilion, and the park—are attributed to him.

In September 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Lefèvre bought Valmer. Their descendants, the Count and Countess of Saint Venant, still live there.

The vineyards of Château de Valmer

Valmer Castle in 10 years

In 10 years, I will be in my vineyards, in love with my land and my beautiful Touraine . The years will certainly have had some effect on me; I hope I will be like fine wine: improved with age.

Find Jean's wines at Les Grappes

Loïc Tanguy (Les Grappes)

Pourquoi nous faire confiance ?

Depuis 2014, chez Les Grappes, nous partons à la rencontre de vignerons passionnés partout en France pour dénicher des vins authentiques, vivants et pleins d'histoire. En travaillant directement avec plus de 500 vignerons, nous sélectionnons des cuvées que nous aimons vraiment et que nous avons envie de vous faire découvrir.

Ce blog est le prolongement de cette aventure. On y partage nos découvertes, nos conseils, nos coups de cœur, nos meilleurs accords mets-vins, des idées de dégustation et tout ce qui nous anime au quotidien autour du vin.

L'objectif est simple : vous aider à choisir des bouteilles qui vous ressemblent et à prendre encore plus de plaisir à les déguster.