Working on...papers

 
Our new home, with beautiful centenary olive trees and, if the adminitration agrees, a future small vineyard

Dear readers,

I am so happy to continue sharing my wine passion with you. Like you may know, I have moved close to the Mediterranean and even if I am still deeply involved with Domaine Rouge-Bleu, I am starting a new wine venture near Bandol.

So, after almost 15 years of hunting for vineyards in Bandol, we are now the lucky owners of almost 20 acres of beautiful land and forest . We will turn some some into vineyards while restructuring a magnificent olive grove. But, before we start harvesting the first grapes, at least 4 long years will be spent... I will publish all the steps of this incredible venture which starts now with the hassle of...paperworks.

In France, you may have some land planted with a potential Appellation (Bandol for us), you can't just plant vineyards like that...

Click here to enlarge this "glamorous" form

First, you need to registrer yourself as a farmer with either main or a secondary activity. This form will assess you a SIRET number and you will then have to ask a for CVI (Casier Viticole Informatisé) number to another administration (customs). Then, you need to ask the permission to be a farmer to another administration and, if you are patient, you can ask the permission to buy rights to plant vines. And since the deadline for planting in 2013 was September 28th 2012 and since we purchased the property 08/29/2012, I did not have a lot of time to do this, considering also that I was fully harvesting at Domaine Rouge-Bleu...

But I was prepared to all this (thank god I was already used to this papers with Rouge-Bleu) so I have been able to file on time and it looks like we will get our first rights to plant in 2013. Not much (about 1,2 acre) but enough to keep me busy with a bit of farming next year.

But before planting, I will have to prepare the soil of the parcel that I have in mind and there again, a lot will have to be done...

Hasta la vista...

Jean-Marc

Comments

[Rédigé par : Gary Rodan]

If You have free title to your land, is it criminal to plant vines without permission, and why should the cost as much as 170 Euros?
I understand the need for Appellaton controlee. But just to plant. France needs the best wines in the world. But it can also boast of the world's > (or worst) bureaucrats!

[Rédigé par : JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO]

YEA JEAN-MARC !!!

I'm so happy you finally have a blog for us to follow along with you ... love to watch you work while i just hang out in my hammock.

I am looking forward to lots of great photo's of the forest where you live and the old terraces that you will be recovering from the overgrown forest. Also when you make video's could you please make them longer and talk more so I can listen to your wonderful French accent. I still replay all of your old videos on youtube.

XOXO

MOM

[Rédigé par : Jens from Copenhagen]

Hi Jean-Marc,
Nice to know that you are still engaged in winemaking and in a few years time will produce a Bandol from Mas des Brun. Hope we'll get the possibility to visit you (and Kristi) next summer.

[Rédigé par : Cathy]

SO GLAD that you're continuing both with winemaking and with your blog. I learn so much from your newsletters -- thank you. It has been wonderful following your progress at Rouge-Bleu, and am glad to know that your touch is still in the making of their wines. I can satisfy myself with those until your Bandol wines debut. Bonne chance et meilleurs souhaits, bises, toutes -- pour toute la famille. Sois heureux, toujours! -- Cathy, Malaucene

[Rédigé par : Cathy]

ps -- If you ever need help with anything, call me and I'll be there. I'm not so far.

[Rédigé par : Phyllis & Tim]

Can't wait to see your new place. Congratulations!

[Rédigé par : Christine Dashper]

Felicitations Jean-Marc! This is very exciting. I have been a fan of Kristin's for 5 or so years and I look forward to following the adventures of you both.

We love France and one day hope to spend quite a long time there. Bon chance! I will read with interest in the future kind regards
Christine

[Rédigé par : Betty]

Bon Courage!

[Rédigé par : Chuck]

Okay, I guess I can come pick and prune some more, play in the tanks and a have a beer or two and some chips......

[Rédigé par : Lee Isbell]

Welcome back to blogging. I will love seeing the story of making new grape farm.

[Rédigé par : orard annemarie ( ex delarue)]

bonne installation et bonne chance

[Rédigé par : Jean-Marc Espinasse]

Thank you all for your encouragements, we hoe to see you soon if you visit the area
I am enjoying my new life near Bandol
Next post to come before Xmas
Cheers

[Rédigé par : Bill Facker]

Jean-Mark .. This is a treat, seeing your new blog! Since I found it through Kriti's site, I am reminded the "power of two" is mighty indeed. Best of luck with the approvals required. Aloha, Bill Facker

[Rédigé par : Karene]

I am so delighted to discover your blog (through Kristin). Your description of starting over with this new vineyard is so interesting. I had heard of the massive paperwork to do anything in France, and hearing about it from you is amazing. So excited to follow along on your adventures.

Wishing you well,
Karene in So. Calif.

[Rédigé par : Ido]

Congratulations on your blog, I will follow you religiously just like I follow your wife! can't wait to hear the stories of this new adventure. Good luck!
Ido

[Rédigé par : Cynthia Lewis in Salisbury, Eastern Shore of Maryland]

Wishing you every success with your new Bandol vineyard. We, your readers, will enjoy reading about your experiences. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.

[Rédigé par : Terri Savage]

Congratulations, Jean-Marc & Kristi!

From a long time reader in Oklahoma City, OK, US

[Rédigé par : Anne london]

Bon chance et joyous Noel ,
Anne and andy

[Rédigé par : Cathy]

To mark the tenth anniversary of Kristi's sobriety, how about a pampered weekend and some jewelry? Perhaps a pearl from the deep blue sea for your pearl of a girl!