Heading to Languedoc Wine CountryI
I received a heartwarming email from Carol Bailey, the founder of Seattle-based The Princess and the Bear Wines. She mentioned that one of my IPS clients had recently stopped by their home in Quarante, France to enjoy a glass of wine and some aperitifs.
They had shared how much they admired the way I’d managed to create property shares in the beautiful Minervois wine region, bringing so much joy to so many people. It was such a lovely compliment! She ended the message with a warm invitation: “Please come by for a visit if you make it over here.”
The timing was perfect as I would be spending a month at La Placette in Montouliers, a hop, skip, and a jump from Quarante where Carol and Steve now live. Our rendezvous was a couple of weeks after my arrival in early April.
From the moment Cheryl and I landed in the Languedoc, the lush warm smell of Spring was in the air, beckoned us to enjoy daily walks which crisscrossed vineyards, wooded lots, and views of the Canal du Midi.
We watched as the vineyards responded to the warmth of the April sun and almost daily, flourished from rows of barren-looking vines to small buds to a heathy vibrant green carpet of color.
Meeting the owners of The Princess and the Bear Wines
Carol and Steve and I met on just such a glorious Spring Day and we exchanged stories. My family had moved to this area in 2003-2004 so that our three sons could experience village life in the south of France and polish their language skills. Davis, Mickey and Robbie were all enrolled at the Portland French School and were following a French curriculum.
Of course, for my husband and me, the rhythm of our days revolved around the school day and began with walking our children to schools along the Canal and then deciding which nearby market to visit that week, and, yes, quite a bit of wine tasting along the way.
Carol and Steve
Founders of The Princess and The Bear
The Princess and The Bear was founded by Carol Bailey, a family law attorney and Steve Medwell, a surgeon. Looking for a change of pace from Seattle, WA, with their discovery of the Languedoc region, they found the best of all worlds.
Here was an area undergoing a winemaking renaissance and enchanted by its culture, history, food, Mediterranean charm, they decided to purchase a home. In their words “Together, we decided to shine a light on this incredible part of the world; and what better way to do it than by sharing its wines with our native country?”
What’s special about Languedoc Wines?
Wine has been a cornerstone of Languedoc’s culture for over 2,000 years, with roots traced back to Roman times. As one of the oldest winemaking regions in France, its vineyards have seen centuries of evolution, from the introduction of new grape varieties to the resurgence of traditional methods. This deep connection to history gives Languedoc’s wines a story in every sip.
With its warm, sunny days and cooling coastal breezes, Languedoc boasts an ideal climate for viticulture. What truly elevates Languedoc wines is the diversity of its terroirs. From the rocky schist of Faugères to the limestone plateaus of Minervois and the sandy soils near the Mediterranean, each appellation offers unique conditions that shape the character of its wines.
A Leader in Organic and Biodynamic Practices
Languedoc is at the forefront of the organic and biodynamic wine movement, with more certified organic vineyards than any other French wine region. This commitment to sustainability isn’t just about caring for the environment—it’s also about producing wines that truly reflect the purity and authenticity of their terroir.
The Princess and the Bear Wine Shop- Seattle, WA
Since Carol and Steve spend most of the year in the Languedoc region, it’s easy for them to explore hundreds of wines, visit vineyards, and connect with local chefs and winemakers. They carefully select wines that showcase exceptional terroir, unique grape varieties, or irresistible qualities. Their focus is on “root to sip” artisanal wines made by winemakers who grow their own grapes, with an emphasis on organic, biodynamic, and sustainable practices.
Each year they import a select range of wines which are available in their Seattle tasting room as well as offering curated club shipments for all wine enthusiasts, from casual drinkers to seasoned connoisseurs.
The Tasting Room
We decided to check out the Princess and Bear Wine tasting room to get a “Taste of the South of France in Seattle’s South Park Neighborhood” (King 5 Evening. August 2023). My friend and I agreed that the perfect way to time to do so was to spend a December evening sipping wine and enjoying live holiday music.
The smooth blues of guitarist Joe Adami played in the background as we were greeted by a festive-looking fellow, Christopher, who led us to our reserved seats. As we looked over a Tasting Menu featuring five different organic/biodynamic wines, several varietals were familiar to me including the Viognier, Picpoul, and the Grenache/Carignan blend. One surprise was to find a 100% Pinot Noir on the menu.
Our Wine Server
Our wine server, Hayden, was very attentive, knowledgeable, with a ready smile and genuine enthusiasm as she shared her love of the Princess and Bear Wine world. She provided background information about select winemakers such as Jean Baptiste who is committed to keeping the grapes as close to their natural flavor as possible.
During the tasting I was swept off my feet with the 2023 Je Suis Tombe Par Terre by Vila Voltaire. I found the 100% viognier irresistibly fresh and floral. That was until I tasted the PicPoul and longed for a side dish of oysters. The Picpoul grapes are grown next to the Mediterranean and the salinity of the soil provides the 2023 Brechallune with its lingering minerality and unique flavor.
The 2022 Zazous (Pinot Noir)
Next, we moved on to Les Zazous and La Nine. The 2022 Zazous (the Pinot Noir) was a real surprise to me with its perfectly smooth elegance with almost none of the hearty show-off qualities which traditional Pinots tend to embody.
La Nine & Chicken Cordon Bleu
By the time we tried La Nine, I was craving a Chicken Cordon Bleu to pair with the wine, as I find it difficult to fully appreciate a robust wine without food to complement it. Hayden to the rescue, we ordered the Charcuterie tray and again tried La Nine. What a difference!
As stated on Jean-Baptiste’s website “La Nine means “The little one”, “The sweetheart”… it’s an affectionate Occitan way to call a young girl. It’s a classic Languedoc blend with garrigue scents and hints of spice.”
JOIN THE WINE CLUB!
If you share Carol and Steve’s passion for France and the wines of the Languedoc region, you won’t find a more enticing way to enjoy a “Taste of the South of France” than by becoming a member of one of their Wine Clubs.
Quarterly shipments of delicious and unique wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon. The small selection of wines is chosen by our founders from hundreds of wines tasted each year.
Root-to-Sip Wines: Each wine is made by an independent “root-to-sip” winemaker, meaning they tend their own vines in addition to making their own wines. Half of our wines are made by female winemakers.
Discounts on all bottle purchases from our online store and in our tasting room, including gifts to friends or colleagues.
Invitations to club member exclusive events.
Personalized Tasting Notes for all club wines including food pairing suggestions and recipes designed by our Founder, Carol (aka The Princess).
