Each autumn, the village of Beaumes-de-Venise in Provence celebrates its grape harvest with Vendange des Chefs — a day that brings together local vignerons, visiting chefs, and wine lovers for a feast among the vines. As fractional homeowners in the village, Helen and her companions try to plan their stays around events like this.
A Magical Day in the Vines by Helen Tilson
Having just missed the big event last year, we were thrilled to discover that the “Day in the Vines,” Vendange des Chefs, was scheduled while we were in town. We quickly booked our tickets at the local wine co-op, opting for the early start: coffee at 10:00 a.m. and departure at 10:30 a.m., for €32.50 each.
Arrival and Introduction
We arrived on time and were handed a “Beaumes Vignerons” hat along with our vouchers, amazed at the stream of people pouring in. By 10:30, we all piled onto the bus with Christophe, our guide and local vigneron. As we drove through Beaumes toward La Fare and Suzette, Christophe shared the historical and geological background of the area and its significance to the wine produced — all in rapid-fire Provençal French! (Don’t ask me to translate — I can barely keep up!)
Strolling Through Suzette
Our first stop was Suzette, a charming, tiny village perched high above the valley, with spectacular views of the Dentelles de Montmirail. We disembarked for our randonnée (stroll) through the vineyards. A strong mistral wind had been predicted, but thankfully, the area felt protected. Along the way, Christophe stopped frequently to talk about soil, aspect, rainfall, and even hand-picked grapes for us to taste. The path started gently but became steep and rough downhill — causing a few near- tumbles (not us, fortunately!).
Lunch Among the Vines
Soon we reached a level clearing where long tables had been set up under the trees. Chefs, dressed formally, prepared our rustic meal. Each of us was given a wine glass with instructions to “gardez bien”, so we could taste every wine paired with the dishes.
We sat next to a group of French locals, while the only other English speakers were across the table. Our first wine was rosé, paired with “Caviar du Puy et Crepinette des Sous-Bois.” I bravely asked, on Tricia’s behalf, whether the dish contained meat — and that sparked our first lively conversation with our French neighbors!
New Friends and Lively Conversation
Everyone had opinions, advice, and curiosity about Australia. I asked one man where he was from; he said Marseille, and we quickly entered a spirited debate about the best bouillabaisse in the city. Soon, we were the center of attention: locals were fascinated that I had a share in a house in the village and had been visiting for 18 years.
Remi, a retired Air France cabin attendant, chatted in English while I responded in French. Henri inquired whether Australians liked French food and wine — and then, rather cheekily, asked, “What about French men?” Conversation turned almost flirtatious, though Henri’s super-short shorts quickly deflated the fantasy!
A Feast of Five Courses
Next came “Terrine de loup sauce vierge” — thankfully fish, not wolf! Each course was prepared by a local chef, who explained the dish and the matching wine. The highlight was when the chef greeted us with a hearty “G’day mate!” in perfect Australian accent. He’d spent five years in Australia and had been tipped off by our new friends.
Over the next couple of hours, we enjoyed five courses with perfectly matched wines, accompanied by entertaining conversation, mostly in French.
The Hilarious Wine-Induced Walk
After lunch, we set off for another walk through the vines to meet the bus at a new location. By now, the wine (and water) was making its presence known. A quick lesson: porta-potties are essential! After a minor “vineyard mishap,” we regrouped and returned to the bus, heading back to the co-op for dessert and Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, the pièce de résistance. Even at the farewell, our new friends Marcel, Remi, Henri, and Charles gave the obligatory three kisses — and even the reserved English neighbors shook our hands.
A Perfect End
Our walk home took us past more stunning vineyards and the deserted old Notre Dame d’Aubune. Once home, a siesta was mandatory after a truly magical day in the vines.
A Note from Ginny Blackwell
What Helen describes is exactly why we began International Property Shares decades ago. Fractional home ownership allows families to experience village life not as visitors, but as participants.
Events like Vendange des Chefs are no longer special excursions squeezed into a holiday itinerary. They become annual traditions — shared tables, familiar faces, and stories that continue from one year to the next.
If you’re thinking about fractional home ownership, consider what it would mean not just to visit a village, but to return to it — to have your own place there when harvest season comes around again.
Fractional Ownership Homes in Provence
Le Portail Neuf
$35,000 for 1/12th Share (1 full month)
Features a main house, plus an independent apartment. 3 large terraces with expansive views of Mont Ventoux and les Dentelles de Montmirail
Bello Visto – A Window to Provence
$165,000 for 1/4th Share (3 full months)
Features a main house, plus an independent apartment. 3 large terraces with expansive views of Mont Ventoux and les Dentelles de Montmirail
