Laura Aillaud, organic and natural wines in the Luberon

Although still a young winemaker, Laura Aillaud’s name is already making quite a splash in the world of organic and natural wine. It must be said that Laura’s project lacks neither uniqueness, merit nor authenticity. It is the story of a return to her roots in her native Luberon for this former sommelier.
A return driven by strong convictions: mixed farming, diversity, the expression of the terroir, the living world, and great humility. Laura Aillaud’s wines are imbued with honesty and generosity. As production and availability are very limited, we are delighted to be able to offer you a few bottles.

Laura Aillaud: from wine service to viticulture

After gaining experience as a sommelier in Aix-en-Provence, where she discovered and deepened her love of natural wines, she decided to explore winemaking. This was not a career change, but a natural progression in her journey of discovery. Following a BTS in Viticulture and Oenology, her first winemaking experience with Jean-Christophe Comor (Les Terres Promises) confirmed her desire to make wine.

Back to basics in the Luberon

After three years of training, Laura Aillaud established her own winery in 2017 in La Tour-d’Aigues (84). Located at the crossroads of the Rhône Valley and Provence vineyards, in the Luberon region, she began by taking over 2.75 hectares on a leasehold basis, with the vines already cultivated organically. In 2018, she expanded her estate by acquiring a further 3 hectares, which she decided to partially replant and convert to organic farming. The range of grape varieties is diverse to say the least: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Counoise, Muscat d’Hambourg, Vermentino, Ugni Blanc and Roussanne.  

Organic farming and natural winemaking

Organic farming, as well as some principles of biodynamics, are second nature to Laura Aillaud. The vines are naturally grassed to preserve freshness. In the winery, fermentation takes place spontaneously using indigenous yeasts, and the wines contain very little, if any, sulphites.

A handcrafted approach and a personal connection to objects

But beyond this organic approach, Laura Aillaud’s philosophy is, above all, one of observation, questioning and free thinking. Observation, first and foremost, as she seeks to understand her vines as part of a long-term restoration process spanning some twenty years. Questioning, next, particularly with regard to certain viticultural practices. This questioning has led her, in particular, to reduce systematic ploughing, work between the rows, and protect the fragile root systems by using horses to work the soil across the entire estate.

In short, Laura Aillaud intends to find her own answers, drawing on her intuition, passion, humility and a great deal of hard work.

A few photos of Laura Aillaud’s estate