Vine Trail

Vine Trail A progressive approach to wine since 1989

On Monday 3rd March we will explore the wines of the Rhône Valley, following the river’s journey from its northern summi...
06/02/2025

On Monday 3rd March we will explore the wines of the Rhône Valley, following the river’s journey from its northern summits to the Mediterranean sea.

You will be able to comprehend how geological patchwork, microclimatic quirks, and diverse grape varieties shape the wines of the region. We’ll be navigating through the Rhône’s dramatic topography, from the steep schist and granite slopes of the north to the ancient riverbeds of limestone and ‘galets roulés’ in the south.

The Rhône Valley, and its 2,000+ years of winemaking history, stands as one of the most fascinating regions in the world – offering an unparalleled combination of diversity, authenticity, and tremendous value. This mighty region is home to some of France’s most iconic domaines, yet beyond these celebrated names lies a treasure trove of underrated appellations that deliver wines of unique depth, texture, and layered complexity.

You’ll find the full list of domaines represented below – and most growers will be on hand to pour their wines. This will be a rare opportunity to meet iconic vignerons but also discover the emerging talents of tomorrow.

NORTH
Pierre Gonon (St-Joseph)
Guillaume Gilles (Cornas)
Bernard Gripa (St-Péray, St-Joseph)
Domaine de Lorient (St-Péray, Cornas)
Laurent Habrard (Hermitage, Crozes, St-Joseph)
Christophe Blanc (Condrieu)
Julien Barge (Côte-Rôtie)

SOUTH
Laurent Charvin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Roucas Toumba (Vacqueyras)
Gaël Petit (Tavel)
La Luminaille (Rasteau)
Gour de Chaulé (Gigondas)
Domaine de Ferrand (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Château Ste-Anne (Bandol)

TRADE ONLY – please liaise with your rep or DM

Mouzon-LerouxLocated in the grand cru village of Verzy on the northern Montagne de Reims – next to the grand cru of Verz...
11/12/2024

Mouzon-Leroux

Located in the grand cru village of Verzy on the northern Montagne de Reims – next to the grand cru of Verzenay – the domaine is now run by Sébastien Mouzon, it has been passed down from father to son since 1776. Sébastien has 8ha split into 65 parcels where the full 'encépagement Champenois' is represented: 60% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay, 5% arbane, pinot gris & blanc, meunier, and petit meslier.

The vines are spread out over the three main hillsides in Verzy, with a north-eastern exposure, which helps to convey the grand cru’s renowned finesse, tension and energy with a notable mineral quality. On the first hillside – which lies closer to Villers-Marmery to the south-east – the soils are chalkier, closer to the bedrock, and perfect for chardonnay (see cuvée L’Angélique). The middle hillside has a deeper topsoil rich in flint – there was a flint quarry here 200 years ago – a rarity in Champagne. And the northern-most hillside towards Verzenay has similar deep clay soils to that village and is perfect for growing pinot noir.

Address

Aardman Animations, Gas Ferry Road
Bristol
BS16UN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441179211770

Website

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The Vine Trail palate

We source, import, sell and distribute the finest wines from France and Northern Spain. Our aim is to inspire a more progressive, sustainable and open-minded approach to wine, one that cares about the land and the people, eschews the use of chemicals and keeps prices fair. And we believe that none of this is possible without taking some risks. Right from the start in summer 1989, Vine Trail has been about taking punts, when Nick Brookes financed the first list of 27 wines on the back of winning bets from horse racing. Pushing boundaries and taking risks defines us, it’s in our blood and bones.

Vine Trail has always rowed against the crowd and fashion, championing the maverick, chiselling out wines from top vignerons in overlooked regions like Jura and Savoie, being the first in the UK to promote growers’ champagnes as well as revealing the artisanal face of Bordeaux. We like to focus and build up expertise, working for almost 30 years exclusively with French vignerons we are now also applying our savoir-faire to Northern Spain and its Atlantic influenced vineyards. Incredibly fine, biodiverse and untamed terroirs, a cool climate often combined with mountain viticulture, wines with freshness, lower alcohol and a clear mineral print, all these factors draw a real parallel with several of our favourite French regions.

Progressing from sole trader to company, Vine Trail is now a 11 strong team with Jean-Remi and Raphaël joining Nick and Cath at the helm. It’s an exciting journey and one that would not be possible without the help of an amazing back-up team: Lionel, Teresa, Jen, Iain, Jean-François and Jack. HOW WE DO IT We are specialists

For the last three decades we have focused on French regions because this is the best way to acquire detailed expertise and in-depth knowledge, as well as sensing and following progress. This is what makes us different and gives us a real edge. Risk-taking