In 1979 Bernard and Cécile Croisille moved to the countryside surrounding the tiny town of Luzech. He and his wife decided to lease a parcel of land that had been left untouched for years. With much determination, the couple brought that land back to life. They patiently awaited the first harvest, as the fruits of their labour would not come to fruition for several years. Finally, in 1984 their first crop of fruit was sold to the Parnac winemaking co-operative. Though growing grapes scratched their agrarian itch, the young couple was still unsatisfied and set to work learning about winemaking. After years of work and study working with a neighbour, in 1994 they finally made their own wine from the vines they’d spent 10 years lovingly cultivating.

Their journey didn’t end here, however. Another decade later in 2004 their lease on the land that they’d planted ended and they were faced with the decision to purchase the land or to walk away entirely. Unable and unwilling to say goodbye to the land that they’d come to know and love, but without the financial means to purchase, the couple’s family, friends and even customers donated money to help Bernard and Cécile finally realize their dream.

Bernard and Cécile have since been joined on their venture by their sons and their Son’s childhood friend.