Domaine Gayda is arguably the most innovative wine operation in the Languedoc combining the best of Old World terroir and traditions with New World techniques.
It is situated south East of Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of South West France. Known traditionally for its large area of vineyards producing volume table wines, things have changed rapidly over the last 5 to 10 years. The revolution of change is in full swing and Domaine Gayda is in the centre of the revolution. The Languedoc is blessed with so many exciting ’terroirs’ diverse in soil types, aspect and climate. This diversity is our opportunity to not only grow grapes of outstanding quality on our own vineyards, but to work with partner growers throughout this beautiful, diverse region of France.
Domaine Gayda is passionate about seeking out the best parcels of vines, the best climates and the best growers – together the best “terroir” - and using ultra-modern facilities and techniques to create superb wines without being overly restrained by appellation restrictions. In addition to 18 ha of vineyards in Brugairolles and in the famous La Livinière region of Minervois, we have long term relationships with a series of growers in the most interesting parts of the Languedoc who have been selected for the quality and age of their vines and the rigour and knowledge that they bring to their viticulture. In addition to estate wines, our winemaker, Vincent Chansault, has extensive contacts throughout the region and is able to source quality wines to blend to his exacting standards for special projects across the price spectrum. Having an established presence in the region is fundamental in ensuring access to the most interesting parcels.
Our approach to viticulture is to intervene as little as possible to allow the vineyards to fully express their potential. Spraying is kept to an absolute minimum. All the grapes for the estate wines are hand-harvested and carefully selected both in the vineyard and at the winery, refrigerated trucks are used to move the fruit from the vineyard to the winery, fruit movement within the winery is gentle and kept to a minimum and the wines are filtered as little as possible to retain maximum intensity.
The winery and all the equipment in it are brand new. Quality control, rigour, attention to detail and traceability are second to none and the flexibility and customer focus of all the personnel truly set Domaine Gayda apart.
Anthony Record MBE and Tim Ford, owners of Domaine Gayda, became interested in wine whilst living in South Africa and saw the potential for producing outstanding wine in the South of France. The wine-maker, Vincent Chansault, studied in France but has also worked closely with Marc Kent of Boekenhoutskloof and Porcupine Ridge fame; indeed Marc and Vincent each help the other at vintage time. Vincent is one of the brightest and most diligent young winemakers in the industry and has an amazing future ahead of him. Tim, who has a background in large scale, international agricultural business, manages the operation personally and ensures the smooth running of this highly sophisticated operation, and its professional team.
Domaine Gayda is a breath of fresh air in the South of France. East’s The reputation of Domaine Gayda is destined to continue to grow as it pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in this region that has so much potential.