Domaine de Lauroux

The Domaine is owned by Nicolas and Karen Kitchener, a British couple who left their respective careers to pursue their dream of creating quality, affordable wines in the Cotes de Gascogne Appellation d'Origine. The wines are now widely distributed across France, Belgium, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Since purchasing the vineyard in 2004, Nick and Karen have focussed on maintaining the reputation Domaine de Lauroux has held for generations - that of producing high-quality, award-winning wines, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac. Since their arrival in the Gers in March 2004, the Kitcheners have made significant investment in the Domaine which now offers self-catering and B&B holidays. The Kitcheners also offer guided tours of the vineyard and tutored tastings. For groups of 10 or more, a 4 course lunch can be provided, complemented with the Domaine's Floc de Gascogne, wines and Armagnac. Please contact karen@lauroux.com for more details. Nicolas and Karen Kitchener Twelve years ago, sat on the lawn of their honeymoon hotel, Nick and Karen talked about living and working abroad. Like many people, it was a discussion they had from time to time over the ensuing years - generally whilst on holiday or following a long, stressful day in corporate life. Each time they had the "let's move abroad" discussion, the same problem arose - they had rewarding jobs, a mortgage, nice cars, several holidays a year - and, most importantly of all - security! In August 2001, Nick and his employer agreed to part company. At the time, this seemed to be the biggest disaster ever in the history of the universe. Nick did the decent thing and looked for new employment, becoming more and more disheartened at the thought of more years spent as an employee for a large corporate. Eventually he found the courage to go it alone - the very best thing for him as his individual and forthright personality made him virtually unemployable by anyone else and as he regularly points out - wines doesn't answer him back! Karen, having a little more patience (and the ability to hold her tongue), survived a little longer in corporate life, having spent the last 8 years at BT plc - to whom she will be eternally grateful for the valuable experience gained in sales, business planning, management and of course dealing with difficult customers who are always right! In May 2003, Nick and Karen finally decided to stop talking and do something about living and working abroad. Their ultimate dream of owing a vineyard in France and producing quality, affordable wines was realised in October 2003 with the signing of the "Promesse Unilaterale d'Achat" (exchange of contracts) for Domaine de Lauroux.

Armagnac, France

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+33 5 62 08 56 76