Domaine Jones, Languedoc, France
Domaine Jones, Languedoc, France
Katie Jones is deeply passionate about old vines. The owner/winemaker at Domaine Jones, founded in 2009, Katie is dedicated to making the heritage of old vines meaningful to consumers. Her commitment goes beyond cultivation; she shares her love for these ancient vines by highlighting their stories and immense value. Each vine is named, talked to, and available for adoption through her unique “Adopt an Old Vine” scheme, inviting vine-parents to join the journey.
Katie hosts regular virtual vineyard rambles, showcasing the significance of old vines for winemakers, the community, and the quality and taste of the final wine. These early morning walks through her vineyards in Tuchan and Paziols in the South of France reveal the unique terroir, including wildflowers, herbs, and traditional vines.
Launched in April 2021, the Adopt an Old Vine scheme has been pivotal in helping Katie maintain these high-maintenance vineyards and rescue them from being uprooted. This initiative provides vine parents with a unique insight into the life of an old vine, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection.
Katie’s journey began in the 1990s when she moved from the UK to Languedoc. She bought her first vineyard in 2008. Today, Domaine Jones produces exceptional wines from vines aged 50 to 116 years, including unique varietals like Carignan Gris, Macabeu, and the Hairy Grenache (Lledoner Pelut). Despite their high maintenance and low yields, Katie believes they produce the best wines, representing a significant part of our history and telling countless stories of the people who have worked with them over the years.
Katie has been involved with the Old Vine Conference since 2021 when she spoke about marketing old vines to consumers and demonstrating their value. “The Old Vines project is a fantastic initiative, encouraging long-term awareness and commitment,” Katie says. She stresses the importance of showing and explaining the significance of old vines to truly appreciate their worth. Katie continues to engage and educate her community of wine lovers with regular tales from the vineyard. Her passion for rescuing and promoting old vines and lesser-known varietals remains undiminished.
