Laura Aillaud

History of Domaine Laura Aillaud

Laura Aillaud's journey is one of return to her roots in her native Luberon. It was in her restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, where she worked front of house as a sommelier, that she developed a passion for natural wine. Far from a simple career change, she experienced this turn as the natural continuation of her discovery, and decided to move from service to production to get closer to the nature she loves so dearly. After a vocational degree in Viticulture and Oenology, she completed her first winemaking experiences with Jean-Christophe Comor, at Domaine des Terres Promises in the Var, a natural wine producer with whom she shares common values.

After three years of learning, Laura Aillaud founded her estate in 2017 in La Tour d'Aigues, initially taking over approximately 3 hectares of vines on lease. A year later, she acquired an additional 3 hectares, uprooting vines in poor condition to allow nature to regenerate before replanting from 2021 onwards. In 2022, driven by boundless energy, she undertook the construction of a new cellar, conceived as a place for living and sharing. An atypical winemaker, she surrounds herself with artist friends to create her labels and builds her range around the natural elements: water, fire, earth and air.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Laura Aillaud

The estate is made up of several plots scattered across the communes of La Tour d'Aigues, Pertuis and Villelaure, on a terroir of safre — the sandy molasse typical of the Luberon — at altitudes ranging from 250 to 450 metres. It encompasses approximately 6 hectares in production, complemented by 3 hectares of young plantings and top-grafting, as well as 2 hectares of bare land left to rest. The grape varieties are particularly diverse, reflecting the winemaker's commitment to polyculture.

The estate grows Grenache Noir of around fifty years of age, Syrah, Carignan, Counoise, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds, along with Muscat de Hambourg, Gamay, Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Everything is cultivated according to organic farming principles and certain precepts of biodynamics, with sulfur used at minimal doses. The vines are naturally grassed to draw nutrients from depth, deep plowing is banned, and soil work is carried out sparingly using a draft horse — for which Laura received specialized training — in a long-term logic of observation and regeneration.

Winemaking at Domaine Laura Aillaud

In the cellar as in the vineyard, the philosophy rests on attentiveness and common sense. The juices are guided without unnecessary intervention, using only indigenous yeasts, with no additives or technological processes, and sulfur used at homeopathic doses. This natural, handcrafted approach, driven by positive energy and great rigor, yields wines of a disarming purity and precision.

Depending on the cuvée, aging takes place in concrete tanks, demi-muids or large oak foudres, always in respect of the material and the original intention. The wines, sometimes in AOC Luberon, sometimes in Vin de France, are above all wines of identity, free and aromatic. In vintages affected by frost, such as 2024 and 2025, Laura supplements her harvest with grapes purchased from her closest organic-farming neighbors, preserving for each cuvée its DNA and original intention. The result is airy, juicy and fragrant wines that are putting the Luberon back in the spotlight.

The Cuvées of Domaine Laura Aillaud

Long Courrier: the estate's favorite cuvée, this red blends Counoise, Cinsault, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in demi-muids. Structured and deep, with fruit, spice, beautiful energy and genuine minerality, it has excellent aging potential. An invitation to a long-haul journey.

Amorcito: an emblematic cuvée born from a bold blend of red and white, centered on Grenache, Syrah, Vermentino and Ugni Blanc. With a very pale color and crunchy fruit, it is a light, indulgent and convivial natural wine, best served chilled. Its label, signed by an artist friend, celebrates love and connection.

Terre à Terre: embodying the earth element, this cuvée brings together old-vine Carignan and Cinsault, partially destemmed and aged in concrete tanks. The Cinsault lends fluidity to a deep red endowed with volume, structure, fine tannins and beautiful freshness.

Libre comme l'Air: this white, often crafted from direct-pressed Grenache Blanc, sometimes complemented by Vermentino, combines roundness, ripeness, freshness and salinity, with lovely notes of candied lemon. An ideal gastronomic wine to pair with fish, summer vegetables and southern cheeses.

Tout feu Tout femme: with its playful name, this cuvée embodies the fire element of the range. Expressive, sun-drenched and full of verve, in the image of its winemaker, it illustrates all the vitality and freedom of the estate.

Entre deux Eaux: evoking the water element, this fresh and fluid cuvée captivates with its drinkability, purity and thirst-quenching character. A natural wine of delicate refinement.

Exlibris: a rare and singular cuvée, it expresses the full personality of the estate in an uncommon and distinctive style, for enthusiasts in search of wines with character.

Bonne Nouvelle: the estate's primeur, it combines a majority of Gamay with a touch of Muscat de Hambourg and Grenache Blanc. A true little bomb, this addictive grenadine-like wine with floral notes captivates with its vibrant, crunchy fruit — supple, fresh and easy-drinking, to be opened on any occasion.