It was July 2017 and I was in Europe visiting producers. My dear friend James Erskine from Jauma also happened to be in Europe and after having spent a week in the Loire, he called me and said “Liz there’s a producer here I think you should visit”. Plans were altered, appointments changed and I found myself driving down a single lane dirt road near Azay-le-Rideau looking for Adrien and Nannou.  

After several years travelling around France in a gypsy-type lifestyle, in 2012 Adrien and his wife Anne (affectionately called Nannou) settled in Touraine. They had both studied agriculture, and Adrien began working with local winemaker Marie Thibault. Marie’s passion very quickly transferred to Adrien, and proceeded to work with her for the next two years, gaining as much knowledge as possible.  

In 2014 they found land for Anne to start her goats cheese farm in the tiny hamlet of L’Ionniere, a property of 40 hectares surrounded by forest, which also came with 6 hectares of vineyard. There was facility for producing cheese, so they built one shortly after and placed two yurts next to it which would become their home. La Ferme du Plateau, a poly-culture farm, was established the following year, where goats are raised, vegetables are grown, an orchard of pears flourishes and wine is produced.

Anne tends to the 50 goats and began making cheese in 2016. Her cheese is one of the true joys of visiting this beautiful couple, it is highly regarded and sought after in the region. All farming is done with organic practices only. 

The vineyard is planted mostly to Gamay and Grolleau, as well as a small portion of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet. The vines range in age from 20 years to 80 plus years for the Grolleau. All work is done by hand, the wines are unfiltered and unfined and sulphur usage is avoided unless absolutely necessary.

The first vintage was a small amount of wine produced in 2014, sold to friends and family. La Ferme du Plateau is at the beginning of its journey, and what an exciting journey it is.