Chateau de Palayson is receiving international recognition for their red wines and is also included in Le Guide Hachette. Their goal has consistently been to produce a high quality red wine based on a Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend that makes it comparable to a cross between a Bordeaux and a Rhone style wine. Chateau de Palayson has been awarded numerous awards including the Medaille D'Or (Gold Medal) at the Vinalies Internationales 2005 for their Grande Cuvee 2003 and the Medaille D'Argent (Silver Medal) at the Concours General Agricole 2005 for their Cuvee Christine 2003.

Although wine making is an endeavor that requires year-round focus, the real work in the vineyards begins every year in July when the 'green harvest' takes place; a process in which each vines' yield is reduced to 3-5 grape bunches to ensure quality over quantity. In early October, harvesting takes place at Chateau de Palayson and in tradition with the old ways, is strictly done by hand. Only the best of the grapes makes it through a rigorous inspection before making it to the de-stemming process, after which the grapes are lightly crushed before being transported by conveyor belt to thermo-controlled, stainless steel tanks for fermentation.

During the initial fermentation process, the juices in the thermo-controlled, stainless steel tanks are pumped over twice daily to extract optimal color and flavor intensity. After fermentation, the resulting wine is prepared for ageing by removing all skin, pulp and seeds. Chateau de Palayson ages all of their red wines for 12 months in new, French oak barrels that are medium toasted. Every barrel is topped off weekly as the oak absorbs the wine, or as they say in France, because 'the Angels are thirsty.'

To further their endeavor in wine making, Chateau de Palayson has retained the services of award winning oenologue from Provence, Philippe Croce Spinelli, who is helping to guide the wine making process from start to finish. With Monsieur Croce Spinelli's assistance, Chateau de Palayson has renovated their ancient caves in the old milieu with the latest in winemaking equipment and technology available.

TASTINGS AND EVENTS

Chateau de Palayson is open for business almost every day of the year. Tastings with a guided tour of the caves and property with a buffet lunch of local delicacies can be arranged for groups of 15 to 40 persons. Events such as weddings, receptions or other special occasions can also be planned at Chateau de Palayson.