Marie’s Wine Shop

Now that summer’s well and truly here, Marie Binisti is again doing weekly wine tastings in her lovely wine shop – Les Raisins du Soleil.

And even better, she’s expanding into serving meals – and I’m delighted to write all about the new venture here (and I’ll list all the opening times, details, etc at the end of this posting).

Another eatery in Bize-Minervois is good news indeed!

The wine cave is at the front of Marie and Olivier’s home, located opposite the church – you enter the shop via the grape vine covered courtyard.

There’s a really good range of Minervois wines to taste and choose from, and also a selection of local produce - Marie is very passionate and knowledgeable about the all the wines she stocks and sells.

Commencing mid-July 2008, light lunches and evening meals will be served in the courtyard. More complete evening meals can be arranged – talk to Marie.

Currently part of her house is being converted into a restaurant kitchen – and I must say that when I was given a guided tour recently, it was looking pretty impressive!

Dishes will be prepared as much as possible using locally sourced produce.

Not only is Marie’s food delicious – it also looks fantastic, as can be seen from the photos below.

You’ll have a selection of dishes to choose from and will obviously also be served with various wines of the region to suit the food.

If you’re visiting Bize in the summer months, I recommend you at least go to one of the wine tastings (free) on Monday evenings at 7.00 o’clock. No need to book for the tastings – just turn up.

Marie arranges for vignerons of the region to come and present their wines for tasting and talk a little about each variety. It’s a great atmosphere sitting out in the courtyard, and also a good chance to talk to Marie (who speaks English) about her evening meals!

Bonne chance with the new venture, Marie and Olivier!!

"This cave allows me to make known the wines of the region, wines that I find remarkable. Firstly, because we have managed to preserve a reflection of our land, Minervois. From Carcassonne to Minerve, Bize-Minervois and beyond, the Minervois is a mosaic of different terroirs - very dry limestone, shale, limestone-marl. Each wine is enhanced by the new practice of small yields, respect for the land and the rediscovery of old vines. I seek to taste wines rooted in the culture and history of our region."

Marie BINISTI

Contact Details:

Marie Binisti

Les Raisins du Soleil

Phone : 06 25 42 67 95

Place de la mission, next to the church.

Wine Cave:

Summer: - 9 am to 13:30 and 19:30 to 17h.

(closed on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons)

Off-season: from 9:30 am to 13 pm and from 16:30 to 19:30.

Weekly closing: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons.

Restaurant:

In the summer months, light lunches and dinners will be served. For a more complete evening meal, please contact Marie who will be pleased to discuss your requirements.