Vintners of Roussillon: The Rich Heritage and Dedication of Domaine Lafage

In the picturesque region of Roussillon, nestled in the south of France, lies the story of the Lafage family—a lineage of winegrowers spanning over two centuries. With a deep-rooted passion for winemaking, the Lafages have dedicated themselves to producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of their Catalan heritage. Jean-Marc Lafage, the current torchbearer of this esteemed legacy, discovered his calling as a winemaker in his youth, setting in motion a journey that would shape the future of Domaine Lafage.

In the 1980s, a young Jean-Marc actively participated in the toil of the vineyards, immersing himself in the daily tasks that shaped the life of a winegrower. However, it was a pivotal moment when his father entrusted him with the sole responsibility of overseeing a batch of their finest Maury grapes that Jean-Marc’s true calling as a winemaker was revealed. From that moment, the seed of his passion was sown, and Domaine Lafage was born a testament to the family’s unwavering dedication to their craft and their deep connection to the land.
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Years later, Jean-Marc’s path intertwined with that of Eliane, a kindred spirit he met during their wine studies. Their shared fascination for the subject propelled them to explore the dynamic wine regions of the world. From the vibrant vineyards of South America to the sun-kissed landscapes of California, from the rolling hills of South Africa to the vast expanses of Australia, Jean-Marc and Eliane absorbed knowledge and experiences that would shape their winemaking philosophy.

Returning to France, Jean-Marc and Eliane seized the opportunity to take over the family estate in 2001, encompassing 36 hectares of land across Perpignan, Canet, and Maury. In 2006, the acquisition of Mas Miraflors further expanded their domain. Despite their ascent to the forefront, Jean-Marc’s parents remain actively involved, overseeing the vineyards with a watchful eye. Guy Lafage dedicates himself to the meticulous work in the vineyard, while Marthe tirelessly represents the estate at fairs and shows throughout France.
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The younger generation is also preparing to carry the Lafage legacy forward. Already deeply immersed in the life of the property, Léa is pursuing studies to become an agricultural engineer, while the young Nicolas has already left his mark by lending his name to a flagship cuvée of the Domaine. The passion for winemaking flows through their veins, ensuring the continuity of the Lafage tradition for generations to come.

With seven generations of winemaking expertise, Domaine Lafage has meticulously cultivated vineyards of excellence. Their vision is to create wines that exemplify the distinct characteristics of the Roussillon terroirs the precious jewels of nature from which they originate. Jean-Marc and Eliane infuse their wines with their own personalities, crafting expressions that showcase the rich tapestry of the region.
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Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed. Domaine Lafage has been rewarded by prestigious international competitions and guides, amassing an impressive collection of accolades. Over the past five years alone, they have garnered 30 gold medals from “Concours Général Agricole” and received 70 wines with ratings of 90 points and above from the esteemed Parker guide. These recognitions are a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their unwavering dedication to showcasing the remarkable terroirs of Roussillon.

Domaine Lafage has constantly been adapting its viticultural practices. Working in collaboration with the University of Montpellier and a panel of vine specialists, they reconsider their relationship with the soil. This essential paradigm shift involves using more new types of organic fertilizer. Biochar, a kind of active charcoal of natural origin, is proving to be a valuable ally in this transition, with its ability to enhance both water penetration and retention. It is an example of how to “cultivate” water. These new methods are beginning to prove their effectiveness and will become enduring solutions for Mediterranean vineyards. Lafage works with some of the greatest wine estates in the world, such as Familia Torres, Spain, to share best practices in regenerative agriculture through the collaborative working group IWCA, “International Wineries for Climate Action”.

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