More about our Sarabande Family
Domaine La Sarabande was born because we both wanted to create wines that we felt passionate about. Just over 10 years ago we came to France in search of vineyards that would allow us to follow our dream. After much searching, we eventually found the Faugéres appellation that fulfilled everything that we were looking for. Initially renting vineyards and a house with a cellar, we have over time bought a number of parcels of land and, in 2020 in we started building our winery.
PAUL & ISLA
Isla and Paul Gordon, the owners of Domaine La Sarabande both started out working in the wine industry in New Zealand.
Isla studied and learned her skills from some of New Zealand’s best viticulturists. She has gone on to apply this in her very own vineyards here in the Faugéres appellation, where her passion and knowledge of the terroir and vines are intrinsic to the winemaking process at La Sarabande.
Paul complements Isla with his winemaking skills. He has an unhealthy obsession with making bold blockbuster wines but has also been accused of being a purist. When not making wine he can be found screaming at his TV hoping that the Wallabies will actually win something.
RORY & PETER
Rory & Peter have grown up with the vineyards as their playground. Rory John Gordon has no hope in avoiding the impoverished life of a vigneron. The firstborn son is being prepped to take over from his father especially when it comes to pruning and harvesting grapes.
The youngest member of the team. Peter was born in Beziers and was brought straight to the vineyards to help with harvest. He was only three days old but very helpful at scaring the wild pigs away from the grapes. He has expressed no interest in wine and wants to be a banker!
SHERPA & FIZZY
The Sarabande Spaniels have gained a reputation far and wide.
Scrawny and quick. Sherpa has the genetics of great hunters but the skillset of a 14-year-old Lab. Her manic yelping in the vineyards keeps the vines free of birds, pigs, and friends.
Introducing the latest madcap addition to the family. Fizzy comes from a long line of greedy Spaniels. She is a delightful reminder of her recently departed Grandmother, every time she chews another book, shoe, pair of glasses or tries to devour the cutlery from the dishwasher.