A FRANCO-IRISH couple based in Limerick have launched a new business designed to allow wine buffs get involved in the wine-making process.

Stephane Moreau, originally from Paris and his wife Natalie Gleeson, originally from Nenagh, launched their new business concept Grow Your Own Wine.com recently and hope that those with even a passing interest in wine will avail of their unique service.

Based in a tasteful showroom in Clontarf Place on O'Connell Avenue, the couple are offering wine lovers the chance not only to learn about wine, but to get involved in the wine making process, possibly getting their hands dirty as they participate.

"It is a private wine club with a difference," said Natalie.

"You have your vines grown for you - essentially you rent 12 vines and follow the wine making process throughout the year, through the wine harvest, the bottling process. You learn about the craft while it is being made and you end up with a case of wine, from your very own vines."

The wine is grown in two areas in the Vendée region of the West Coast of France, Brem-sur-Mer and Vairé, by two independent wine-makers.
The concept came to Stephane after a conversation with Laurent Pajot, one of the winemakers.

"I have been going there to Vendee on holidays since I was a small child and I have known Laurent for a long time," explained Stephane.

"Laurent studied wine and took the vines when his father retired. I told him he should export his wine - but it is not an easy thing to do because they are a very small operation. They are not industrial, so I got the idea that it would be nice to follow every step, from the vine to the grape to the barrel and then to your glass.

"He is also a very interesting, passionate person. I am not a wine expert - I enjoy it like most, but hearing somebody speak about how they create the wine, it is something we thought we should share with other people," added Stephane.

Personalised bottles of wine will be available to participants at the end of the process, while those that are really keen can actually travel to France to take part.

"If you want, you get the opportunity to go over to France and take part in the process. You could work under the sun for a few hours, which is quite a unique experience," said Natalie.

For full information see www.growyourownwine.com.