Winemakers: Julien Peyras

A native of the town of Paulhan (where he and his family still live today), self-proclaimed paysan Julien Peyras has always had vines in the family, if not somewhat peripherally at times. His paternal grandfather owned vineyards (parcels which Julien now affectionately tends to) and sold his grapes to the local co-op. His father, however, worked as a mechanic—a path Julien originally foresaw for himself. But Julien never entered the profession, and, on the heels of his formal mechanical training, turned immediately back to nature with the decision to make wine beginning in 2007 (keeping his then-day job as a landscaper until much later). Julien’s friendship with natural wine pioneer Bernard Bellahsen is reflected in his own deeply-felt connection with the earth, which he honors by allowing the vineyards to function in harmony with their delicate ecosystems. Using tisanes, rich composts and vegetal fertilizers in the field, as well as rye, field beans, vetch and other plants to protect the soil from the sun and retain moisture, careful attention is paid to the climate, moon cycles, and native vegetative growth. He refuses all chemical intervention in the winemaking process, allowing the fruit and terroir to express themselves fully. Julien is a  member of Vins S.A.I.N.S, and a central part of the tight-knit, soft-spoken natural wine making community of the region.

Website: https://www.julienpeyras.fr/