ORBIS city intelligence

Buying in Ménerbes: Truffle in the Village, Wine Below It

One shop sits on the village square and two estates sit in the vines beneath. This is a short walk and two drives rather than a wander, and the truffle is seasonal, which should decide when you come.

Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon: start here, at 43 place de l'Horloge S1

Truffle and Luberon wine are sold from the same room on the village square, with fine grocery alongside. Come here first, because it tells you what the valley is doing before you drive out.

The Vaucluse black truffle runs through winter, so a summer visit finds the shop without the fresh product. Confirm the season before travelling if truffle is the reason you are going.

Domaine de la Citadelle: the closer of the two estates, farmed organically S2

Organic Luberon wine is sold from an estate boutique and caveau. A caveau is the tasting cellar, and buying there rather than from a merchant is the reason to make the drive.

Ask what is open for tasting before setting out. Ask about case weight and shipping if you are flying rather than driving home.

Domaine de Marie: rosé, on the road to Bonnieux S3

Twenty-three hectares are farmed organically between Ménerbes and Bonnieux, and rosé is the signature. That makes this the natural onward stop if you are continuing east.

Both estates here are organic and both work the same appellation, so taste at one and buy at both. The comparison is the reason to visit two rather than one.