“What could be more natural than delivering these first Ceps d’Or to Arbois, capital of Jura Wines, which perfectly illustrates wine tourism? », declared Jean-Charles Tissot, president of the CIVJ, who also took the opportunity to thank local elected officials for their support in the face of the frosts which hit the vineyard at the end of April and reduced the harvest by 70%.
A concern shared by the president of Jura Tourisme Jérôme Fassenet: “Last week, the vineyard experienced a catastrophic episode. We wondered if it was appropriate to maintain this ceremony… But life goes on. It is important to meet, to move forward on our projects.”
If the frost remained present in everyone’s minds, the atmosphere was one of celebrations. Jura wine tourism has been developing strongly in recent years. Thanks to Leader funds, the CIVJ and Jura Tourisme have invested more than one million euros since 2010 to promote this sector. “Faced with the threat of deconsumption, the wine industry must find new means of communication and promotion by associating clothing with the territory, heritage, culture… Wine tourism responds perfectly to this challenge. It’s not just the winegrowers’ business, all tourism stakeholders are concerned, including accommodation providers and restaurateurs,” continues Jean-Charles Tissot.
A dynamic sector
“The department has just adopted new tourism plans, one of the axes of which aims to diversify the wine tourism offer to better balance the economic benefits across the entire sector with the objective of increasing attendance all four seasons,” explains Jérôme Fassenet. “Naturally, we highlight the identity of the Jura, its DNA, its local products, its gastronomy, its culture, its heritage, its natural and remarkable sites. Wine tourism is all of this assembled into a global offer for our residents and our visitors.” Today, the sector represents 4,000 direct and indirect jobs in the department. Nationally, 10 million tourists are welcomed each year, which generates 5.2 billion euros in turnover.
Before the presentation of the Ceps d’Or, five newly certified establishments were awarded their “Vignobles et discoveries” plaque: the Chambres du parc in Monnières, the Au Cœur des Vignes campsite in Arbois, the Le Meix guest house in Chaumergy , the Chez Janine inn in Nevy-sur-Seille and the Domaine de la Pinte boutique in Arbois.
A key player in wine tourism in France, “Vignobles et discoveries” brings together 17 wine regions of France, 74 destinations and 8,400 Tourist providers. “We have four missions,” explains its host Cécile Terrien who made the trip for the occasion. “Be a place of exchange and sharing between destinations and different stakeholders; study wine tourism; promote and enhance the offer and defend the interests of the entire sector with public authorities.”
And the winners are…
The time came for the presentation of the Ceps d’Or. In each of the three categories, three nominees were selected and decided by a jury. “It was difficult to decide between the winners,” recognizes Jérôme Fassenet, “because each particular action is very interesting.”
The Cep d’Or Poulsard, rewarding the best wine and gastronomic performance of the year, was awarded to Castel Damandre, in Planches-près-d’Arbois, a gourmet Restaurant with an exceptional Jura wine list. This establishment combines its culinary creations and the range of Jura Wines in a very rewarding way, with particular care given to advising customers. Also nominated in this category: Chez Janine in Nevy-sur-Seille and Domaine du Revermont – Restaurant La Part des Anges, in Passenans.
The Cep d’Or Trousseau, honoring the best wine-responsible performance, rewarded a remarkable initiative in terms of raising awareness and teaching the general public on the theme of eco-responsible commitment in the Vineyard. The Jury chose to give it to the Domaine de la Pinte in Arbois, for La Table de Pierre, an exclusive and personalized day in the footsteps of Pierre Martin, who converted the estate to organic in 1999. Facing this establishment, the two others nominated in this category were Domaine Ratte in Arbois and the Tourist Office of Lons-le-Saunier.
The Cep d’or Savagnin, rewarding the best wine tourism performance, was awarded to Domaine Rolet in Arbois, for its Gourmet Walks in the vineyards (walking, cycling or equestrian) around Montigny-les-Arsures and the Rock’n’ Festival Rolet in the cellars in Montesserin. The other two named were Le Meix (gîte, guest rooms, table d’hôtes and boutique) in Chaumergy, and the duo Maison de Louis Pasteur in Arbois and Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois.
Henri Maire created wine tourism
Finally, an honorary Cep d’Or was presented to the restaurant La Finette d’Arbois by Patrick Franchini. “By creating this friendly and warm place in 1961, Henri Maire created wine tourism,” believes the president of the Departmental Union of Hotel Industry Trades (UMIH39) and head of the Moulin des Barks in Dole. “This restaurant is a true Jura and Franche-Comté institution. When we talk about Arbois, we talk about La Finette and vice versa. The number of seats served annually is hard to beat in the region.”
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