About
My circuitous communication career has included having worked for Silicon Valley start-ups, helping international companies to market their products in foreign lands, and, while employed at Europe’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, trying to convince employees that selling bottled, sugary fizzy water was some sort of divine mission. But my most rewarding job, bar none, was being probably the only American walnut farmer in France’s southwest with an MBA. And probably the greatest compliment that I’ve ever received was when my 75-year-old neighbor, who had been a farmer all of his life, told me that I worked like a true “Perigordin.”
And it’s in that spirit that this wine blog was created. The 21st century is a tumultuous period for French winemakers. Declining wine consumption in France, stricter alcohol restrictions for drivers, the pulling up of old vines, and competition from New World wines are altering its wine landscape. Some French winemakers are thriving, however. The most common characteristic of their wine is the use of low-yield, low-interventionist techniques that result in original, well-crafted wines. This blog is dedicated to these men and women. Contact me at tomfiorina(at)thevineroute.com to discuss wine, France or any related subjects.
All content Copyright Tom Fiorina

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tom
I checked out your blog and will check in again! I just wanted to wish you the best with it. When I have time, I’ll write something about your new blog on mine (ProvencePost.com). Bravo and Good luck!
Julie
Thanks, Julie. As you write about one of my favorite areas in France, I’m going to take a close look at your blog. Tom
Great articles…Beautiful pictures.
It’s a pleasure to visit here.
Rob, I appreciate your comment about the blog. Ever since I read the Andrew Jefford “Rockyards and stonejuice” entry in his blog that talked about Terrasses du Larzac wines and where he mentioned you, I’ve been interested in the area. I’ll contact you the next time that I’m in that area. It would be nice to meet you and to taste your wines.
Hi Tom
Seeing as you local (ish) and you obviously love the wines and people of this region, I wondered if you would like to come and visit me and my colleague Matthew Stubbs MW at our wine school based just south of Carcassonne. We run a wide range of courses on wines from the region to wine and food pairing to professional courses to bespoke weekend breaks.
We tasted a wine the other week that would work beautifully with your walnuts, Aimé Cazes Rivesaltes 1975, superb!
All the best
Emma
Emma, I actually met Matthew at a barbecue that was given for some Roussillon vignerons last year. He may not remember me, but I took his card and have been meaning to contact him. I’ll definitely try to visit you both in the near future. Limoux is not very far from Toulouse. Finding a wine that goes well with walnuts is not that easy.
Hi Tom,
Having spent 5 or 6 weeks in Roquessels in Faugeres a couple of years ago, I’m pleased to find your blog and look forward to reading about wines from the Languedoc.
Murray
Thanks, Murray, for your comment. I’m glad to hear that you’ve been to one of the Languedoc’s most scenic areas.