Romain Le Bars is one of the most exciting rising stars in the natural wine movement in the Rhône Valley. His journey into winemaking is a story of passion discovered unexpectedly, leading him to craft wines that are now sought after by enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Born in Paris, Romain had no family background in winemaking. Initially, he pursued law studies, but his career path took an unexpected turn when he started working in the restaurant industry. The fast-paced environment eventually became exhausting, and a pivotal moment came when he shared a bottle of Domaine de l’Anglore’s Tavel with his father. That evening, he realized his true calling: he wanted to learn how to make wine.
Determined to follow this new path, Romain enrolled in viticulture studies in Saumur and interned at Château Yvonne. In 2012, he met Eric Pfifferling, a natural wine icon in the Rhône, and boldly expressed his desire to work for him. This led to seven years of invaluable experience at Domaine de l’Anglore, where he honed his craft and developed a deep respect for low-intervention winemaking.
In 2018, he took the leap and began his own winemaking venture. Starting from a modest 1.2 hectares in Tavel and an additional 10 hectares spread across Lirac and Vin de Pays, he initially vinified in his small garage cellar. Over the years, he has refined his approach, producing wines that are pure, vibrant, and unmistakably tied to their terroir.
Romain’s vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, with a strong emphasis on soil health and biodiversity. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used—only natural treatments and minimal intervention to allow the vines to express themselves fully. His winemaking philosophy follows the same principles: spontaneous fermentations, no added commercial yeasts, and minimal or zero sulfites. He frequently employs carbonic maceration, which enhances the freshness and energy of his wines.
Some of his standout cuvées include La Roussane, a rich and layered white wine that highlights the depth of the Roussanne grape, and A 2 C’Est Mieux, a lively, easy-drinking red that perfectly captures the spirit of conviviality. Beyond these, Romain produces several other expressions, all marked by his hands-on approach and deep connection to the land.
Today, despite his relatively small production, Romain Le Bars’ wines have gained a devoted following worldwide. His dedication to sustainability, minimal intervention, and authentic terroir expression has positioned him as one of the most promising young winemakers in the Rhône Valley.
For those seeking wines that are alive, full of personality, and deeply rooted in their origins, Romain Le Bars is undoubtedly a producer to watch.
