Jean-Michel’s Exclusive French Wine Tours in Languedoc.

Bonjour, I’m Jean-Michel, your guide to the enchanting world of French wine. Born and raised in the sun-drenched vineyards of Languedoc, my love for this region runs deep. Legend has it that I was christened with a glass of Fine Faugères, the local brandy—a fitting start for someone who would go on to dedicate his life to the pleasures of wine and gastronomy.

After a bit of a rebellious youth, I found my calling in the world of culinary arts, training at the Toulouse Hotel School where I earned my BP in Cooking. My culinary journey took me across France, from Toulouse to Menton and Nice, where I honed my skills in some of the finest kitchens. An unexpected twist of fate brought me to Scotland, where I spent years perfecting my craft at the Central Hotel in Glasgow and the famed Malmaison restaurant. It was there that I met Karen, a lovely Scottish woman who would later become my wife and the mother of our two sons, J-Laurent and Pascal.

Eventually, I settled in Edinburgh and took over as Executive Chef at the Sheraton Hotel. My journey then led me to open La Garrigue, a restaurant dedicated to the cuisine and wines of my beloved Languedoc. It was here, amidst the rich flavours of Southern France, that I rediscovered my passion for wine—especially the wines of Languedoc. And so, I decided to share that passion with others, leading to the creation of these bespoke wine tours.