From divas to domaine ? a new life in Languedoc for Nova and Dhanya

Posted by Festivals on Oct 19, 2011 in Festivals | 0 comments

Nova and Dhanya Collette moved to France 6 years ago to pursue their dream of running a vineyard in the Languedoc.

Now permanently resident in Hérault, the couple left behind a comfortable lifestyle in London to take on the challenge of setting up a completely new business in the south of France.

The French/English couple have incorporated their experience from working in the UK fashion and music industries into the Montazellis brand.    As well as producing wines at near Alignan du Vent, they are still using their creative flair and now organising a number of festivals and events, appealing to an audience of all ages.

The majority of the Domaine’s clients are currently French, but many Anglophones have been interested in following the Collette’s journey and an increasing number of English people are now discovering their wines. Nova comments “we try to network as much as possible and have found that an increasing volume of our business has simply come through word of mouth”.

Despite all the hard work of the past few years, the Collette’s are still planning further developments for the future including wine holidays, tours and gite accommodation. Dhanya recognises many people are tempted to make a similar move to the south of France and adds “the advice I would give someone looking to set up a business here is to have enough money saved up – it may take a while to make a profit!”.

 is a small independent family run Vineyard situated between the mountains of Faugeres and the Mediterranean Sea in the Languedoc, South of France.

The 13 hectare vineyard run by French/English couple Dhanya & Nova Collette is buzzing with creativity, passion and plenty of potential. The Collette’s left behind their fast paced lives in London in 2005 to be surrounded by endless fields of vines and the nearby Mediterranean sea.

Dhanya is a musician, and studied winemaking at the local agricultural college whilst working hands-on around the vineyard. When entering the Cave one of the first things you will notice is a drum kit & and old piano fitted in amongst the vats and barrels. This creates a key talking point for all of their visitors as they debate about the effect of music on winemaking; can playing music to fermenting wine really enhance the quality of the wine produced? Both wine lovers and nature lovers will be given the opportunity to have guided tours around the 11 hectares of vines, and wine producing cave.The vineyard gites are currently being renovated in a part of the old cave, once completed we will be able to offer the complete rural vacation with beautiful views, set within a working vineyard. 

For summer 2011, the Collettes are throwing open their doors and inviting people to visit the Domaine. The  takes place 13 August and offers camping, food, music, brocante and of course, a chance to discover their wines. 

Kicking + Screening, in association with Everyman Cinema, is proud to announce the lineup and schedule for KSLondon11. The first-ever football film festival in London kicks off on Friday, September 23, and runs through Thursday, September 29. All events take place at one of four Everyman Cinemas: Belsize Park, Hampstead, Baker Street, Every film event will include special appearances from some of football’s greatest names, including former NY Cosmos star Shep Messing , Aston Villa legend Charlie Aitken, Argentine World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles, Man City veteran Mike Summerbee, and former Ipswich centerback Russell Osman. The latter trio all featured in the greatest football film of all-time, Escape to Victory, which will closes KSLondon11. Visit www.kickingandscreening.com for more info

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