Les Béliers wine estate

Not everyone knows that winegrowing is alive and well on the French stretch of the Moselle.

A century ago, Lorraine represented one of the largest winegrowing regions in the entire nation.

But then came phylloxera, wars and the steel industry, together bringing the region’s viticulture almost to a complete halt.

Things have changed. Passionate winegrowers are driving a comeback and drawing increased wine tourism.

This includes Eve Maurice, who together with her family runs the Les Béliers wine estate in Ancy-sur-Moselle.

In the 1980s her father Michel Maurice replanted the vineyards — holdings now totalling roughly six hectares.

The estate’s wines can be found in some of the finest restaurants in Metz.

But that is not enough for Maurice, who wants to use her work to raise awareness for the local joie de vivre.

Her latest project is intended to draw both events and holiday makers: she is building a large structure in the vineyard that will include her wine cellar, tasting room and two guest rooms with a fine view of the beautiful surroundings.