Domaine Milan — Local services in Arles

Exceptional wines, but a disturbing experience.

My partner and I were excited to explore natural wines and booked a tasting at Domaine Milan by phone only a few hours ahead, after careful research.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a woman named Natalie, whose manner was brusque and dismissive. She immediately questioned how we’d found the vineyard, remarked that tastings were “very unusual” at this time, and said things were “crazy right now”—all in a way that made us and the other guests feel as though we were inconveniencing her, despite our confirmed booking beforehand.

The tasting itself was generous—the pours, the range of wines, and even the offer to waive the fee with a €60+ purchase all felt thoughtful at first. But as it went on, the atmosphere soured again.

When my partner asked sincere follow-up questions about details Natalie herself had mentioned, she dismissed them, suggesting that we “educate ourselves” with French books instead. She struggled to maintain a professional dialogue and repeatedly emphasized that she usually serves “professionals,” implying that ordinary guests don’t merit the same engagement.

We left unsettled, great wines in hand but with the clear sense that our curiosity wasn’t welcome. Exceptional bottles, yes, but there are friendlier places in the region I’d...

The wine itself was excellent, but the tasting was one of the most unpleasant experiences I’ve ever had — entirely due to the host, Natalie. She was shockingly rude and unprofessional, which completely overshadowed the quality of the wine.

When I asked a simple question about the winemaking process, she not only failed to provide an answer but responded with condescending facial expressions, as if my curiosity was an inconvenience. Instead of creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, she managed to make the entire experience feel hostile and uncomfortable.

Hospitality requires warmth, respect, and at least a basic level of knowledge — none of which were present here. It is deeply disappointing that such good wine is paired with such appalling service. I would strongly advise against this tasting if you value professionalism and basic courtesy.

Edit: I made an effort to clear the air and give the benefit of the doubt. The reply only confirmed my impression. See the...

Unbelievably rude. Booked a tasting and nowhere on their website or emails did they mention it is €30pp for the tasting which is double the price of anywhere else we have been in Provence (and their tasting room / area is in disrepair compared to other tastings we have been to). The staff basically yelled at us after they told us to take some time to decide if we wanted to pay the €30 and were just generally extremely unwelcoming (no hello or anything). People entered after us too so it’s not as if they were waiting specifically for us (and even if they were, there are much more polite ways of saying so. If you don’t want to interact with your customers… then don’t offer tastings. No one is forcing you to). They acted like we had interrupted their day. I was going to stay but after how we were spoken to we...