Crémat Castle Nice : visits, tastings & history
Established in November 1941, the Bellet AOP is the oldest appellation in France. It is also one of the few to be located entirely within a single urban area. Nine producers, including Château de Crémat, share the appellation's 50 hectares of vineyards. This prestigious estate is renowned for its exceptional wines that will captivate you until the very last sip.
Château de Crémat: the story of a Coco Chanel muse
The French Riviera boasts numerous renowned wine estates. whose Castle CrématIf we were to trace its history, it would take us back to the time of the Roman Empire. It is said that during this period, a legion settled in the place called Li Plana di Mari used for cultivating vines and olive trees. In 1906, the wine merchant Antoine Mari fell in love with this place and decided to build a fortress-like castle with its famous keep. The underground galleries of Li Plana di Mari They become the castle cellars. The building is constructed in a neo-Tuscan style with a touch of medieval influences and terracotta facades.
Over the years, it changed hands several times. A turning point came in 1923 when the Château de Crémat was acquired by the wealthy American Irene Bretz, already the owner of the Negresco Hotel. She renovated the building in the style of the Roaring Twenties. At the same time, the château became a prestigious reception venue on the French Riviera. It hosted some of the biggest celebrities, including the iconic Coco Chanel, who, according to legend, was inspired by the estate's initials, shaped like an interlocking double C, to create the logo for her brand.
After passing through the hands of Pierre Tomé in 1940 and then Charles Bagnis in 1980, the estate has been owned by the Derichebourg family since 2017. New improvements and facilities have been implemented to restore the vineyard to its former glory…
A field with multiple commitments
Located on the heights of NiceFacing the Bay of Angels and the Alpilles mountains, Château de Crémat cultivates 12 hectares of vines at altitudes ranging from 100 to 350 meters across four hills: Crémat, Saquier, La Manda, and Saint-Sauveur. Among the grape varieties grown are Rolle and Chardonnay for the white wines, and Folle Noire and Grenache for the red wines. The grapes thrive in a unique and demanding terroir composed of renowned "puddingstone" soil, a mixture of rounded pebbles, light sand, and clay.
The strength of Château de Crémat lies in its many commitments. For over a century, it has cultivated its vineyards with the firm conviction that wine quality is inseparable from the care given to the terroir. Certified Organic Agriculture and Ecocert since 2014, it also holds the Qualité Tourisme label and is in the running for the national "Destination of Excellence" designation.
Wine tourism and tastings: The Bellet AOC in the spotlight
Château de Crémat offers a sensory immersion into the heart of Nice's winemaking traditions. Between immersive tours of the estate and tastings of the finest vintages, each experience is designed to reveal the richness of this exceptional terroir. Please note that Nice also offers other experiences to be had to complete your visit to the city.
Guided tours of the historic cellars, vineyards and castle
To fully enjoy your experience, it is recommended that you arrive 5 minutes before the start of your visit:
- Vineyard tour: This package includes a visit to the castle's art gallery, a tour of the vineyards, a visit to the winemaking room and the barrel cellar, followed by a tasting.
- Option 3 wines: 25 € / person
- Option 6 wines: 30 € / person
- Vineyard and Castle Tour (Full Tour): An enhanced itinerary which includes, in addition to the classic route, a guided tour of the castle's interiors redesigned with the historic furniture from the legendary Ritz Paris hotel.
- Option 3 wines: 35 € / person
- Option 6 wines: 40 € / person
- Customized private tour (for 2 to 6 people): For an intimate and privileged moment with a dedicated sommelier.
- 6-wine package: €425 (€70 per additional person)
- 8-wine package: €450 (€80 per additional person)
Tasting workshops and flagship vintages
The Bellet AOP is distinguished by rare grape varieties and a limited production of exceptional red, rosé, and white wines. During your tasting, you will have the opportunity to discover renowned prestige cuvées:
- Cuvée “La Plana” (Red): A rare 100% Folle Noire vintage, made from carefully selected parcels and aged in a single 500-litre barrel (ultra-limited production of approximately 700 bottles).
- "Nikaïa" Cuvée (White): An exceptional white wine made from 100% Rolle grapes, praised for its freshness and remarkable aging potential.
- Château de Crémat (White): Made primarily from Rolle grapes (enhanced by a touch of Chardonnay), this wine reveals intense aromas of acacia flowers, candied citrus and honey, offering a round and smooth mouthfeel.
- Château de Crémat (Red): A blend of Folle Noire and Grenache, renowned for its elegance, subtle spice notes and saline freshness on the finish.
To extend the estate's gastronomic experience, the château also produces its own honey harvested on the hills of Bellet, notably "Wildflower Honey", "Lavender Honey" or "High Mountain Honey" as well as a olive oil Exquisitely handcrafted, available directly at the property's shop.
Art at Crémat Castle
The Château de Crémat combines its vineyard with a vibrant cultural space called "La Galerie Elie Art". Spanning 75 square meters, the gallery is primarily dedicated to contemporary art and heritage. It organizes temporary exhibitions, creative workshops, and meetings with artists.
It is possible to arrange combined visits by purchasing tickets that include the discovery of the castle, its history, the cellars and the art gallery, not forgetting the tastings.
Getting to Crémat Castle with ease
Access to Crémat Castle is via winding and narrow hill roads, where passing between vehicles can be tricky and on-site parking is limited, particularly during the peak tourist season or during private events.
To fully enjoy your wine tourism experience and taste the estate's sumptuous wines in complete tranquility, the option EDEN CAB stands out as the ideal solution. Whether you're starting from NiceWhether you're in Cannes or Monaco, enjoy the convenience of a luxury sedan (Mercedes S-Class, E-Class) or a VIP minivan (Mercedes V-Class) with a private chauffeur. Your dedicated driver will handle the entire journey along the winding roads of Bellet, allowing you to indulge in the pleasures of wine tasting without any worries about driving or finding parking.
Practical information
To best organize your visit to Castle CrématBelow you will find all the necessary contact details and opening hours for the estate:
- Address: 442 Chemin de Crémat, 06200 NICE
- Opening time : From Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 17:30 pm
- Website : chateaucremat.com
Ready to experience an exceptional wine getaway in the hills above Nice?
Book your private driver now EDEN CAB for your visit to Crémat Castle and benefit from a tailor-made transfer service of absolute comfort.
