Visiting a Provençal vineyard: a route through the best wine estates in the Southeast
Nestled between sun-drenched hills, perched villages, and historic estates, the Southeast boasts some of the most beautiful wine tourism destinations in France. Visiting a Provençal vineyard means meeting passionate winemakers, discovering breathtaking landscapes, exploring castles steeped in history, and immersing yourself in the Mediterranean way of life. We've created a virtual wine route to take you on an exceptional road trip with EDEN CAB to live this unique experience.
Step 1: The hills of Nice and the secrets of the Bellet PDO
The wine tourism route begins on the steep hills overlooking the Bay of Angels. Hidden on the balconies of NiceThe Bellet AOP is one of the oldest and most exclusive vineyards in France. Spanning nearly 50 hectares, this micro-terroir is perched at an altitude of 200 meters between the sea and the mountains, resting on siliceous-calcareous soils and rolled pebbles. Another distinctive feature of the Bellet AOP lies in its rare, indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else: Braquet, which produces subtle rosés with aromas of rose and pepper, and Folle Noire, a characterful grape variety that gives the red wines a deep tannic structure and notes of spicy black fruit.
Visiting a Provençal vineyard at Château de Crémat: the alliance of history and style
Dominating the hills of Nice, the Castle Crémat It was built in 1906 at the behest of Antoine Mari, a wine merchant. Located in the Bellet vineyards, the medieval-inspired building is distinguished by its machicolated tower and Rococo ornamentation. Beyond its aesthetic beauty, the estate is steeped in a truly fascinating fashion legend: it was here, during her many stays on the Riviera with her friend Irène Bretz, that the famous couturier Coco Chanel is said to have been inspired by the château's intertwined initials, two capital "C"s engraved on an arch, to create the official logo of her haute couture house. Château de Crémat covers 12 hectares and produces organically grown wines from the appellation's finest grape varieties. On-site, visitors are treated to an exclusive tour through its perfectly preserved historic cellars and salons transformed into veritable art galleries, notably housing furniture from the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris. visit a Provençal vineyard, conclude with a tasting of exceptional vintages in three colors, where the purity of the Bellet terroir is expressed in every glass.
Château de Bellet: a historic wine estate Nice
A jewel of the Bellet AOC and located on the heights of Nice, the Château de Bellet is one of the oldest wine estates in France. It was founded in the 17th century.e The estate was founded in the 19th century by Antoine Dettat, whose descendants changed their name to Roissard. In the 19th century, upon the death of Agnès Roissard, her husband, Baron Eugène Roissard, decided to erect the Roissard Chapel of Bellet over the family crypt in memory of his beloved. Now deconsecrated, it serves as a barrel cellar and tasting room. Château de Bellet cultivates 13 hectares of rare grape varieties using organic farming methods, producing a range of dry and aromatic white, rosé, and red wines. These exclusive wines have graced prestigious events such as the 2005 NATO summit and the 2011 wedding of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. The estate is open to visitors for tours and can also be reserved for private events.
Domaine de la Source & Clos Saint-Vincent: Confidential and organic excellence
To beautifully conclude this first Nice stage, let's turn to two gems of artisanal and environmentally friendly viticulture, which prove that the greatness of a wine often lies in the human scale of its production.
- The Domain of the Source Founded by Joseph Dalmasso in 1962, Domaine de la Source is a family estate specializing in the production of organic wines for three generations. It offers not only wines from a unique puddingstone terroir but also an AOP olive oil. Nice derived from the variety called cailletier which imparts aromas of artichoke. The estate is open all year round for visits and tastings.
- Clos Saint-Vincent A family-run vineyard spanning 10 hectares, Clos Saint-Vincent is unique in that it boasts the only vineyard located on all three hills of the Bellet appellation: Saquier, Crémat, and Saint-Roman de Bellet. It is also the last estate in the appellation to possess a working still, producing exceptional marc. Wines produced using organic and biodynamic methods can be tasted on the estate, which also features art exhibitions in its tasting room.
Stage 2: The Côte d'Azur Hinterland: high-altitude and authentic terroirs
Let's now leave the bright lights of the coast and the urban hills behind, venturing into the azure hinterland. As we travel, the landscape transforms: olive groves give way to white limestone cliffs and wild pine forests. It is in this magnificent and unspoiled setting that vineyards of the extreme altitude flourish.
Domaine des Hautes Collines: The art of sun-drenched wine and poetry in Saint-Jeannet
When visiting a Provençal vineyard, be sure to stop by the Domaine des Hautes Collines, located at the foot of the Baou de Saint-Jeannet, 20 minutes from NiceFlourishing according to the principles of organic and biodynamic farming, this family vineyard has been managed by the Rasse family since 1948 under the IGP Alpes-Maritimes appellation. The south-facing vineyard, sheltered from the mistral wind by the Baou mountain, produces sun-drenched wines made from a variety of grape varieties: Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, and Muscat. To discover these exceptional wines, visit the estate. It's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in art, as the cellar walls are adorned with works by local and international artists, creating a harmonious blend of winemaking expertise and artistic expression.
Clos Saint-Joseph (Villars-sur-Var): The only mountain vineyard classified as AOP
To truly grasp its rarity, one must venture even further inland, where the Var gorges narrow, to reach the picturesque village of Villars-sur-Var. It is here that the Clos Saint-JosephThis magnificent estate holds a unique distinction: it is the only mountain vineyard to be granted the Côtes de Provence AOP appellation. Founded in 1925, the estate comprises 6 hectares of vines and produces up to 20,000 bottles annually. It practices biodynamic viticulture, resulting in wines full of freshness and minerality. A very private tour of the estate offers an exclusive immersion into a heroic winemaking tradition, in the heart of a breathtaking alpine landscape.
Step 3: The heart of the Var: legendary castles, contemporary art and classified wines
As you cross the border into the Var department, your journey takes on a monumental dimension. Here you enter the historical heart and wine-growing lung of Provence. It is here that you will find the rare estates to have earned the title of "Cru Classé".
Château Roubine (Lorgues): Feminine excellence and the history of the Templars
Located between Lorgues and Draguignan in the Var, the Chateau Roubine Château Roubine is one of the oldest vineyards in France. Its origins date back to the 14th century with the Knights Templar and later the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Today, under the management of Valérie Rousselle, it has forged a distinct identity: that of a Classified Growth Côtes de Provence, continuing to rank among the finest wines of Provence. The estate covers 130 hectares in a single block, 72 of which are dedicated to vines. The land is cultivated according to organic farming principles, which revitalizes the soils, resulting in wines of rare complexity. Château Roubine's unique character lies in its extensive wine tourism offerings, including cellar tours, tastings, and art exhibitions. The estate also offers accommodation at Mas des Candeliers, as well as hosting cultural events and corporate seminars.
Commanderie de Peyrassol (Flassans-sur-Issole): When contemporary art meets fine wines
Founded in the 13th century by the Knights Templar before becoming a flagship of the Order of the Knights of Malta, the Commanderie de Peyrassol is one of the most renowned estates in the Côtes de Provence appellation. Acquired by Philippe Austruy in 2001, the property spans 850 hectares, including 92 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to organic farming principles, producing characterful wines, including the world-famous rosés. The Commanderie de Peyrassol is also a must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts. Amidst the vineyards and centuries-old olive trees stand more than 80 monumental sculptures by some of the world's greatest contemporary artists, such as Anish Kapoor and Jean Dubuffet. The grounds are a haven of peace and are designated a Remarkable Garden. After a stroll, a golf cart ride, or even a horse-drawn carriage ride, the experience continues in the ultra-modern winery and tasting room, where one can savor exceptionally fine, age-worthy wines. The estate also has two restaurants celebrating the produce of the estate and the organic vegetable garden: Le Bistrot de Lou and Chez Jeannette, 1 Michelin star.
Château Mentone (Saint-Antonin-du-Var): Eco-responsible and charming wine tourism
To visit a Provençal vineyard, head straight to Chateau MentoneThis is the final stop on the tour of the historic Var region's wine estates. This vineyard, nestled on 170 hectares of forest, plane trees, and centuries-old oaks, cultivates 32 hectares of vines that produce exceptional Côtes de Provence AOP wines, crafted organically. It offers an immersive wine tourism experience that leads from the vineyard plots to the modern gravity-flow winery, where the grapes are handled with the utmost care. A tasting of their certified organic wines, characterized by their beautiful fruit expression and remarkable freshness, is ideally complemented by lunch at La Table de Mentone. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of accommodation options, including charming rooms in the château, a treehouse in the heart of the private park, studios, family apartments, or the Mas du Moulin.
Step 4: The Saint-Tropez Peninsula and the glamour of the coastline
After the wild authenticity of the hinterland, your itinerary takes a decidedly glamorous turn towards the coast to reach the mythical peninsula of Saint-Tropez…
Château Minuty (Gassin): The icon of Saint-Tropez and the art of prestige rosé
If there is one name that describes the elegance of Saint-Tropez and the international renown of Provence wines, it is undeniably the Minuty Castle. Located in the commune of Gassin, a small hilltop village overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, this historic estate has belonged to the ultra-exclusive lineage of Classified Growths of the Côtes de Provence since 1955. It was acquired and restored to cultivation in the 30s by Gabriel Farnet before being taken over by the LVMH group in 2023. Stepping through the gates of Château Minuty is like entering the very essence of the French Riviera lifestyle. The estate welcomes visitors to the heart of a completely redesigned bastide with a clean, contemporary aesthetic, surrounded by perfectly aligned vineyards. Minuty's secret lies in the rigorous selection of its grape varieties, notably Grenache and Tibouren (a historic local variety), harvested exclusively by hand to preserve the perfect integrity of the fruit.
During your private tour, you will have the privilege of tasting the house's iconic bottles, starting with the famous vintage. Château Minuty 281, instantly recognizable by its bottle with an intense blue neck.
Step 5: The excellence of the Bandol terroir
To bring this great wine route to a magnificent close, your itinerary leads us to one of the most prestigious and demanding appellations in France: the AOP Bandol.
Domaine de la Font des Pères: a unique estate in Bandol
Le Domaine de la Font des Pères This renowned wine estate is located in Le Beausset, in the Var region. Its name, steeped in history, refers to the monks of Saint-Victor Abbey who, as early as the 12th century, recognized the exceptional potential of this valley and its natural spring, planting the first vines there. Perched on 200 terraced slopes, the estate offers breathtaking views of the Sainte-Baume mountain range. It cultivates 10 hectares of vines using organic farming methods, favoring grape varieties such as Mourvèdre, Clairette, and Grenache, which produce rich and powerful Bandol AOP wines. The magic truly unfolds during a visit to one of the guesthouses: La Table de La Font des Pères, Le Bistrot, or Le Comptoir. The estate also offers various types of accommodation nestled among the vineyards, as well as a spa open to the Provençal sky and sun.
To experience this exclusive wine route in the best possible conditions, EDEN CAB offers you its high-end private chauffeur service in the Southeast.
Forget the stress of navigating routes, winding backroads, and searching for parking at wineries. In our prestigious sedans or luxury Mercedes vans, let us guide you from one estate to another in absolute comfort. Our professional, discreet, and attentive drivers will adapt to your pace to offer you an exceptional and safe wine tourism experience.
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