3 Vineyards in Provence to Visit this Summer

First published: July 29, 2017 by France Today Editors

In the world of oenology Provence is synonymous with delicious rosé wines, and what better place to taste them than in the very vineyards they were produced? In our guide we’ve picked vineyards not just for their wines (though to be sure all of these châteaux produce some of the region’s finest!), but also for the experience they offer their guests- from tastings to tours.

Château de l’Aumérade

An hour’s drive east of Aix-en-Provence or just a 20-minute drive from Toulon, Château de l’Aumérade offers a divine vineyard experience away from the usual crowds of Provence. Located in Pierrefeu-du-Var, in the Var departément, this Château makes the top of our list for the fine quality of wines it produces, but perhaps just as importantly, for their faithful sense of tradition towards the whole process of running a vineyard. Château de l’Aumérade can trace its routes back 400 years, and has been a family run operation for 5 generations, with their flagship rosé, the Marie-Christine, celebrating 61 years since its launch in 1956.

Château de l’Aumérade

Visitors to the Château de l’Aumérade can expect a fantastic range of rosés, as well as whites and reds, all produced from the 330 hectares of vines on the estate. Entry to the Château is free, and they also propose wine tasting and tours of the beautiful gardens and cellar. Every Tuesday, the tour of the vineyard is free at 10:30 am and 3 pm, upon reservation only.

Also featured at the Château de l’Aumérade is an exquisite Santon museum, displaying quintessentially Provençal figurines from the 18^th century to the present day. The estate also puts on a number of gourmet events and can be booked for private parties, so take a look at their website for more details.

Our top pick would be the cuvee Marie-Christine rosé. The bottle was designed by Charlotte Fabre, the grandmother of the current owner in 1956 who took the inspiration from the famous artist Emile Galé. She gave the name Marie-Christine from her first granddaughter. The Rosé, very aromatic, is one of only a handful of Provencal rosés that can boast the cru classé label, reserved for only the highest quality vines.

www.aumerade.com
Tel: +33 4 94 28 20 31
Château de l’Aumérade,
Route de Puget ville,
83390 Pierrefeu-du-Var, France

Château D’Esclans

25km north of the Roman city Frejus lies the Château D’Esclans, a winemaker which produces some of the most recognisable rosés in Provence. The estate produces a number of notable wines including a rosé under the label of Garrus which is widely considered to be the greatest in the world. The main attraction at Château D’Esclans is their 12th century cellar, the oldest in the region, where visitors are offered a tour with a detailed description of their notable history.

Chateau d’Esclans

The wine production at Château D’Esclans is overseen by master blender and oenologist Sacha Lachine, who was one of the key characters in changing worldwide opinion of rosé from the overly sweet, fluorescent beach juice of the 70s and 80s to the well respected wine it is now.

Chateau d’Esclans

Visitors are required to email the chateau in advance at [email protected]

www.esclans.com
+33 4 94 60 40 40
Château D’Esclans
4005 Route de Callas,
83920 La Motte, France

Château Sainte Marguerite

Halfway between Toulon and Saint-Tropez sits another family run vineyard with an exceptional pedigree for rosés. Château Sainte Marguerite makes our list thanks in part to its fantastic sea views overlooking the Côte d’Azur. The production of the wine is overseen by the whole Fayard family who have struck up a healthy balance between using traditional and modern methods of wine production. For instance, the vineyard exclusively uses organic methods to create their award-winning wines.