Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah39 haFounded 1834Peyraud familyBandol
Reference Bandol estate at Le Plan du Castellet, run by the Peyraud family since 1834, with the single-vineyard reds La Tourtine, La Migoua and Cabassaou setting the bar for age-worthy Mourvedre-led Bandol.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings without appointment Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Signature wines: tempier-bandol-rouge, tempier-la-tourtine, tempier-la-migoua, tempier-cabassaou
Tip: The estate's classic Bandol rouge is the gateway, but the single-vineyard Cabassaou (pure old-vine Mourvedre) is the cellar candidate.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Clairette, Bourboulenc55 haFounded 1977Saint Victor familyBandol
Established in 1977 by Henri de Saint Victor on south-facing terraces above 300 metres at La Cadiere-d'Azur, Pibarnon sits at 300 metres above sea level, an upper-slope Bandol estate with Mourvedre at the heart of its long-ageing reds.
Tasting: Cellar tour and tasting Monday to Saturday by appointment
Signature wines: pibarnon-bandol-rouge, pibarnon-bandol-blanc, pibarnon-bandol-rose
Tip: The Bandol Blanc, built on rare old-vine Clairette and Bourboulenc, is one of the best whites in the appellation and tightly allocated.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault26 haFounded 1752Portalis familyBandol
The Portalis family have farmed Pradeaux on the Bandol coast at Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer since 1752, working a Mourvedre-dominant red programme (around 95 percent of the encepagement) with traditional long-foudre ageing.
Tasting: Tastings by reservation Monday to Friday, 9am to 12:30pm and 3pm to 6pm; tastings 15 EUR per person
Signature wines: pradeaux-bandol-rouge, pradeaux-le-lys, pradeaux-bandol-rose
Tip: The estate's basic Bandol rouge is bottled with very long oak ageing and needs five to ten years before it really shows.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Bourboulenc30 haFounded 1963Delille familyWinemaker Reynald DelilleBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
Reynald Delille farms 30 hectares of certified organic Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault on dolomitic limestone at Ollioules, a few kilometres back from the Bandol coast, producing precision Bandol reds and a notable Bandol Blanc on dolomitic limestone.
Tasting: Tastings Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 6pm; on-site restaurant
Signature wines: terrebrune-bandol-rouge, terrebrune-bandol-blanc, terrebrune-bandol-rose
Tip: Visit the on-site restaurant for the producer-led pairing menu featuring the estate cuvees.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Ugni Blanc15 haFounded 1968Hocquard familyWinemaker Agnes Henry-HocquardORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
Family estate on the north-western fringe of the Bandol AOC near the village of Le Castellet, organic-certified since 2014, run by Agnes Henry-Hocquard. The Saint Ferreol cuvee, pure Mourvedre, is the flagship.
Tasting: Open Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm; Saturdays and Sundays by appointment
Signature wines: tour-du-bon-bandol-rouge, tour-du-bon-saint-ferreol, tour-du-bon-bandol-blanc
Tip: Saint Ferreol is the cellar candidate; the white from Clairette and Ugni Blanc is a textbook coastal Bandol Blanc.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Ugni Blanc15 haFounded 1965Dutheil de la Rochere familyWinemaker Jean-Baptiste DutheilBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
Long-established Bandol estate in the eastern part of the appellation at Sainte Anne d'Evenos, working its terraced limestone-and-clay slopes organically and biodynamically since the 1960s under three generations of the Dutheil de la Rochere family.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: sainte-anne-bandol-rouge, sainte-anne-bandol-collection, sainte-anne-bandol-rose
Tip: The Collection cuvee, a barrel selection of the best old-vine Mourvedre, is a low-intervention reference.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan19 haFounded 1997Alain PascalWinemaker Alain PascalBandol
Alain Pascal founded Gros 'Nore in 1997, bottling Mourvedre-led Bandol from family vineyards worked for three generations as growers. The reds are dense, tannic and require long cellar ageing (typically 10 to 20 years).
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: gros-nore-bandol-rouge, gros-nore-bandol-rose, gros-nore-cuvee-antoinette
Tip: The cuvee Antoinette, named after Alain's mother, is the producer's old-vine flagship.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Ugni Blanc55 haFounded 1801Dumoutier familyBandol
The Dumoutier family have farmed l'Olivette since 1801; today the estate runs 55 hectares of Mourvedre-led red, rose and white across plots on the Le Castellet plateau.
Tasting: Tastings at the estate; contact through the website to arrange
Signature wines: olivette-bandol-rouge, olivette-bandol-rose, olivette-bandol-blanc
Tip: The cuvee Marie Levenes (top-of-range red, oak-aged old-vine Mourvedre) is the cellar wine to seek out.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette40 haFounded 1996Tari familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
Owned since 1996 by Guillaume Tari (also owner of Chateau Giscours in the Medoc), La Begude sits at more than 400 metres of altitude on the northern fringe of the Bandol AOC, the appellation's highest estate. Organic-certified vineyards on red clay over limestone.
Tasting: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm; visits typically by appointment
Signature wines: begude-bandol-rouge, begude-bandol-blanc, begude-bandol-rose
Tip: La Begude bottles a single-vineyard cuvee Irreductible from older Mourvedre vines as the cellar candidate.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc60 haFounded 1961Bunan familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
Three sister properties (Moulin des Costes, Mas de la Rouviere and Chateau La Rouviere) farmed by the Bunan family since 1961 across more than 60 hectares of organic-certified Bandol vineyard at La Cadiere-d'Azur.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings without appointment; check estate website for current hours
Signature wines: bunan-chateau-la-rouviere, bunan-mas-de-la-rouviere, bunan-moulin-des-costes
Tip: The Chateau La Rouviere cuvee is the family's top old-vine Mourvedre selection.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Ugni Blanc30 haFounded 1972Bronzo familyWinemaker Michel, Julien and Nicolas BronzoBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
Bronzo family estate at Sainte Anne du Castellet in the western Bandol AOC, working 30 hectares of organic and biodynamic Mourvedre on red clay and limestone scree. The single-vineyard cuvees Fontaneou and Estagnol come from old-vine parcels.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: bastide-blanche-bandol-rouge, bastide-blanche-fontaneou, bastide-blanche-estagnol
Tip: The single-vineyard Fontaneou bottling cellars 15 to 20 years from vintage.
Bandol AOC, Cotes de Provence AOCMourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle95 haFounded 1791Roger JaarORGANIC CERTIFIEDBandol
An old Bandol estate at Le Beausset extended to 95 hectares of forest, vineyard and olive groves by current owner Roger Jaar, working in certified organic agriculture across both the Bandol and Cotes de Provence appellations.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact estate for current hours
Signature wines: souviou-bandol-rouge, souviou-cotes-de-provence-rose
Tip: The olive oil is sold alongside the wines and is one of the appellation's references.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955), Bandol AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle, Semillon220 haFounded 1912Maison Louis Roederer (66 percent) and the Ott family (34 percent)ORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence La Londe
Three sister estates across Provence under one ownership: Chateau de Selle (Cotes de Provence Cru Classe, Taradeau, acquired 1912), Clos Mireille (Cotes de Provence La Londe, acquired 1936) and Chateau Romassan (Bandol, acquired 1956). Maison Louis Roederer acquired a 66 percent stake in 2004; the Ott family retains the balance and remains involved in operations.
Tasting: Visits and tastings at the three estates by appointment
Signature wines: ott-clos-mireille-blanc, ott-chateau-de-selle-rose, ott-chateau-romassan-bandol
Tip: Clos Mireille's white from Semillon and Rolle is one of Provence's reference whites; Chateau Romassan delivers the Bandol from the same group.
Chateau Miraval ★ 4.5
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle30 haFounded 1500Brad Pitt (Mondo Bongo), Stoli Group (Tenute del Mondo) and Famille Perrin joint ventureWinemaker Marc PerrinORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence
Sprawling 500-hectare estate at Correns north of Brignoles, with a 30-hectare working vineyard farmed organically. The wines are produced in a joint venture between Famille Perrin of Chateau de Beaucastel, Brad Pitt (Mondo Bongo) and the Stoli Group, which acquired Angelina Jolie's former 50 percent stake in 2021.
Tasting: The estate does not generally receive visitors at the property; wines widely available at Cotes de Provence retailers
Signature wines: miraval-rose, miraval-coeur-de-grain, miraval-muse-de-miraval
Tip: Muse de Miraval, the top-of-range rose released in tiny allocation each year, is the estate's prestige cuvee.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Syrah, Tibouren45 haFounded 1201Moet Hennessy (LVMH) and Sacha LichineCotes de Provence
Sacha Lichine acquired Chateau d'Esclans at La Motte in 2006 and launched the Whispering Angel programme; LVMH's Moet Hennessy took majority control in 2019. The estate runs 45 hectares of vineyards within a 270-hectare property and has been a major commercial driver of the premium Provence rose category.
Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment Monday to Saturday; multiple flight options
Signature wines: whispering-angel, esclans-les-clans, esclans-garrus, esclans-rock-angel
Tip: Garrus, the top-of-range rose vinified in 600-litre oak demi-muids, is the estate's prestige cuvee.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle, Semillon168 haFounded 1929Fayard familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence La Londe
Family-run Cru Classe estate at La Londe-les-Maures since 1929, working 168 hectares of certified organic vineyard on schist soils on the slopes of the Massif des Maures. Holder of the 1955 Cru Classe title plus the Cotes de Provence La Londe sub-denomination.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: sainte-marguerite-symphonie, sainte-marguerite-fantastique, sainte-marguerite-rose
Tip: Symphonie is the estate's barrel-fermented prestige rose, the top-of-range bottling.
Cotes de Provence AOC, Cotes de Provence La Londe AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle68 haFounded 1997Bamford familyWinemaker Romain OttORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence La Londe
Coastal estate at Bormes-les-Mimosas with four kilometres of Mediterranean shoreline, 68 hectares of organic-certified vineyard plus 23 hectares of olive grove. Romain Ott (of the Domaines Ott family) is the winemaker.
Tasting: Cellar visits, tastings and the on-site beach restaurant Cafe Leoube open seasonally
Signature wines: leoube-rose-de-leoube, leoube-secret-de-leoube, leoube-leoube-blanc
Tip: Secret de Leoube, the top-of-range rose from old-vine Grenache and Mourvedre, is the cellar candidate.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle, Tibouren69 haFounded 1850Moet Hennessy (LVMH)Winemaker Mathieu Meyer (estate director)ORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence La Londe
Coastal Cru Classe estate at La Londe-les-Maures acquired by Moet Hennessy in 2019, the group's first Provence rose property. The estate runs 69 hectares of vineyard inside 77 hectares of protected woodland on the schist soils of the Massif des Maures.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: galoupet-cru-classe-rose, galoupet-nomade-rose
Tip: The estate has reoriented after the LVMH acquisition toward a sustainability-led Cru Classe rose programme using flat amber-glass bottles to reduce shipping weight.
Cotes de Provence AOC, Cotes de Provence Pierrefeu AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle80 haFounded 1958Sumeire familyWinemaker Pierre Francois de BernardiORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence Pierrefeu
Sumeire family estate at Pierrefeu-du-Var acquired in 1958, now 80 hectares of organic and biodynamic-leaning vineyards on schist soils inside the cooler inland Cotes de Provence Pierrefeu sub-denomination. Regine Sumeire was a pioneer of pale direct-press rose in the 1980s.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: tour-eveque-rose, tour-eveque-petale-de-rose, tour-eveque-noir-et-or
Tip: Petale de Rose, launched as one of the first pale Provence roses in the late 1980s, is the estate's commercial flagship.
IGP Mediterranee, IGP VarCinsault, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Chardonnay47 haFounded 1990Seysses, de Villaine and Macaux familiesORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux Varois en Provence
Burgundy expat project founded in 1990 by Jacques Seysses (Domaine Dujac), Aubert de Villaine (Domaine de la Romanee-Conti) and Michel Macaux. Organic since 2011. Wines bottled as IGP Mediterranee and IGP Var rather than Coteaux Varois AOC because Cabernet Sauvignon is used in some cuvees.
Tasting: Open Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm; closed Sundays
Signature wines: triennes-rose, triennes-saint-auguste, triennes-les-aureliens
Tip: Saint Auguste is the Bordeaux-inflected red flagship; Les Aureliens (Cinsault-Syrah) is the everyday Provence drinking wine.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Tibouren, Rolle200 haFounded 1936Matton family and Moet Hennessy (LVMH)Cotes de Provence
Cru Classe Cotes de Provence estate at Gassin on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, in the Matton family for four generations. Around 200 hectares of vineyard with annual rose production approaching 9 million bottles; LVMH took a majority stake in 2023.
Tasting: Monday to Friday 9am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm
Signature wines: minuty-prestige-rose, minuty-281, minuty-rose-et-or, minuty-m
Tip: Minuty 281, named after the property's elevation, is the flagship prestige rose; the M de Minuty is the everyday entry point.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle100 haFounded 1955Teillaud familyCotes de Provence
Historic Cru Classe estate at Les Arcs-sur-Argens, a former abbey of the Catholic Order of Premontre where the bishops of Frejus once kept residence. Bernard Teillaud restored the property in the 1990s and the wines were elevated to international acclaim from the early 2000s.
Tasting: Daily cellar visits and tastings; on-site chapel and the medieval cloister open to visitors
Signature wines: sainte-roseline-cru-classe-rose, sainte-roseline-lampe-de-meduse, sainte-roseline-prieure
Tip: Lampe de Meduse, a barrel-fermented rose, is the prestige bottling; the chapel and Marc Chagall mosaic are part of the visitor tour.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle50 haFounded 1768Roger ZannierCotes de Provence
A Cru Classe of Provence, set in the Massif des Maures at Cogolin in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The estate runs 100 hectares of vineyard across three parcels (Saint-Maur, Clos Saint-Vincent, Clos de Capelune) and is in conversion to organic agriculture from 2021. Roger Zannier acquired the property in 2010.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: saint-maur-clos-de-capelune, saint-maur-l-excellence, saint-maur-saint-m
Tip: Clos de Capelune, single-vineyard from a north-facing parcel, is the estate's age-worthy white and rose.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle160 haFounded 1750Vins & Vignobles de BerneORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence
1,272-acre private estate in the Var between Lorgues and Flayosc, dating to the 18th century and recast in the 2000s as a Relais & Chateaux hotel, restaurant and wine tourism destination alongside the producing vineyard. Organic-certified.
Tasting: Daily cellar visits and tastings; on-site five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel and restaurant
Signature wines: berne-grand-cru, berne-impatience, berne-romance
Tip: The on-site cooking school and the wine library at the Bistrot de Berne are good complements to the cellar tasting.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle60 haFounded 1999Michel ReybierORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence
Owned since 2020 by Michel Reybier (also owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel in Saint-Estephe), La Mascaronne works 60 hectares of certified organic vineyard at Le Luc in a natural amphitheatre, producing rose, white and red Cotes de Provence.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: mascaronne-rose, mascaronne-quat-saisons, mascaronne-aurore
Tip: Quat Saisons rose, the everyday cuvee, sits inside many of Saint-Tropez's restaurant programmes.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle50 haFounded 1996Maitres Vignerons de Saint-TropezCotes de Provence
Saint-Tropez peninsula estate created in 1996 from blended parcels across Ramatuelle, Gassin and La Croix Valmer. Linked to the Maitres Vignerons de Saint-Tropez cooperative.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the property; on-site beach club Pampelonne
Signature wines: tropez-rose, tropez-cuvee-saint-tropez, tropez-art
Tip: The wines pair with the on-site beach club Pampelonne in season.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tibouren, Rolle60 haFounded 1882Wemyss familyCotes de Provence
Cru Classe estate at Pignans, replanted after phylloxera by Augustin Isnard in 1882 and now in Scottish ownership (the Wemyss family) since 1988. 60 hectares of vineyard on the southern foothills of the Massif des Maures.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; check estate website for current hours
Signature wines: rimauresq-r-cru-classe, rimauresq-quintessence
Tip: The R Cru Classe range is the entry point; the small-lot Quintessence is the cellar pick.
Cotes de Provence AOC (Cru Classe 1955)Tibouren, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre17 haFounded 1797Roux familyCotes de Provence
Cru Classe at Le Pradet between Hyeres and Toulon, the Roux family in residence for five generations since 1797. 17 hectares overlooking the bay of Toulon, dominated by Tibouren, the heritage Provence grape vinified under flor in old foudres for the estate's signature savoury rose.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange
Signature wines: cibonne-cuvee-tradition, cibonne-cuvee-speciale, cibonne-cuvee-prestige
Tip: The Cuvee Tradition is the textbook Tibouren rose; the Cuvee Speciale is the cellar candidate.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle30 haFounded 1976Biancone familyWinemaker Sophie Courtois BianconeCotes de Provence
Family-owned estate at Taradeau dating from the late 1970s, now run by Sophie Courtois Biancone. Bottlings include the Pierre de l'Aigle range and the Alexandra cuvees, both widely cited by Decanter and Wine Spectator.
Tasting: Daily tastings at the on-site shop; cellar tours by appointment
Signature wines: rasque-pierre-de-l-aigle, rasque-alexandra, rasque-blanc
Tip: Alexandra cuvee, a barrel-fermented white from Rolle, is the estate's most under-known release.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle50 haFounded 1806Gavoty familyWinemaker Roselyne GavotyBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence
The Gavoty family has been at Cabasse for more than two centuries; the current generation, led by Roselyne Gavoty, works the 50-hectare estate in organic and biodynamic agriculture. The Clarendon cuvee, taking its name from a 19th-century music critic ancestor, is the prestige tier.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: gavoty-clarendon, gavoty-grand-classique, gavoty-cuvee-tradition
Tip: Try the Clarendon white from old-vine Rolle.
Cotes de Provence AOC, Cotes de Provence La Londe AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Rolle, Semillon60 haFounded 1979Combard familyWinemaker Francois CombardORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence La Londe
Burgundy expat Alain Combard bought Figuiere in 1992; the estate is now run by his children Delphine, Francois and Magali. Organic-certified since 1979. 60 hectares of vineyard on schist and quartz soils in the La Londe sub-denomination.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: figuiere-confidentielle, figuiere-magali, figuiere-delphine
Tip: The Confidentielle white from Rolle and Semillon is the estate's tight, mineral-driven flagship white.
Palette AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc25 haFounded 1830Rougier familyWinemaker Jean-Francois RougierPalette
The Rougier family has farmed Chateau Simone since 1830 on the south-facing limestone scree of the Palette AOC, and now produces roughly 70 percent of the entire appellation's wine. The estate uses more than 20 grape varieties in a Provencal polyculture extending across 25 hectares.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: simone-palette-rouge, simone-palette-blanc, simone-palette-rose
Tip: Palette Blanc from this estate (Clairette-dominant, aged in old oak foudres) cellars 15 years from vintage.
Cassis AOCMarsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc, Grenache, Cinsault12 haFounded 1920Zafiropulo and Sack familiesWinemaker Jonathan SackORGANIC CERTIFIEDCassis
Twelve hectares of vineyard on terraced limestone-and-sandstone cliffs of Cap Canaille above the Mediterranean at Cassis, in the Zafiropulo family since 1920 and now managed by Jonathan Sack. Organic-certified. The whites are reference Cassis bottlings.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange
Signature wines: clos-sainte-magdeleine-cassis-blanc, clos-sainte-magdeleine-cassis-rose
Tip: The basic Cassis Blanc Marsanne-Clairette is consistently among the appellation's best wines.
Cassis AOCMarsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc, Grenache, Cinsault6 haFounded 1997Genovesi familyWinemaker Sebastien GenovesiORGANIC CERTIFIEDCassis
Genovesi family estate at the foot of the Cap Canaille cliffs at Cassis, bought from Clair Lefevre in 1997 and organic-certified since 2011. Six hectares of vineyard producing roughly equal red, white and rose, with the Marsanne-dominant white as the flagship.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange
Signature wines: bagnol-cassis-blanc, bagnol-cassis-rose
Tip: Sebastien and Lisa Genovesi do open the tasting room when on-site; book in advance.
Cassis AOC, Cotes de Provence AOC, Bandol AOCMarsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Cinsault22 haFounded 1928Santini familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDCassis
Santini family estate at Cassis, four generations on the property since 1928, working organic vineyard across three appellations (Cassis, Cotes de Provence and Bandol). The Cassis Blanc de Blancs is the estate's flagship white.
Tasting: Open Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm
Signature wines: paternel-cassis-blanc, paternel-cassis-blanc-de-blancs, paternel-cotes-de-provence-rose
Tip: Tasting room open without appointment most days; pair the Cassis Blanc with bourride at one of the harbourside restaurants.
Bellet AOCFolle Noire, Braquet, Grenache, Rolle, Chardonnay8 haFounded 1993Sicardi and Sergi familiesWinemaker Joseph SergiBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDBellet
The Sicardi-Sergi families acquired this AOC Bellet estate in 1993 in the hills above Nice. Eight hectares of certified organic and biodynamic vineyard with the three heritage Bellet grapes (Folle Noire, Braquet, Rolle).
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment
Signature wines: clos-saint-vincent-le-clos-rouge, clos-saint-vincent-le-clos-blanc, clos-saint-vincent-vino-di-gio
Tip: Vino di Gio is a small-lot Folle Noire bottling, the prestige cuvee from the appellation.
Bellet AOCFolle Noire, Braquet, Rolle, Chardonnay, Grenache11 haFounded 1898Groupement Foncier ViticoleBellet
Founded in 1898 and historically run by Ghislain de Charnace from 1970, the estate was sold in 2012 to a viticultural investment group. Eleven hectares of vineyard in the Saquier hills inside the Nice city limits, with the three heritage grapes of the Bellet AOC.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings throughout the year
Signature wines: chateau-de-bellet-rouge, chateau-de-bellet-blanc, chateau-de-bellet-rose
Tip: The Folle Noire-led red has notable wild-herb and pepper notes typical of Bellet's mountain-meets-sea climate.
Les Baux-de-Provence AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Clairette58 haFounded 1903Missoffe and Poniatowski familiesORGANIC CERTIFIEDLes Baux-de-Provence
The founder's great-granddaughters Caroline Missoffe and Anne Poniatowski run the 300-hectare estate at the foot of Les Baux-de-Provence, with 58 hectares of certified organic vineyard plus 28 hectares of olive groves. Painter Vincent Van Gogh sketched the property in 1889.
Tasting: Tastings at the on-site shop; cellar visits by appointment
Signature wines: mas-de-la-dame-coin-cache, mas-de-la-dame-stele, mas-de-la-dame-gourmande
Tip: The Coin Cache red is the estate's cellar candidate; the Gourmande rose is the everyday Provence picnic wine.
Les Baux-de-Provence AOC, IGP AlpillesGrenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carignan, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette15 haFounded 1988Dominique HauvetteWinemaker Dominique HauvetteBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDLes Baux-de-Provence
Dominique Hauvette planted her first two hectares at Saint-Remy-de-Provence in 1988 and now works 15 hectares biodynamically. Vinifications use no added sulfur and the wines age in concrete eggs. She was named Vigneronne de l'Annee 2020 by Revue des Vins de France.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings strictly by appointment
Signature wines: hauvette-cornaline, hauvette-amethyste, hauvette-roucas
Tip: Cornaline (Cabernet-Grenache-Syrah blend) is the cellar candidate; the Amethyste rose ages remarkably well.
Les Baux-de-Provence AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle40 haFounded 1759Cartier familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDLes Baux-de-Provence
Cartier family estate at Le Destet (Mouries), one of the founding organic producers of the Alpilles (now over 50 years of certified organic farming). 40 hectares of vineyard plus 20 hectares of olive groves at the heart of the Les Baux AOC.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the on-site shop; check website for hours
Signature wines: gourgonnier-tradition, gourgonnier-reserve-du-mas
Tip: Reserve du Mas, the long-aged red cuvee, is the cellar choice; the table-friendly Tradition pairs with Mediterranean lamb.
Les Baux-de-Provence AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle, Roussanne56 haFounded 1988Carolyne and Stan SheetzDemeter CertifiedORGANIC CERTIFIEDLes Baux-de-Provence
Estate at Saint-Remy-de-Provence below the ruins of a 13th-century Templar castle. 56 hectares of vineyard, certified organic, Demeter biodynamic and a member of Biodyvin. Located inside the Les Baux-de-Provence AOP, an appellation now entirely organic.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; on-site park and ruins of the 13th-century Templar castle open to visitors
Signature wines: romanin-grand-vin, romanin-coeur-de-romanin, romanin-blanc
Tip: The Coeur de Romanin red is the estate's small-lot prestige cuvee.
Les Baux-de-Provence AOCGrenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle31 haFounded 1990Reynaud familyDemeter CertifiedORGANIC CERTIFIEDLes Baux-de-Provence
31 hectares of certified Demeter biodynamic vineyard plus 25 hectares of olive groves at Mouries in the Alpilles foothills. The estate has been working organically since planting and certified Demeter biodynamic since 2015.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange
Signature wines: lauzieres-equinoxe, lauzieres-cailloutis, lauzieres-eole
Tip: The Equinoxe red, low-sulfite and old-vine, is the estate's most expressive cuvee.
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Chardonnay200 haFounded 2002Patrick McKillenBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Patrick McKillen restored the 200-hectare Chateau La Coste estate from 2002 with biodynamic certification across the entire vineyard. The property doubles as an open-air sculpture park with works by Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, Oscar Niemeyer and Frank Gehry.
Tasting: Daily tastings at the Tadao Ando-designed pavilion; guided cellar tours plus walking art and architecture loop
Signature wines: la-coste-grand-vin-rouge, la-coste-grand-vin-blanc, la-coste-rose
Tip: Combine cellar tasting with the 2-km outdoor art and architecture loop; lunch at the on-site restaurant by Argentine chef Francis Mallmann.
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Sauvignon Blanc110 haFounded 1850Bonnet-Vallet familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Calissanne sits at Lancon-Provence overlooking the Etang de Berre with 110 hectares of vineyard plus 80 hectares of olive groves and farmland under organic certification.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the on-site shop; check website for current hours
Signature wines: calissanne-clos-victoire, calissanne-prestige, calissanne-cuvee-romain
Tip: Clos Victoire is the prestige red flagship from old-vine Cabernet and Syrah.
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOCGrenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Rolle40 haFounded 1983Terrat familyBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Pioneer of organic agriculture in the Coteaux d'Aix since the 1980s, owned by the Terrat family since 1996. 40 hectares of biodynamic vineyard at Lambesc, north-west of Aix between the Alpilles and the Luberon.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange
Signature wines: beates-terra-d-or, beates-esprit-des-beates, beates-les-beatines
Tip: Terra d'Or red is the estate's most cellar-worthy cuvee.
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOCGrenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Rolle, Sauvignon Blanc43 haFounded 1855Double familyWinemaker Phanette DoubleORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Owned by the Double barons descendants since 1855, the estate at Saint-Cannat (10 kilometres west of Aix-en-Provence) farms 43 of its 130 hectares to vine. Organic-certified since Phanette Double took over the vineyard work in 2013.
Tasting: Boutique open daily 10am to 7pm including public holidays; cellar tours by appointment
Signature wines: beaupre-collection, beaupre-tradition, beaupre-blanc
Tip: The boutique is open every day with broad opening hours, unusually walkable-in for the Coteaux d'Aix.
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC, IGP Var Sainte-BaumeGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle15 haFounded 1963de Lanversin familyORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux Varois en Provence
Lanversin family estate at Saint-Maximin in the cooler inland Coteaux Varois, 15 hectares of certified organic vineyard on south-facing limestone slopes at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings; contact the estate to arrange
Signature wines: deffends-clos-de-la-truffiere, deffends-rose-d-une-nuit, deffends-cuvee-rouvier
Tip: The Clos de la Truffiere, single-vineyard Cabernet-led red, is the cellar candidate.
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOCGrenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Sauvignon Blanc17 haFounded 1999Famille PerrinORGANIC CERTIFIEDCoteaux Varois en Provence
17-hectare organic estate at Chateauvert in the heart of the Provence Verte, owned by the Famille Perrin (also of Chateau de Beaucastel and the Miraval joint venture). Ecocert-certified organic since the vines were replanted in 1999.
Tasting: Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm from April to October
Signature wines: margui-perle-de-margui, margui-rose, margui-blanc-de-blanc
Tip: Perle de Margui, the prestige red blend, is the estate's most layered wine.
Cotes de Provence AOC, Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle45 haFounded 1813Negrel familyWinemaker Matthieu NegrelORGANIC CERTIFIEDCotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire
The Negrel family has owned Mas de Cadenet at Trets since 1813, working 45 hectares of vineyard at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain in the Cotes de Provence sub-denomination. Currently run by Guy, Maud and Matthieu Negrel.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at the on-site boutique
Signature wines: cadenet-arbaude, cadenet-mas-negrel, cadenet-rose
Tip: The Arbaude rose, single-vineyard from a parcel north of the property, is the cellar candidate.
Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle, ChardonnayWalk-ins welcomeLe Puy-Sainte-Reparade, Aix-en-Provence
Tadao Ando-designed glass tasting pavilion at Chateau La Coste, pouring estate Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence rose, red and white from the biodynamic vines.
Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, CarignanAppointment onlyLe Plan du Castellet, Bandol
Peyraud family Bandol estate tasting room outside Le Castellet, pouring the Mourvedre-led cuvees La Tourtine, La Migoua and Cabassaou by appointment.
Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, ClairetteWalk-ins welcomeLa Cadiere-d'Azur, Bandol
Bandol estate at 300 metres above La Cadiere-d'Azur, tasting room with terrace views over the Sainte-Anne d'Evenos terraces and the long-aged Mourvedre rouge.
Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle, Cabernet SauvignonWalk-ins welcomePont de l'Arc, Aix-en-Provence
Syndicat des Vins Coteaux d'Aix tasting hub on the Pont de l'Arc roundabout, pouring a rotating selection from 70 Coteaux d'Aix and Les Baux producers.
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Tibouren, RolleWalk-ins welcomeLes Arcs-sur-Argens, Var
Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence flagship Maison on the RN7 at Les Arcs, pouring 800 Cotes de Provence wines from 250 producers in rotation.
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Semillon, RolleAppointment onlyLa Londe-les-Maures, Cotes de Provence
Coastal Clos Mireille tasting cellar at La Londe-les-Maures, pouring the Domaines Ott estate roses alongside the rare Clos Mireille blanc de blancs.
Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, TibourenAppointment onlyLa Motte-en-Provence, Cotes de Provence
Chateau d'Esclans tasting cellar at La Motte (Sacha Lichine-founded 2006, LVMH-majority since 2019), walking through Whispering Angel, Rock Angel, Les Clans and the oak-aged Garrus prestige rose.
Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, CarignanWalk-ins welcomeSainte-Anne d'Evenos, Bandol
Bunan-family Bandol estate cellar on the Sainte-Anne d'Evenos terraces, pouring the Cuvee Fontaneou and Estagnol bottlings and the organic Bandol blanc.
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, RolleWalk-ins welcomeLorgues, Cotes de Provence
Chateau de Berne tasting cellar in the Var hills above Lorgues, pouring the Inspiration, Romance and Emotion rose ranges and the Grande Recolte red.
Grenache, Tibouren, Cinsault, Rolle, SyrahWalk-ins welcomeGassin, Saint-Tropez peninsula
Matton-Farnet family estate on the Gassin hills above Saint-Tropez bay, pouring the Prestige, M de Minuty and 281 cuvees from the historic Cru Classe vines.
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, RolleWalk-ins welcomeCuers, Cotes de Provence
Family-owned Cotes de Provence estate at Cuers, pouring the AOC rose, white and red ranges in the renovated 19th-century cellar tasting room.
Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOCGrenache, Syrah, Rolle, Cinsault, Cabernet SauvignonFounded 1982Gassier familyCotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire (Aix)
A six-generation family estate at the foot of Mont Sainte-Victoire, in the Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire sub-appellation. Parcel-selection roses age across two years, unusual in Provence.
Tip: The Sainte-Victoire sub-appellation sits at higher altitude than the coastal Cotes de Provence; Gassier's parcel-selection roses age across two years rather than the standard six months.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Tibouren, SyrahEUR 14-18 retail
The entry rose of Chateau Minuty, a pale dry Provençal pink built on Grenache and Cinsault with Tibouren for southern aromatic lift. The reference value rose under twenty euros, broadly available in supermarkets and wine shops alike.
Tip: M de Minuty is the supermarket play; trade up to the slate-bottle Prestige cuvee at the cellar for a step up that still stays comfortably under twenty-five euros.
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOCGrenache, Syrah, CinsaultEUR 16-22 retail
AIX is the flagship rose of Maison Saint Aix, a 75-hectare Coteaux d'Aix estate built on Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault on limestone with mistral exposure. Pale, dry and saline, a serious entry to Aix rose for under twenty-five euros.
Tip: The magnum is the bottle to look for; AIX Rose holds its freshness across a long lunch and the larger format slows the chill loss on a terrace.
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOCGrenache, Syrah, CinsaultEUR 12-16 retail
Chateau Routas's Coteaux Varois rose is the easy-drinking value play from the cooler inland Var, built on Grenache and Syrah with a splash of Cinsault. Pale, dry and freshly fruited at an everyday price, well under twenty euros.
Tip: Coteaux Varois sits at slightly higher altitude than the coastal AOCs, so the rose tends to hold acidity better; serve well chilled with grilled fish.
Cotes de Provence AOCGrenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, SyrahEUR 15-20 retail
The entry rose of Chateau Leoube, an organic Cotes de Provence estate on the seaward coast at Bormes-les-Mimosas. Pale, citrus-driven and dry, the affordable expression of the estate's certified-organic Cotes de Provence rose at under twenty euros.
Tip: Look for the Secret de Leoube; the higher-priced La Londe and Rose de Leoube cuvees climb fast but the entry bottling carries the same organic-farming pedigree.
Cotes de Provence Cru ClasseGrenache, Cinsault, Syrah, RolleEUR 18-25 retail
Symphonie is the Cru Classe entry rose of Chateau Sainte Marguerite, a 1955-classified Cotes de Provence estate at La Londe. Pale, fresh and structured at twenty to twenty-five euros, the most affordable way into Provence's Cru Classe roster.
Tip: The Sainte Marguerite Symphonie is sold at most French wine merchants; ask for the magnum format if you can find it for the same wine with slower ageing in bottle.
Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOCGrenache, Cinsault, SyrahEUR 14-19 retail
Mas de Cadenet farms on the limestone foothills beneath Mont Sainte-Victoire and bottles a Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire rose that captures the cooler-night signature of the sub-appellation. Dry, savoury and tense at under twenty euros.
Tip: The Sainte-Victoire sub-AOC sits at higher altitude than the coastal Cotes de Provence; the resulting rose is a touch leaner and longer-lived than the Saint-Tropez style.
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOCSyrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, GrenacheEUR 12-16 retail
Rouvier is the Coteaux Varois red of Chateau Routas, built on Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache fleshing out the mid-palate. Approachable Provençal red at supermarket prices, well under twenty euros.
Tip: Coteaux Varois reds are the least-known face of Provence; this is the inexpensive way to taste the cooler inland Var alongside the appellation's better-known rose.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Cinsault, GrenacheEUR 22-28 retail
The rose of Chateau Pradeaux, a Mourvedre-led Bandol pink from the Portalis family estate at Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Dry, saline, structured for the table rather than the aperitif, the least-expensive way into serious Bandol rose at the producer price.
Tip: Bandol rose typically cellars three to five years from vintage; the Pradeaux holds for three to five years and is a classic match for grilled fish with rouille.
Bandol AOCMourvedre, Grenache, CinsaultEUR 18-24 retail
Moulin des Costes is the Mourvedre-led Bandol rose of Domaines Bunan at La Cadiere d'Azur, one of the consortium's founding estates. Pale, structured and dry at under twenty-five euros, the value benchmark for serious Bandol rose at the producer level.
Tip: Domaines Bunan also bottles La Rouviere reds for a similar price; pair the rose with calanque-fresh sea bass and the red with lamb.