Wines and spirits Côte d'Azur

Since its purchase in 2007 by Jean-Marie Zodo, the estate, committed to organic farming, whose 17 hectares of vines in A.O.P. Côtes-de-provence embrace the hillsides of Gassin and La Croix Valmer and go down to the beach of Gigaro, does not cease to improve and to glean medals and distinctions in the contests. The Claire and Charlotte vintages have become a must in the region. Local quality products, vinegar, olive oil, anchovy paste, honey "Les abeilles de Grimaud", jam, gingerbread, are on sale at the cellar.

From the 10thto the 18th century, the monks of Lérins built an underground cellar in which the wines still mature in the best conditions. Cru Classé in Côtes-de-Provence, the estate produces complex and refined wines, owned by the same family since 1740, it has almost always been run by women, today by Countess Adeline de Barry. It also produces premium artisanal spirits. Don't miss Vivinospirit Experiences, the monthly events held at the Château, especially the Festival Rire en Vigne in July.

This is the only vineyard in the heart of Lavandou, owned since 1925 by the Van Doren family, famous for making reeds for clarinets and saxophones. The estate of 40 hectares, 19 of which are vineyards, is harmoniously integrated into a real green setting by the sea, where the vines are protected from the sea by pretty reeds. By appointment, you can book a complete visit which includes a tour of the vineyards on foot. At the entrance to the estate, you can take advantage of the boutique to shop for a renowned wine.

Along with Clos Mireille (located in La Londe-les-Maures) and Château Romassan (Le Castellet), Château de Selle is one of the three properties that make up Domaines Ott*. A former residence of the Counts of Provence, Château de Selle acquired a new winery in 2017, which in itself constitutes a wine tourism visit. With 84 hectares of vineyards, the property produces a rosé of exquisite finesse and texture, as well as a racy and elegant red.

The estate extends over the communes of Villecroze, Flayosc and Tourtour whose appellations are respectively classified as AOP Coteaux-Varois en Provence, Côtes-de-Provence and IGP Coteaux du Verdon. We are in the heart of the Haut-Var-Verdon Regional Nature Park, and access from the main road to the 340-hectare estate (40 of which are planted vines) is a pure pleasure. At an altitude of 400 metres, you cross the undergrowth and enter the heart of the limestone and clay soils, before discovering the grandiose concrete cellar with its cathedral-like appearance.

The owner, originally from Lyon, shares his delicious finds in this delicatessen and wine cellar. You will find some of the finest French and Italian gastronomy. Epicureans will appreciate specialties such as Lyon and Iberian charcuterie, smoked salmon fillet, cheeses matured by Mother Richard, exceptional burrata and mozzarella, and sublime oils from Provence. As for wines, the choice is exceptional (more than 400 references) and wine lovers will delight in the expert advice.

Since 1920, the beautiful history of the Domaine des Tournels and the Bologna family for several generations is written under the Provencal sun of the village of Ramatuelle, overlooking the bay of Pampelonne, at the foot of the Camarat lighthouse. 55 hectares of vines enjoy a fabulous location between land and sea at the foot of the Camarat lighthouse. The Domaine's team offers you visits all year round as well as personalized tastings of their Côtes de Provence and local wines. A wine tourism activity not to be missed in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

"I came here to cultivate the AUTHENTIC..." wrote Marcel Pagnol. A perfect slogan! The 149-hectare estate, including 32 hectares of vines, 17 of olive groves and 100 of Mediterranean forest, is located in the Maures plain, on a site protected for its exceptional flora and fauna. A ^15th-century sheepfold has been converted into a winery, which is now the sales cellar. The estate has been producing certified organic wines since 2015 in AOP Côtes de Provence and Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges, following in the footsteps of its certified organic olive oils from the outset.

Initially owned by the Templar order, it is one of the oldest vineyards in France. Classified growth since 1953, this immense wine estate of 130 ha, classified growth in Côte de Provence, of which 90 ha are vines in one piece, is exploited by Valérie Rousselle and her children. It is certified organic and biodynamic (DEMETER) since 2020. A vineyard path is open to the public. Reception at the cellar, visit of the cellar and tasting. Exhibitions and concerts.

The Domaine de la Giscle of the Audemard family, an independent winegrowers' estate of 45 hectares handed down from generation to generation, suffered a terrible fire on August 16-17, 2021. With strength and passion, the team of the domain has rebuilt a temporary building, where you can again taste and discover some bottles of their Côtes de Provence, the white and the rosé 2021 "Moulin de l'Isle", the rosé 2021 Exception, a blend of grenache for its fantastic aromas, cinsault for its finesse and syrah for its fruity side.

This family business, now run by Hélène Dragon and her husband Frédéric Arnaud, has been certified High Environmental Value (HVE) since 2019. It produces 4 AOP Côtes-de-Provence, Côtes-de-Provence-Sainte-Victoire and IGP Var vintages on about 20 hectares. On plots outside the PDO, varieties atypical for Provence have been planted; vinified as single-variety wines, they express their originality in vin de Pays du Var cuvées. The estate also offers its olive oil and regional products for sale at the winery.

Former sommelier, then restaurant manager, Jocelyn Desbands knows the world of gastronomy and wine well. After 13 years at the head of the Nicolas boutique in Saint-Raphaël, he has been working on his own since spring 2012. He offers a range of carefully selected products and provides personalized advice. His expertise translates into a permanent search for nested products, discovered during trips to meet atypical and renowned winemakers. He also organizes numerous wine evenings.

Built on the site of former stables, it is one of the oldest cellars in the Principality and a real Ali Baba's cave for lovers of good bottles. All the French appellations are represented, but also some from all over the world. There is something for everyone, ask for advice! Note that the team speaks English, Italian, Spanish and German. Tastings are organized all year round; keep up to date on the Facebook page.

Located in Correns, the^first organic village in France, the Latz family estate covers 32 hectares of vines with an average age of 17 years. Certified Ecocert since 1995, the organic wines respect the environmental biodiversity. The estate is composed of several types of soil, a complexity that allows us to offer three vintages in the three colors, Licorne in Côtes de Provence PDO, Les Trois Frères in Côtes de Provence PDO and A Lisa in Vin de Pays du Var PGI. A cuvée "Si, fines bulles rosé" is also vinified in traditional method.

The estate stretches over 4 km, along the coast, with 68 hectares of vines and 23 hectares of olive trees. The rosé, red and white wines are pure gourmet moments. As for the olive oils, they are of great clarity, aromatic and persistent in the mouth. Be sure, the majestic shop will not leave you indifferent. From the Easter holidays onwards, Café Léoube, located on the Pellegrin beach, offers a beautiful Mediterranean cuisine, mostly made from organic products and vegetables from the garden.