Domaine de la Bégude, an exceptional vineyard

Overlooking La Ciotat at an altitude of 410 meters, Domaine de La Bégude enjoys a truly exceptional geographical position. This vast territory spans more than 300 hectares, including 38 hectares of vines swept by the Mistral, providing the grapes with optimal ripening conditions. The Naïade, a symbol of the estate, represents the place where travelers have always stopped to quench their thirst before continuing their journey. Indeed, the wells and boreholes on the estate remind us of the importance of water and biodiversity within Domaine de La Bégude. This tradition of hospitality and friendliness, deeply rooted in the history of the estate, continues today through viticulture and wine tourism.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What makes the location of the estate so exceptional?

A unique geographic location

The terroir of La Bégude, marked by its altitude and exposure, offers a unique environment for viticulture. The scents of garrigue and the proximity to the sea add a sensory dimension to this exceptional place, where each grape cluster benefits from the best conditions to develop intense and complex aromas, essential for producing great wines of Provence.

What is the history behind Domaine de La Bégude?

Between heritage and vision for the future

Domaine de La Bégude is the heir to a rich history that dates back to the 7th century, with its cellar housed in an ancient Merovingian chapel of the lordship of Conil. Remnants of winemaking vats from the 14th century attest to the long winemaking tradition of this site. Since the 18th century, Domaine de La Bégude has also been a refuge for pilgrims and wine lovers, offering shelter against bandits. Left abandoned over time, the Tari family managed to revive the estate in 1996, continuing this winemaking tradition.

Now owned by the Roulleau family, Domaine de La Bégude carries on this heritage with ambitious projects. The rehabilitation of the 7th-century chapel and the planting of new vines are part of initiatives to preserve and enhance this unique heritage while developing and diversifying the vineyard. Furthermore, Domaine de La Bégude is open to wine tourism, allowing visitors to discover the history and wines of the estate while enjoying a privileged natural setting.

How is the estate committed to the environment?

Innovation and environmental commitment

Domaine de La Bégude is strongly committed to biodiversity preservation and sustainable viticulture. The property, certified in biodynamics since 2023, actively pursues an environmental protection policy. Local wildlife and flora, including Bonelli's Eagles and wolves, find refuge in this vast territory. Red-legged partridges have also been reintroduced since hunting has ceased, allowing foxes to gradually return to these lands. Biodiversity studies have shown impressive results, confirming the importance of these conservation efforts.

Future projects include the construction of a new winemaking cellar, adapted to the expected increase in vineyard area. This expansion will allow the estate to continue producing high-quality wines while respecting the environment, offering a modern and sustainable vision of viticulture. The Roulleau family and their team are determined to do everything possible to produce the finest wines of the AOC Bandol appellation and even place Domaine de La Bégude among the best in Provence

Discover the wines of Domaine de la Bégude directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de la Bégude

Where is Domaine de La Bégude located?

The estate sits on the heights above La Ciotat, at around 410 metres facing the Mediterranean. Fanned by the Mistral and ringed by garrigue, this hillside setting brings freshness and tension to the wines.

Which appellation do the wines belong to?

The wines are made in AOC Bandol, one of the leading appellations of Provence. The Roulleau family aims to rank the estate among the region's finest producers.

Is Domaine de La Bégude farmed biodynamically?

Yes. The property earned biodynamic certification in 2023. That commitment also shows in its care for wildlife, with red-legged partridges and foxes returning to the cultivated land.

What is the history of Domaine de La Bégude?

The site goes back to the 7th century, with a chapel from Merovingian times and winemaking vats whose remains date to the 14th century. Long left derelict, it was revived in 1996 by the Tari family before the Roulleau family took over.

Can you visit Domaine de La Bégude?

Yes, the estate welcomes visitors for wine tourism and plans to restore its old chapel. A visit takes you across a broad, wild landscape where vines, garrigue and protected wildlife share the same ground.