Domaine de la Navicelle: between sky, land and sea

In the heart of the charming village of Le Pradet, on the coast east of Toulon, lies the 20-hectare vineyard of Domaine de la Navicelle. This AOC Côtes de Provence appellation is situated just north of the Colle Noire massif, benefiting from a unique climate. In this preserved natural setting, the first words that come to mind are tranquility and serenity. It’s an ideal atmosphere and climate for crafting elegant Provence wines. The wines are produced using organic farming methods, reflecting the deep respect for this timeless space and the natural potential of this Provençal terroir. The estate produces white and red wines, and is particularly renowned for its Provençal rosés.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What makes this estate worth a visit beyond the bottle?

A Natural Haven Open to Oenotourism

The intimacy of this estate can be explored not only through its wines but also through its lodgings. One of the estate’s major projects is to open its guesthouses to allow visitors to experience the climate that prevails in their vineyards. And what a climate it is! With views of the sea, proximity to the massif, and rich, untamed biodiversity, the character of their wines becomes clearer. It’s a place of conviviality, serenaded by cicadas and shaded by orange trees. We highly recommend planning a getaway to discover their viticulture methods, which are conducted with the utmost respect for the rich ecosystem of fauna and flora. The estate has been Demeter certified since 2018.

How does the terroir shape the wines?

The Microclimate of Colle Noire: Fresh and Generous Wines

Their wines require no artifices, also because their terroir is eager to express itself. The northern orientation and protection provided by the Colle Noire massif offer a unique climate in Provence, shielded from excessive heat. The vines are cultivated on terraced slopes with red clay soils and a rocky subsoil of limestone, sandstone, and schist. The result? They thrive naturally without the need for irrigation. Mediterranean grape varieties are utilized to produce generous, complex wines with beautiful minerality and freshness. The famous Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tibouren, and Cinsault are used for red and rosé wines, while Rolle and Clairette are used for white wines. We particularly recommend the exceptional Zephyr 2019 cuvée that we tasted for you. Predominantly made from Tibouren, it reveals an expressive nose of citrus and intense red fruits. It’s a deep, elegant, and crisp gastronomic wine with a lovely balance. It pairs beautifully with a veal dish with Provençal herbs or a noble fish.

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

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de la Navicelle

Where is Domaine de la Navicelle located?

The estate spans twenty hectares in Le Pradet, a coastal town in the Var near Toulon. Its plots fall under the AOC Côtes de Provence appellation, set against the Colle Noire massif.

Are the wines from Domaine de la Navicelle organic?

Yes. The vineyard is farmed organically and has held Demeter certification, which reflects biodynamic practices, since 2018. This approach protects the preserved ecosystem around the vines.

Which grape varieties does the estate grow?

Reds and rosés draw on Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tibouren and Cinsault. The whites rely on Rolle and Clairette, two Mediterranean varieties suited to the Provençal climate.

Why are the Navicelle wines so fresh?

The northern exposure and the shelter of the Colle Noire massif soften the summer heat. Vines grow on terraces of red clay over a limestone subsoil, giving taut wines shaped by minerality and freshness.

What is the estate's Zephyr cuvée?

Zephyr 2019 is built mainly on Tibouren. It shows citrus and red-fruit aromas over a deep, balanced palate, and it pairs happily with herb-roasted veal or a fine fish.