French Riviera: 5 Top Vineyards To Visit This Summer
A long time before the French Riviera became identified with luxury yachts, designer-clad avenues, and iconic beach clubs, it was simply a land of olive groves, lavender fields, and outstanding wine.
Behind the glitz and glamour of destinations like St Tropez and Cannes is a quieter and timeless lifestyle with family-run vineyards with histories that go back generations and continue to produce the most exquisite wines. Here are some of the best vineyards the French Riviera has on offer to visit:
Domaine La Tourraque
Domaine La Tourraque feels off the beaten path, tucked into the rugged hills of the St Tropez peninsula. Family-run since 1807, this estate weaves together tradition and modern sustainability. The family has long embraced organic farming, replacing pesticides in favor of natural vineyard care, and proudly produces a coveted olive oil alongside its wines.
The tasting room here is effortlessly Provencal, with stone walls and rosemary scents. The classic Côte de Provence varieties, including the lesser-known Tibouren grape, can be sampled and loved for their earthy, herbal notes.
Chateau Saint Maur
In a region where many vineyards have centuries of history, Chateau Saint Maur is the newcomer rewriting the rulebook. Acquired in 2011 by entrepreneur Roger Zannier, the estate sits at an impressive 440 meters above sea level, boasting some of the highest vineyards on the coast, and the wines reflect this pedigree.
The sleek and contemporary cellar offers a refreshing contrast to the old stone chateaux scattered throughout Provence. Expect elegant blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cabernet, with wines that have already caught the attention of sommeliers from Monaco to St Tropez.
Chateau Canadel
The secret to this family-run estate’s distinctive wines lies beneath the surface — quite literally. Around 35 million years ago, a geological quirk resulted in ancient Triassic soil covering over younger earth, creating the perfect foundation for winemaking.
Located between the Gros Cervau mountain and the Mediterranean breeze, the estate’s vineyards thrive on terraced plots known as restanques, each plot capturing a unique microclimate. Wine has been cultivated here for millennia - there’s Roman evidence and records dating back to the 1400s - and every sip feels like a connection to those ancient vines. The star here is the Altum, a bold Mourvedre-forward blend.
Chateau des Marres
Between St Tropez and Ramatuelle, where golden beaches give way to vine-covered hills, lies Chateau des Marres. This estate exudes timeless Riviera elegance, operating since 1907 and still in the same family’s hands.
The Provencal-style cellar door sets the scene for leisurely tastings of award-winning wines crafted from clay and sandy soils. While the roses are perfect for a sun-drenched afternoon, don’t overlook the reds and whites - particularly their expressive Cinsault and Semillon. The owners are warm and welcoming, with stories that stretch back over a century.
Chateau de Bellet
High in the hills above Nice, Chateau de Bellet offers not only extraordinary wine but also some of the most incredible views of the Riviera. At 200 meters above sea level, the estate overlooks the shimmering Mediterranean, its white-steepled chapel once serving as the fairy-tale setting for Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene’s wedding.
This estate’s unique microclimate - shaped by cooling winds, rich clay, and limestone deposits - produces wines with crisp minerality and remarkable depth. For those seeking the perfect blend of history, beauty, and exclusivity, Chateau de Bellet will not disappoint.
Contact our expert consultants today to discuss your itinerary when cruising the French Riviera and how best to include some of these vineyards.Â
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