Château Saint-Roux beats to its own rhythm, that of its goats and vines. Built on stone foundations at the edge of the Plaine des Maures natural park, it’s far more than a simple wine estate! Established as a farm in the 15th century then abandoned, the building’s structure was recently renovated and extended using local materials, and inaugurated in the summer of 2018. The name is a reference to the colours of its soil, rich in iron and bauxite, a typicity which gives the wines their strength and velvety texture.
A whole week-end at the vineyard farm
Like a hamlet, the Château Saint-Roux is spread over several buildings. One accommodates guests and includes six apartments, five rooms and a loft, with a view taking in the vineyard and the garden. The house’s linen is organic, as part of the vineyard’s eco-friendly approach. The tiles, antique furniture and beamed ceilings bestow these comfortable, simple nests with a homey feeling.
On the ground floor, the country inn-style restaurant draws up its menu of the day inspired by the harvest from the estate’s vast organic vegetable garden, which includes over ninety varieties of vegetable! A selection of homemade goats’ cheeses is also offered. Yes, Saint-Roux even has its own fromagerie, or cheese dairy, thanks to its flock of 50 Alpine Chamoisée goats. Chicks, roosters, donkeys and rabbits complete the joyous family of the wine estate.
40 hectares of vines and an extra dash of soul
For its 2019 vintage, Château Saint-Roux has just harvested its first organic-certified grapes. Five different wines currently make up the property’s wine library. They feature grape varieties uncommon in the Provence region including Viognier, Marselan, Colombard, Merlot and Nielluccio. What’s more, natural yeasts are used for their vinification. Despite strong competition from the farm, restaurant and accommodation, none can outshine the estate’s wines! On the terrace of the shop, a treasure trove of local products, they waltz in the glasses, accompanied by sharing platters. During the summertime Friday evening guinguette (imagine an outdoor café-restaurant-dance hall atmosphere), wine connoisseurs clink their glasses to a musical backdrop. Guided visits of the estate and the cellar, in addition to tastings, can be organised on request. By doing so, you’ll also discover a 0.5 hectare plot in which, in partnership with the Var Chamber of Agriculture, the behaviour of grape varieties is analysed in the context of global heating.
Although Saint-Roux has many faces, nothing is neglected. Bénédicte, the manager, dedicates herself to it with a warm and candid enthusiasm. Once you’ve discovered Château Saint-Roux, you’re sure to return – whether to shop at the farmers and makers’ market or for brunch, Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm, there’s always something happening at Saint-Roux.
Rooms from 125 €, apartments from 295 €
RD17 Route de la Garde Freinet
83340 Le Cannet-des-Maures
Tél. 04 98 10 02 61
