The sun-drenched region in southern France surprises with complex reds and elegant whites.
When the sun sets over the lavender fields of Provence and the light bathes the vineyards in golden glow, the true magic begins in the cellars. Provence is world-famous for its rosé – but those who only know this miss a fascinating wine landscape full of surprises.
The history of winemaking in Provence stretches back over 2,600 years, when Greek settlers planted the first vines. This makes it the oldest wine region in France. Long before Bordeaux or Burgundy existed, winemakers here were already producing wines for Mediterranean trade.
The Bandol appellation, located on the coast between Marseille and Toulon, produces some of France's most remarkable red wines. Based on the Mourvèdre grape, which finds ideal conditions here, dense, complex wines emerge with aromas of dark fruits, herbs, and the characteristic scent of the garrigue – that wild scrubland of thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
In the higher elevations of Côtes de Provence, where temperatures are cooler, elegant white wines from Rolle (Vermentino) and Clairette surprise. These wines combine Mediterranean fullness with surprising freshness and pair perfectly with local cuisine – from bouillabaisse to ratatouille.
Provence rosé still deserves its reputation. Nowhere else is this wine style made with such seriousness and precision. The pale, salmon-colored wines with their delicate aromatics of peach, strawberry, and citrus set the global standard for dry rosé.
Provence is also a place of innovation. Biodynamic practices are spreading, young winemakers experiment with forgotten grape varieties, and international investors – from Hollywood stars to Champagne houses – are discovering the potential of this sun-blessed region. The future of Provence is at least as exciting as its past.
