Carefully selected wineries and estates
Charming places to stay
Trusted local partners
Tried-and-tested experiences
History of Domaine du Deffends
Located in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, on the foothills of the Monts Auréliens, Domaine du Deffends enjoys a poor, well-draining clay-limestone terroir with an ideal south-eastern exposure. At around 400 metres above sea level, this privileged location brings freshness and naturally protects the vineyard from extreme weather conditions.
The history of the site probably dates back to Antiquity, as remains of a Gallo-Roman farm and fragments of pottery have been found on the property. At that time, the land appears to have been mainly used for olive trees and cereals.
In 1963, Jacques de Lanversin acquired the estate, which had long been abandoned. His first ambition was not yet to make wine, but to bring the land back into cultivation and produce high-quality grapes. He first planted Grenache and Cinsault, before introducing Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon to produce wines with ageing potential. Over time, the estate fully embraced winemaking and became one of the leading names in the Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation.
Getaway in the Provençal vineyards
Around organic wines in Provence
3 days / 2 nights from €395 pp
Travellers' review - Domaine du Deffends
-
The wines of Domaine du Deffends
Today, the estate grows seven grape varieties. The red wines are mainly based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir, with Cinsault also playing a role. From 1990 onwards, the estate also began developing white wines, introducing Rolle — also known as Vermentino in Italy — and Viognier, which brings richness and aromatic complexity. The vineyard is farmed organically and certified by Ecocert. Domaine du Deffends deliberately limits production through short pruning and, when necessary, early thinning of the grapes. With average yields of around 35 hl/ha, the estate produces concentrated wines that remain faithful to their terroir.
-
Tour and tasting at the estate
During your visit to Domaine du Deffends, you will go behind the scenes of the estate and discover the different stages involved in making its wines, with respect for nature and terroir. The winegrower will share his savoir-faire, his approach to vineyard work and his passion for authentic wines. This friendly experience ends with a guided tasting of several cuvées from the estate.