Domaine Souviou

Domaine Souviou is a historic estate nestled in a hidden valley of the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, in Provence, with origins dating back nearly two thousand years. Its story began when communities fleeing Roman attacks settled in this secluded landscape. Historical records trace the estate’s development to the 16th century, when the influential Bonnasse family cultivated the land, building terraces and planting vineyards and olive groves that still define the property today.

After periods of decline and restoration throughout the 20th century, the estate was revived by the Cagnolari family in 1984. In 2011, Roger Jaar acquired Domaine Souviou, modernizing the winery while preserving its traditional agricultural identity and strengthening its international reputation. Today, the estate combines heritage, innovation, and a deep respect for the Provençal landscape.

The vineyards are set on rugged limestone and marl soils, under intense Mediterranean sunlight and cooled by the famous Mistral wind and sea breezes, creating an exceptional terroir for viticulture.

The wines of Domaine Souviou are crafted from grape varieties perfectly adapted to the Provençal terroir, including Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carignan for reds and rosés, alongside Clairette, Ugni Blanc, and Rolle for whites. The estate’s vineyards are classified under both AOP Bandol and AOP Côtes de Provence, and have been undergoing organic conversion since 2011.

The AOP Bandol vineyards, facing south toward the sea, are planted on marl and limestone soils where Mourvèdre—the emblematic grape of Bandol—fully expresses its power, structure, and elegance. The AOP Côtes de Provence vineyards, arranged in traditional terraces known as “restanques,” thrive in clay-limestone soils under abundant sunshine, influenced by cooling sea breezes and the Mistral.

In the cellar, vinification is carried out parcel by parcel in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks, preserving precision and varietal expression. The red wines mature in a barrel cellar partly carved into the rock, where stable temperature and humidity create ideal aging conditions. The result is a collection of wines that combine Mediterranean intensity, freshness, and refined balance.