From the estate of Guillaume de Carcairana in 1217 to the revival led by the Lamour family, discover the heritage that shapes Château Carqueiranne.
Château Carqueiranne bears witness to the traditions and history of the region, dating back to the Phocaeans who developed winegrowing in Provence 2,600 years ago. Close to Olbia, Carqueiranne is a former Provençal seigneury whose roots trace back to the 13th century under Guillaume de Carcairana, originally from Corbetta, near Milan.
The estate's history begins in 1217 with the acquisition of the domain by Guillaume de Carcairana, followed by its ecclesiastical investiture in 1252 by Pope Innocent IV. The château is then closely linked to Provençal seigneurial families, notably the Thomas de Fos and the Ripert, who marked the 15th and 17th centuries.
Spanning 250 hectares, the estate was acquired in 1873 by the Richet family, who renovated the château's façade and developed new infrastructure: the Colle Noire dam, water reservoirs, greenhouses and farm buildings.
Charles Richet conducted research on animal heat and serums, and discovered, in 1902 with Paul Portier, the phenomenon of anaphylaxis, earning him the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1913. Passionate about aviation, he built a steam-powered aeroplane in his hangar at Château Carqueiranne in 1896, and inspired his protégés Louis and Jacques Bréguet.
In the 20th century, however, the château fell into significant decline, until part of its West tower collapsed in 2018. Threatened with a condemnation order in 2022, the Lamour family mobilised to save this exceptional heritage and, from 2023, undertook the restoration of the château, the chapel, the Paillote, the dovecote, the silkworm house, the Eiffel-style greenhouse and the farm hangars.
At the same time, a vineyard development project is being carried out in partnership with the Cellier de la Crau. The estate's vineyard now spans 25 hectares across the communes of Carqueiranne, La Crau and Hyères, under the AOP Côtes de Provence and IGP du Var appellations.
Between crystalline soils and sea breezes, 25 hectares of vines shaped by 800 years of know-how.
2,600 years ago, the Phocaeans developed winegrowing in Provence. The Romans later perfected winemaking techniques, as evidenced by the remains of the ancient port of Olbia.
Generous sunshine, moderate temperatures and the Mistral wind reducing pests and disease: the estate enjoys a setting conducive to agro-ecology certified High Environmental Value.
Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Rolle, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend harmoniously, alongside olive, fig and lavender.
Respecting our historic heritage, producing exceptional wines, reflecting the Provençal art of living.
The memory of centuries of history and a unique wine ecosystem, bathed in Mediterranean sun and the Mistral wind.
Produce less, but produce better: a quality that stands the test of time, from viticulture to vinification.
An unpretentious luxury, true to the Provençal art of living, in collaboration with local artisans.
Château Carqueiranne has recently obtained the High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, an official label awarded by the French Ministry of Agriculture, which recognises farms that meet strict criteria for protecting biodiversity, managing water resources and reducing inputs.
Between the rows of vines, a flock of sheep provides natural eco-grazing: it keeps the plots maintained without chemical inputs and enriches the soil, a concrete expression of our environmental commitment.
We are among the 947 farms certified HVE this year, alongside the Côtes de Provence Wine Growers' Union, a recognition of our efforts to produce quality wines while respecting the environment.
Every member of our team contributes to this unique place through their expertise, passion and commitment.
After 12 years in the army, Laurent retrained in viticulture and oenology. He joined the Château in January 2024 and oversees all activities related to the estate's polyculture.
Living in Carqueiranne for 20 years, Hélène joined the Château in 2023 after a career in the restaurant industry and market gardening. She helps organise events and tends to the vines.
Bérénice contributes to the Château's development: partnerships, events and the estate's outreach.
Guided tours, tastings and events all year round at the heart of the vineyard.
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