The art of the Provencal region
Legacy
The first traces of vine cultivation in the bastide of Fontenille date back to 1638. Three centuries of wine-growing tradition proudly perpetuated from generation to generation by the Savornin family.
Terroir
The 40 hectares of vines dating from the 17th century draw their strength from the unique terroir of the Luberon recognized for the production of wines of exceptional quality both for their finesse and their distinctive character.
Clay-limestone and stony soils, slightly sloping hillsides favor ideal sunshine and better water drainage while the mistral of Provence naturally cleanses the grapes.
Commitment
Since 2016, the vines have been managed according to the principles of organic farming in order to minimize treatments and bring the grapes to the best possible maturity while respecting natural cycles.
Authenticity
Only typically Provençal grape varieties from the AOP Luberon are grown in Fontenille.
Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre for fruity or characterful reds.
Rolle, Grenache blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Clairette for balanced, dry and mineral whites.
A family story in Provence
In the picturesque village of Lauris, overlooking the Durance plain on the southern slopes of the Luberon, the Domaine de Fontenille and its 40 hectares of vines are among the oldest and rare Provençal properties which have preserved their original appearance.
About 25 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and 5 km from Lourmarin.
18th century
The beginning
In Lauris, in the heart of the Luberon, the land register archives bear witness to the existence of the bastide of Fontenille from 1638 with 12 hectares of vines, more than three centuries ago, thus underlining a long wine-growing tradition rooted in the heritage of this region. The property gradually expanded until it reached 35 hectares in 1748.
Stronghold of the Savornin family since 1640, the property underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Alphonse de Savornin, an influential notable of the time, who added a mansion to the existing buildings in 1850. Man of letters and politician respected, Alphonse de Savornin also supervised the development of the main entrance, the pool and the main trees of the park. - Archive photo - waiting Guillaume
18th century
Renewal
Frédéric Biousse, entrepreneur and Guillaume Foucher, art historian and gallery owner, fell in love with the place and acquired the property in order to begin a new chapter in their lives together under the sign of a return to the land and a personal development far from the Parisian tumult around this vineyard.
Very quickly, the project evolved towards the creation of an intimate hotel embodying a new vision of luxury and hospitality: giving meaning, slowing down time, reconnecting with nature, preserving heritage and promoting the art of living in the French. Offer a unique and memorable experience, combining elegance, authenticity and conviviality, just like family homes.
After several decades of sleep and 2 years of renovation, it is the beginning of the rebirth of the Domaine de Fontenille which in 2016 officially opens its doors as a Relais & Châteaux hotel - restaurants with its 19 rooms and suites overlooking the park . The vineyard obtains the AB label, Organic Agriculture.
2018 - 2020
The gratitude
In 2018, the vineyard obtained its first Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris with its Fontenille Rosé vintage and began its exports outside Europe.
In 2019, three of its vintages stood out with scores above 90 during the Decanter Challenge. In 2020, in just five years, our vintages were rewarded with more than 50 medals, testifying to the continuous effort of our passionate teams.
2022
The Primard vintage
Launch of the Primard vintage to celebrate the grand opening of the Domaine de Primard in 2021, the new exceptional setting for the Les Domaines de Fontenille Collection, an 18th century country residence just an hour from Paris. An exceptional wine, unique, structured and powerful, like a rare place. An exclusive 100% Syrah vintage produced and crafted in only 3,400 numbered bottles.
2024
The success story continues!
The vineyard continues its momentum and continues to innovate: double gold medal at the Concours Générale Agricole de Paris for the Fontenille Rosé et Blanc 2023 vintage, silver medal for the Alphonse Rouge 2021 vintage.
Double gold medal at the Elle à Table 2024 wine competition for the Fontenille Rosé 2023 vintage and Alphonse Blanc 2022 vintage.
In the fall, a new vintage will be released: Antoinette, our first alcohol-free sparkling white wine, in homage to the mother of the founder of Domaine de Fontenille, Alphonse de Savornin.
The Domaine, for its part, is honored with two Michelin Keys and joins this first list of excellence bringing together only 38 hotels in France in the “exceptional stays” category.
