“It’s hard to know when things started or when we decided to make wine for the first time. We’re guessing it must have always been there, deeply rooted inside of us. Some people call it destiny, true fate: an infinite beam of memories, experiences, encounters, desires that intertwine over time.”-Estelle & Pierre Clavel, Co-founders Domaine Clavel

The estate of Domaine Clavel produces wines from two vineyards, Pic-Saint-Loup and Montpeyroux, just 20 minutes north of Montpellier. Both vineyards are drenched in sunlight and the scents of the garrigue and olive trees. Domaine Clavel’s 30 hectares boast not only vines, but also olive groves, truffle oaks, fields of wild flowers, bee hives and a local fruit and vegetable farmer.  The vines benefit from the sandstone pebbles, which retain heat during the day and release it at night, helping the grapes to ripen steadily. The hot and dry Mediterranean climate helps to concentrate the grapes, and the mix of sea breezes and northern winds from the Mistral keep the vines clean and free from disease.

Certified organic since 2007, Estelle and Pierre have been working towards becoming fully biodynamic and hope that their sons, Antoine and Martin, will continue with this philosophy for future generations.

For Estelle and Pierre, the estate has been a strong and active commitment – no doubt personal –  that has resulted in a desire for sharing, not only with family, staff, friends, clients and visitors, but also with everything that surrounds, that inhabits and that sets the scene around them: the olive groves, the areas dedicated to animal farming and the natural grasslands.