AOC Bandol wines

The starting point for this itinerary is none other than the headquarters of the Bandol Wine Association. A grouping of no fewer than sixty estates, spread over 8 communes(Bandol, Le Beausset, Le Castellet, La Cadière d'Azur, Saint-Cyr-sur-mer, Sainte-Anne d'Evenos, Sanary-sur-mer and Ollioules), for a total of 1,600 hectares of vines... Nice numbers, but still on a human scale for this local appellation.

La Maison des Vins de Bandol du Castellet is just a few kilometers from the ancient medieval town. This winery is set in a magnificent landscape of vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. Inside, you'll discover the millennia-old, complex history of Bandol wines, the geology of the area that makes our crus so unique, and our land's flagship grape variety, Mourvèdre.

Among other things, you'll learn that while rosé is the king of summer aperitifs, Bandol is best expressed in deep, elegant reds. You can also taste all three colors to make up your own mind. You may even fall in love with the unique know-how of winemaking, and particularly with the nectar that comes from it. 

In short, more than just a showcase, with this first stage, we invite you to begin your journey where it all began, at the roots of Bandol wines.

Now that the history and heritage of these wine-growing lands are in your hands, it's time to move on to the geography. And the best place to admire the extent of the estates is, of course, from the orientation table in the church of Le Beausset-Vieux church. It's at the top of the old village hill, at the foot of the Notre-Dame chapel, that we suggest you place yourself.

From here, from this table, you can observe the natural amphitheatre formed by the Bandol AOC vineyards. From the wooded hills of the Sainte-Baume massif, the restanques and their vines stretch all the way to the coast. It's a way of linking the land to the sea, our Var roots to our Mediterranean culture. As you can imagine, the show doesn't stop there.

Not only will you have an exceptional view of the Bandolais vineyards, but you'll also be able to enjoy a 180°C panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. And don't forget to take photos!

Come down from your Beausset mountain to the charming village of La Cadière d'Azur. At the entrance is one of our destination's legendary establishments.

La Cadiérenne is a wine cooperative founded in 1929 by 37 winegrowers. With time and passion, this winery has become one of the largest in the western Var region.. Every year, no less than 90,000 hectolitres of wine are produced, bottled and sold to wine-lovers. And to keep up with the numbers, the cooperative farms nearly 600 hectares of land (notably in the communes of La Cadière d'Azur, Le Castellet and Saint-Cyr-sur-mer) and has been awarded 27 gold medals for the quality of its wines.

A cooperative that's well worth the detour, and part of the identity of Bandol AOC wines. A must-see stopover where you can learn, savour and buy a few bottles to take home in your suitcases!

After all that theory, let's zoom in on the practical side with a nature hike. And it's in Saint-Cyr-sur-mer that this wine route takes you.

From the charming port of La Madrague, take the sentier des Vignes to the calanque of Port d'Alon. Along the way, you'll be dazzled by the scenic beauty of this 4-kilometre, 6-stage trail. Discovering the Bastide de la Narlette, exploring the vineyards and olive groves, observing the sand hill and the Mediterranean flora and fauna, this themed trail is ideal for families and nature lovers alike. A walk between land and sea, where you can discover the region's traditional human activities.

To guide you, plaques are scattered along the trail. And to return to our wine theme, we guarantee that this trail lives up to its name. You'll pass through wineries and enjoy the explanations on offer.

Just like the work of the winegrowers, it was important for us to end this gourmet itinerary with the last stage of the bottles in the Var region, the port of Bandol. In this seaside town, we suggest a visit to the Œnothèque des Vins de Bandol and a drink on the terrace.

The first stop is at the end of the town's quay, opposite the Casino de Jeux. It's in this modern establishment that you'll be able to buy your last bottles from a thousand years of know-how. Take the opportunity to ask the experts for advice.

Finally, after exploring the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area, end your visit with a glass of red, white or rosé on one of Bandol's terraces. Whether in a restaurant with a sea view or in a small bar on the main square, savor the results of the work you've discovered.

🍇 Did you know? There are no Bandol AOC wineries in Bandol. Curious? Not really. The Bandol port used to be adjacent to the main village in the area, La Cadière d'Azur. It was here, in the hinterland, that the region's finest wines were produced. And to export them around the world, they needed a port. In the Middle Ages, the modest port of Bandol became the starting point for wine shipments. Wines officially came from Bandol... Over the ages, the notion of "Vins de Bandol" has remained, and the appellation was created.

Want more? Add an immersive touch to this wine tour by meeting the winemakers. Visit the vineyard of your choice! To help you choose the one that's right for you, you can either click here and decide for yourself, or hire a tour guide. In either case, we strongly encourage you to find out a little beforehand by taking a look at the...

Wineries and wine cooperatives

Still unsure about your vacation dates? These local festivities could make up your mind sooner than you think! Wine lovers, epicureans and lovers of regional produce, don't miss out on these annual oenological highlights.

• Bandol Wine Escapades (June)
• Fête des Vendanges (August)
• Bandol Wine Festival (December)

Not forgetting, of course, the Fascinating Weekend, organized in October by the Vignobles et Découvertes label, which showcases wines from the Bandol, Provence Sud Sainte Baume destination.