Château Sainte Croix

Château Sainte-Croix is a family-run estate in Provence with origins dating back to the 12th century, when the site served as a farm occupied by Cistercian monks during the construction of the nearby Thoronet Abbey. In 1924 the Pélépol family acquired five hectares of vines here. Initially working with the local cooperative, Fernand Pélépol established an on-site cellar in 1927, marking the move to independent production. The vineyard has since expanded to over 50 hectares and is now managed by the fourth generation, Florence and Stéphane Pélépol. The vineyards are planted on a mix of limestone, clay and sandy-gravel soils typical of inland Côtes de Provence, which help retain acidity and structure in a warm Mediterranean climate.

The estate is farmed organically, with a focus on soil health and the avoidance of synthetic treatments. Rosé accounts for the majority of production and is made by direct pressing, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel to preserve clarity and aromatics. Overall, the estate combines long-standing family ownership with organic farming and a clean, technically driven winemaking style aligned with the regional profile.