ABOUT US
THE ESTATE
Nestled at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Domaine Travelle boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Located entirely within the AOP Côtes de Provence designation at roughly 1,000 feet of elevation, the vineyard enjoys a slightly continental climate and is shielded from maritime influences by mountains to the south. One-fourth of the vines enjoy the further prestigious designation of DGC Sainte-Victoire. Grape varieties include Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Clairette, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
After acquiring the vineyard in 2021, Pierre and Amy Villeneuve started the transition to organic farming and also built a modern winemaking facility. With state-of-the-art equipment, grapes are chilled within a few hours of harvest and stored in oxygen-free, temperature-controlled stainless tanks to optimally conserve freshness and quality.
The vineyard is located on the site of a former silk mill. Built in the 1800s, the building was fully renovated and converted into a magnificent villa in 2008. Old mulberry trees whose leaves once fed the silk worms still grace the property. The mulberry tree has become the emblem of the vineyard and is featured prominently on the wine label.
While the land has a legacy of grape production spanning generations, Pierre and Amy invested heavily in the property to create vibrant biodiversity and beauty. Today, Domaine Travelle encompasses 24 hectares (60 acres) of vines, one hectare of olive trees, a vast flower garden, and a living roof atop the newly built semi-buried modern winemaking facility.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE EARTH
The vineyard is currently undergoing a full transition to certified organic farming. We began this journey in late 2022, driven by the belief that great wines start with healthy soils. Rooted in exceptional terroir, our organic conversion marks a significant shift towards environmentally friendly and biodiversity-conscious farming practices.
We’ve implemented sustainable agricultural methods, starting with the introduction of cover crops between the vine rows, enriching the soil with organic matter, enhancing water retention and reducing erosion, and attracting beneficial insects and microbial life, thereby strengthening the vineyard’s natural ecosystem. While cover crops may give the vines a less-manicured appearance, they create healthier soils and wines with deeper flavors.
We have chosen to practice viticulture without synthetic plant protection products utilizing instead natural methods to maintain the health of the vines, reducing the ecological footprint of our operation and fostering a more balanced ecosystem. We apply only plant-based organic matter, which enhances soil quality without altering its natural composition. This approach, combined with agroecological practices, helps maintain good soil porosity, encourages root penetration, and contributes to carbon sequestration.
We have also chosen to use lightweight packaging material. Our bottles are carefully packed and shipped vertically in eco-friendly cardboard boxes. When stacked on a pallet, weight is supported by the bottles rather than the cardboard itself.
These commitments reflect our ambition to produce authentic, sustainable wines while contributing to the preservation of the exceptional natural heritage of the Sainte-Victoire terroir.
THE OLIVE GROVE
Domaine Travelle features a one-hectare (2.5-acre) olive grove, which has been farmed organically since 2022. Each November, we harvest the olives and take them to a local mill where they are cold pressed. The resulting olive oil is rich, aromatic, and full-bodied, with a delightful spiciness and no bitterness. With a low oleic acid content and a low peroxide index, our oil meets the rigorous standards for extra virgin oil. It proudly holds the AOP designation Huile d’Olive d’Aix-en-Provence, reflecting its exceptional quality.
The olive oil will be available for purchase in the tasting room when it opens in May 2025.
THE TASTING ROOM
Each vintage is a creative expression influenced by the nuances of the season and the character of the grapes. We invite you to experience wines that tell a story, capture a moment, and celebrate the beauty of the Provence region. Our tasting room will open in May 2025.
