HISTORY OF CHÂTEAU MENTONE WINE ESTATE IN THE VAR
The Château Mentone Estate is first mentioned in historical records in 1033, following the donation of the property to the clergy by the Chateaurenard family, lords of Entrecasteaux. However, research has shown that the estate’s lands cover an ancient Gallo-Roman site; a Roman necropolis was also discovered to the west of the château.
A STORY OF FAMILIES
A HISTORIC ESTATE
Several prominent families have passed through the château’s walls: the de Castellane family (1275), the Bovis family (1538), and in 1845, it came into the possession of the de Gasquet family. At the end of the 19th century, Charles de Gasquet significantly expanded the vineyard.
A renowned farmer, member of the Chamber of Agriculture, founder and director of the first agricultural school in the Var in 1849, he was the one who enlarged the buildings and the cellar, and created the silkworm breeding farm.
This precious heritage is lovingly maintained by Marie-Pierre Caille and her family, the current owners since 2003.
Key Dates of the Estate
1033
First mention of the place name Mentone following the donation of the property to the clergy by the Chateaurenard family, then lords of Entrecasteaux.
1845
The Perrot de Gasquet family, a prominent Provençal family, transformed this hunting estate into a vineyard. They planted the vines, built the cellar, and made Mentone one of the oldest vineyards in Côtes de Provence.
2003
Marie-Pierre Caille took the reins of Château Mentone. Together with her husband Cyril, she restored the vineyards, modernized the winemaking facilities, and set the estate on the path to excellence, while striving to preserve as many historic plots as possible.
2006
After renovating the Château, the Magnanerie, and the old cellar, as well as building the new winery, Marie-Pierre opened the estate to the public in May 2006 and bottled the first wine.
2012
Marie-Pierre expanded the estate’s hospitality capacity with three new offerings: the old oil mill transformed into a Provençal farmhouse, the Sévigné, refurbished into three guest suites, and the completion of the Lodge Cottages, providing more opportunities to stay at the estate.
2015
Marie-Pierre completed the renovation of the estate’s buildings and expanded the wine tourism offerings by opening the Farm-Inn. This new building, oriented towards the outdoors, houses the Table de Mentone, two meeting rooms, the new tasting cellar, and additional offices to accommodate a growing team.
2018
Her two sons, Nicolas and Martin, joined the adventure to accelerate the revival of the historic vineyard. Nicolas is in charge of wine production and sales, while Martin develops the offerings and hospitality structures on the property.
2020
The family continued to rely on internal strengths with Anaïs and Lorène (the wives of Nicolas and Martin). They brought their knowledge and enthusiasm to make this family story a success.
2022
Martin and Nicolas took over the management of the estate and accelerated the development of the vineyard and wine tourism activities.
2025
After opening La Maison Mentone: a wine cellar in the heart of Lorgues, the estate continues to grow in the neighboring town by adding a second restaurant and additional accommodations.
