The parcels of this 60-hectare wine estate sit below the perched village of Castellet, in the Var. Grapes were first planted in the area in roughly 500 BC. However, it was the Romans who established wine shipments from the port of Bandol.

Located within the appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) of Bandol, Domaine Tempier wines follow biodynamic practices and the prescribed AOC guidelines. Established in 1941, Bandol’s AOC designation is one of the oldest in France. It was a year after Lucien and Lucie Peyraud moved to the vineyard. The first rosé from the estate was bottled in 1943. This occasion marked the start of this couple’s lifetime dedicated to winemaking and promoting Bandol wines. The Peyraud family remains involved with Domaine Tempier, although they have passed operations on to CEO Daniel Ravier.
Lucie Peyraud remained the consummate hostess and a renowned cook till her passing at the age of 102 in 2020.

Provence spans southeastern France along the Mediterranean coast, stretching from the Italian border west to the Rhône delta. This ancient wine region produces approximately 170 million bottles annually, with rosé wines comprising roughly 90% of total production. The region encompasses eight appellations, including Côtes de Provence, Bandol, and Cassis, distributed across varied landscapes from coastal plains to limestone hills and mountainous terrain.

The Mediterranean climate provides abundant sunshine, warm temperatures, and the cooling influence of the mistral wind, which helps maintain acidity and reduces disease pressure in the vineyards. Soils vary significantly across the region, from limestone and clay in the hills to sandy coastal areas and schist in certain zones. Côtes de Provence represents the largest appellation, while Bandol focuses on structured reds from Mourvèdre, and Cassis specializes in distinctive white wines from local varieties.

Traditional grape varieties dominate plantings, with Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah forming the backbone of most rosé blends, often complemented by Mourvèdre and Tibouren. White wines typically feature Rolle (Vermentino), Clairette, and Ugni Blanc, while reds emphasize Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Provençal rosés are characterized by their pale salmon color, achieved through minimal skin contact and immediate pressing, resulting in fresh, dry wines with delicate fruit flavors and mineral notes that reflect the region's diverse terroir.

Bandol is an appellation d'origine contrôlée located in the Provence region of southeastern France, situated between Toulon and Marseille along the Mediterranean coast. The appellation was established in 1941 and encompasses eight communes in the Var department, with vineyards planted on terraced hillsides that face south toward the sea.

The Mediterranean climate provides warm, dry summers and mild winters, while the famous mistral wind helps maintain healthy vineyard conditions. The soils are predominantly limestone and clay, often mixed with sandstone and marl. Mourvèdre is the dominant grape variety for red wines and must comprise at least 50% of the blend, typically combined with Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. Rosé wines, which represent a significant portion of production, are made primarily from the same varieties with Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault forming the base.

Bandol red wines are known for their structure, longevity, and distinctive earthy character, often requiring several years of aging to reach their potential. The rosé wines display a deeper color and more complexity than typical Provence rosés, with notable mineral undertones and the ability to age gracefully. Both styles reflect the maritime influence of their coastal location while expressing the rustic, herb-scented character of the Provençal landscape.