The story of Sainte Marguerite en Provence revolves around its winemaker, Olivier Fayard, and the brand’s rich heritage.
Founded by parents, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard, in 1977, Sainte Marguerite has become a symbol of passion and high standards in the wine-making industry. At the time, the Fayard family was living in Saint-Etienne and spent their summers in Giens in the South of France. Olivier’s parents became so attached to the area that they decided to look for a holiday home. During one of their visits, they came across Sainte Marguerite in La Londe-les-Maures, and it was love at first sight: the traditional farmhouse, the palm trees, the view over the Mediterranean, and the vines. They purchased the estate in 1977, a few days before the grapes were due to be picked. They completed their first harvest and produced their first cuvée. Olivier, having grown up amidst the vineyards and cellars, naturally joined the family business and continues to drive the brand forward with creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.
“My memories are steeped in my parents’ infectious enthusiasm, in hours spent in the vineyard. As I looked, listened, and learned, that enthusiasm began to be transmitted. By the 1990s, I had grown up riding my bike through the family vineyard. As a teenager, I would spend much of my vacations amid the vines and in the cellars. My knowledge of the terroir was acquired intuitively. As my passion for wine took shape, it was natural that I would join my parents in the family business, ready and willing to play a part in developing the estate. A quarter of a century later, my energy and enthusiasm are undimmed. I am committed, determined, and guided by a vision that is simultaneously creative and entrepreneurial to make Sainte Marguerite en Provence a byword for fine wines with excellence.”
Sainte Marguerite en Provence offers a unique and sophisticated way to experience Provence rosé, catering to those who seek the path less traveled. With two signature cuvées, Symphonie and Fantastique, Sainte Marguerite en Provence wines transcend time, places, or seasons, making them perfect as an aperitif, for pairing with gourmet meals, or everything and anything in between. Olivier explains that Sainte Marguerite en Provence is characterized by their family history based on passion, high standards, and a unique vision for the wines of Provence.
Sainte Marguerite recently unveiled its rosé vintages: Fantastique Château Sainte Marguerite Rosé 2023 Classified Cru and Symphonie Maison Sainte Marguerite Rosé 2023. Despite the unpredictable weather, the expertise of the Fayard family ensured a high-quality harvest. The grapes were ideally concentrated, retaining their freshness, which is an important characteristic of the Sainte Marguerite en Provence style. The 2023 vintages are notable because of their connection to the terroir and the meticulous technique that created them. Symphonie Maison Sainte Marguerite Rosé 2023 boasts aromatic generosity. The Grenache and Rolle varietals interact to reveal notes of red fruit. Fantastique Château Sainte Marguerite Rosé 2023 reveals a precise minerality and delicate hints of white flowers and white fruit.
Sainte Marguerite en Provence partnered with Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wine and spirits. This was a pivotal move by the brand to expand their presence both in France and internationally. The Fayard family’s legacy is reflected in their commitment to crafting the finest and most distinctive Provence rosé wines, offering a refreshing new take for the upcoming rosé season as they expand their footprint internationally.
“For more than 40 years, my family has thought outside the box to change the codes of rosé wine. This independence of spirit has always shaped our journey and unique wines.”
