Domaine des Féraud

Since 2011, the Féraud estate has been owned by Markus Conrad and his wife Annerose. Winemaking isn't his first profession: he's been a musician, an entrepreneur in the book and coffee sectors. At the age of 50, he decided to take up a career in the vineyards, becoming an independent winemaker with his three children. He happily embraces all aspects of the profession, appreciating as much the work of the land and the care of the vines, as the artisanal and technical aspect of producing cuvées, or the commercial dimension, which is essential for adding value to his work.

The winery

From his Italian origins, Markus Conrad inherited a love of the Mediterranean, and it was naturally to Provence that his search took him when it came to finding a property on which to settle. He found the rare gem in Vidauban, 30 km from Saint-Tropez in the Var, in the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation.

A century ago, the land belonged to Domaine de Peissonnel, owned by Paul César Rival, a famous 20th-century winemaker. In 1978, the Rival family separated from the Peissonnel estate and the property was split in two, part of which became the Féraud estate. Despite numerous changes of ownership in the first decade of its existence, the Féraud wines have enjoyed international recognition from the profession, with mentions in prestigious wine magazines such as Decanter and Wine Companion.

These Mediterranean lands are the French cradle of viticulture and the first rosés. The estate's subsoils are composed of sand and quartz. The Féraud estate enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is perfect for growing vines. It is located in the region with the highest number of sunny days in the country, and also benefits from the Mistral wind, which protects the vines from humidity and the diseases it causes. The thirteen-hectare vineyard is home to the region's typical grape varieties, including Syrah and Rolle, as well as Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Viognier, Semillon and Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. There are also parcels of old vines aged between 45 and 70 years.

Viticultural know-how

The winery is equipped with several types of thermo-regulated vats: stainless steel, wood and concrete. This enables the winemaker to adapt the vinification process to the specific characteristics of each cuvée. Pressing is carried out slowly, and only indigenous yeasts are used.

As soon as he bought the property, Markus Conrad began the process of converting to organic farming, and the estate is now certified organic. A natural approach is favored, respecting lunar cycles for pruning, planting and harvesting. Natural methods that respect the life of the soil, such as grassing and ploughing, are favoured. In line with this philosophy, the family also conducts experiments and produces natural cuvées, without any inputs or sulfur.

The work undertaken by the Conrad family is bearing fruit, and the wines they produce are regularly acclaimed by experts. Over the past 10 years, they have been awarded prestigious titles on several occasions, such as the Coup de Cœur awarded in 2013 and again in 2018 by the Hachette guide, or the Grand Prix d'Excellence Vinalies de l'union des œnologues awarded in 2013, 2014 and again in 2016. The wines have already won over twenty gold medals at wine competitions in Lyon, Paris and Mâcon.

The wines

Domaine des Féraud wines are very fruity, elegant and fresh.

L'Arômes des Maures is a gourmet rosé, a true vin de garde. This exceptional cuvée is produced in a limited edition.

Annrosé is a sparkling wine made from the estate's finest rosés using the Provencal method. Fermentation takes place in sugar-free bottles, using "must from the base cuvée".