Domaine Les Amoureuses has its roots in a family adventure led by Jean-Pierre Bedel, an Ardèche entrepreneur passionate about his region. In 2011, with his wife Florence, he acquired this wine estate located near the Gorges de l’Ardèche. This love affair with the region’s varied terroirs marked the beginning of a new era for the estate, which was then reorganized in its entirety: restructuring of the vineyard, choice of innovative grape varieties and introduction of environmentally friendly viticulture methods.
This vineyard, where tradition and modernity meet, covers 150 hectares, including 70 hectares of vines spread over several characterful terroirs, offering a multitude of creative possibilities for the production of fine, distinctive wines.
Climate and Terroir
The vines of Domaine Les Amoureuses benefit from a diversity of unique terroirs, spread over five main sites: Vinsas, Le Haut Darbousset, Le Lingtier, Le Grand Coudouly and Le Liby. The latter, the most prestigious, is a natural amphitheater offering breathtaking views and a clay-limestone soil particularly well-suited to the cultivation of grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Merlot and Viognier. The Mediterranean climate, combined with the cool Nordic wind, creates the perfect tension in the region’s wines, favoring optimal ripening of the grapes.
Grape varieties
The vineyard has set itself apart by adopting a bold approach to grape variety selection. In addition to traditional varieties such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, Jean-Pierre Bedel has introduced rarer varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tempranillo and Marselan, in response to the challenges of climate change. Environmentally-friendly vineyards and viticultural practices contribute to wines of assertive character and unique personality.
Philosophy
Domaine Les Amoureuses makes a point of working according to the principles of organic and biodynamic viticulture. Since 2011, it has been pursuing a transition towards totally environmentally-friendly production, obtaining High Environmental Value (HVE) certification in 2020, as well as Organic and Demeter certification in 2023. All parcels are meticulously monitored, promoting biodiversity and the natural balance of the soil. The wines are the fruit of a constant quest for quality, combining modern technology with traditional know-how.
The cellar and winemaking
The Domaine Les Amoureuses cellar is a special place, where every detail is designed to enhance the quality of the wine. The modern, functional cellar is equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking tools, such as temperature-controlled vats and ceramic amphorae, to ensure optimal extraction of aromas and perfect preservation of terroir characteristics. Each wine is a thoughtful blend of grape varieties, winemaking methods and winemakers’ expertise.
A wine tourism experience
Domaine Les Amoureuses offers much more than a simple cellar tour. It’s a living place, where every encounter is an opportunity to explore the terroir, taste the wines, and discover an authentic art of living. The vineyard opens its doors for personalized tours and tastings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the estate. In summer, a series of wine tourism events, such as winemaker lunches, gastronomic evenings and open-air concerts, enrich the experience.
Meaning of the name “Les Amoureuses”
The vineyard’s name refers to a local legend, in which the young girls of Bourg-Saint-Andéol would meet by the stream to chat and, sometimes, make amorous encounters. Today, the name evokes the passion Jean-Pierre Bedel and his family have for this land of Ardèche, a land full of promise and richness. Domaine Les Amoureuses is the fruit of this passion, a land that delivers its best in the hands of attentive, respectful winemakers.
