Domaine Tempier Wine Estate in Bandol AOC

I have wanted to visit Domaine Tempier, ever since the first time I read about the Bandol winery owned by the Peyraud family, in books authored by Richard Olney, Alice Waters and Kermit Lynch. Kermit Lynch the renown wine importer, was introduced to the Peyrauds by Richard Olney and has been importing the wines of Domaine Tempier since 1976.

For those who don’t know, Alice Waters is executive chef, author of multiple cookbooks, and proprietor of Chez Panisse, a gastronomic temple in Berkeley, California for more than 40 years and arguably one of the most famous restaurants in the United States; she is a long-time friend of Lulu Peyraud and family.

Continue reading here for this contributor blog post and tapenade recipe by Our House in Provence.

Domaine Tempier

As Michel points out, 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, the Romans 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.

Domaine Tempier
1082, chemin des Fanges
83330 Le Plan du Castellet
Open to the public: Monday to Friday from 9h- 12h and 14h to 18h

Lucie Peyraud who turned 102 in 2019, remains the consummate hostess and a renowned cook. Michel says the cookbook Lulu’s Provencal Kitchen by Richard Olney is one of his favourites. Olney captures some of Lulie (Lulu) Peyraud’s traditional Provencal recipes in this culinary guide to southern France.

Explore more Provencal cuisine in our list of top books for food lovers.

Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.