Maison Mirabeau ESG Environment, Social, Governance

2019 marked the tenth anniversary of Maison Mirabeau and the acquisition of Domaine Mirabeau. As Mirabeau started its conversion to organic in 2019, we have a strong desire to be more ambitious. Inspired by the work of Mimi Casteel, botanist and ecologist of Hope Well Wine vineyard in Oregon, Stephen and Jeany are committed to moving beyond organic farming practices to a holistic regenerative agricultural approach to regenerate the soils and increase biodiversity.

Mindful of the highly sensitive ecosystem within which Domaine Mirabeau lies, their goal is to transition away from monoculture in agriculture and to put soil health at the centre of their work in the vineyard, thus reducing the degenerative impact to the earth and local ecosystems.

Mirabeau creates beautiful products that come from nature, which is why we care about nature. We’re treading lightly for tomorrow’s generations by rewilding our vineyards, regenerating our soils, rebuilding biodiversity and leading by example. Read more about Maison Mirabeau’s Environment, Social, Governance program for their vineyard and the company.

Responsible Agriculture

Biodynamic farming takes a firm dedication to using agricultural techniques to maintain soil health and crop production. Some key components include crop rotation, interplanting, composting and awareness of the solar and lunar cycles. Essentially the farmer becomes the project manager responsible for managing the various pieces in the natural environment. Continue reading here to learn about responsible vineyard agriculture in Provence.

The principle of biodynamic winemaking starts with the philosophy of taking care of the soil. With that in mind, there are no chemicals used on weeds, on the vines, or the grapes.

Maison Mirabeau Wine

Stephen had been in the corporate world for 15 years and in August 2008 turned down a promotion that would have meant more money but also more stress, longer hours and less time with his young family. For many years the Cronks had been dreaming and talking about moving to France to make their own wine, but the moment never seemed quite right to make the big leap.

Soon after, a good redundancy offer seemed the perfect opportunity to turn the dream into reality and after selling their beloved house, they left the leafy suburbs of south-west London in August 2009. Their worldly possessions were packed up on the back of a truck and with barely a word of French between them, the family headed south to a small village called Cotignac, in the heart of Provence.

The Cronks spent a year getting their bearings, learning to live the provençal way, as Stephen was criss-crossing the country researching and finding the best vineyards to work with. The next step was setting up a small wine business with the principle objective of making a Provence rosé that would be regarded as one of the very best from the region, while building a brand that people would grow to love. In order to achieve this aim, they put together a highly experienced winemaking team and threw their heart and soul into the brand and innovative communications with their customers. Mirabeau is now being sold in more than 30 markets, has won medals and earned acclaim from some of the world’s toughest wine critics, but what really makes Stephen happiest is that their wines are an integral part of people having a great time together.

Read more about the Mirabeau Wine story here.