A major milestone followed in 1985, when Régine Sumeire created “Pétale de Rose”, the first very pale rosé of Provence
Château Barbeyrolles is located in the village of Gassin on the Saint-Tropez peninsula in Provence, France. The estate was taken over by Régine Sumeire in 1977. At that time, the 12 hectares of vineyards were largely neglected and required extensive restoration. After years of dedicated work in both vineyard and cellar, the first bottle bearing the name Château Barbeyrolles was released in 1982. A major milestone followed in 1985, when Régine Sumeire created “Pétale de Rose”, the first very pale rosé of Provence — an innovation that played a key role in redefining the image of rosé wine.
From the very beginning, Château Barbeyrolles has pursued a philosophy of sustainable and respectful viticulture. The vineyards are farmed organically and partly according to biodynamic principles, completely without chemical herbicides; instead, traditional methods are used, such as ploughing with horses. Hand harvesting and meticulous care of the vines are integral parts of this approach.
Since 2005, the estate has been officially certified organic, and since 2022 it has also held biodynamic certification. Production is deliberately kept small: around 40,000 bottles are produced each year — including white, rosé and red wines — with a clear focus on rosé. Château Barbeyrolles is often regarded as a pioneer of modern, pale Provence rosé, particularly thanks to the Pétale de Rose, which has significantly influenced the perception and evolution of rosé wines in the region. The proximity to the sea on the Saint-Tropez peninsula enhances the terroir: sea breezes and the Mediterranean climate contribute to the wines’ freshness and often to a subtle saline minerality.
