Dive into the heart of antiquity and discover how the Romans made wine! This exceptional wine estate was already a production site in Roman times. Remains of a Gallo-Roman villa were found buried beneath the vines. The Durand family, owners of the estate since 1762, drew on their experience as winemakers and their passion for wine, and undertook experimental archaeology to recreate a Gallo-Roman cellar and produce wines that reflect the tastes of the time.
An exceptional Roman heritage
Beaucaire is located in the heart of the Roman triangle formed by Nîmes, the Pont du Gard, and Arles. Indeed, the region is full of Roman monuments, and evidence of the Roman presence is still visible today. These traces of Roman presence can be explained by the nearby passage of the Via Domitia, a Roman road running from Italy to Spain.
A treasure found
About thirty years ago, the Durand family discovered fragments of amphorae on a plot of vines and decided to conduct an excavation. They discovered a Gallo-Roman villa beneath the vines. These remains are proof that the Romans were producing wine and olive oil here 2000 years ago.
Fascinated by this discovery, the winemaker took on the crazy challenge of planting a Roman vineyard and, with the help of archaeologists, creating a Gallo-Roman cellar, with its wooden lever press, terracotta jars and amphorae.
The Roman grape harvest
Once a year, when the grapes are ripe, the Durand family, dressed like the Romans of old, harvests the grapes with a pruning shears, crushes them with their feet, and operates the Roman press to extract the precious nectar! The juice is then placed in dolia for fermentation and vinification!
Honey, sea water, spices are added for amazing wines that never fail to surprise the palate!
An immersive and sensory experience
From these harvests, the winemaker vinifies Roman archaeological wines according to recipes from Latin authors. You will be able to introduce your palate to the flavors of antiquity. The taste of these wines is similar to those drunk by the Romans.
Program of the visit:
- Walk through the vineyard and Roman gardens
- Discovery of the archaeological site
- Permanent exhibition – Roman roads, vine cultivation and wine in the Gallo-Roman period
- Gallo-Roman perfumery
- The Roman games room for young and old
- Discovery of the reconstructed Gallo-Roman cellar
- Film presenting the Roman grape harvest
- Vinum Romanum Tasting: An Approach to the Taste of Ancient Wines
4294 route de Saint-Gilles 30300 Beaucaire
To discover at Mas des Tourelles
Vendanges Romaines au Mas des Tourelles
Le 13 September 2026
