This region still bears the marks of Roman influence and wine based activity. Amphora, dolias (large pottery vessels) and a bust of Bacchus have been discovered in the remains of a Roman villa in Neffiès as well as on the site of a Roman aqueduct built to carry drinking water from Gabian to Beziers. In Bebian, there are even a number of indications that vines pre-dated the Romans. During the Roman Gaul period wine amphora were made near Fontès, Pezenas and Aspiran.

From the XII to XVIII centuries Pezenas reaped the benefits of protectionist measures put in place by various French kings with the aim of protecting and defending local wine. Imports of foreign wine and grapes were forbidden !

The stunning hills around Cabrière owe their beauty to complex geological phenomena; and it’s this special soil structure that is responsible for the very special character of the wines. Indeed, historians have been recording activity in the “3-coloured” vineyards here since the VIII century. It’s the smallest in the Languedoc, covering 380 hectares (940 acres) in the midst of 3000 ha (7500 acres) of garrigue and wood, on the scree covered schist foothills of Pic du Vissou (480m, 1600ft)

Louis XIV and his Court enjoyed the wines so much they were granted a Royal Warrant. Nowadays, they’re appreciated as much for a beautifully rounded, clean Clairette du Languedoc white, as for the soft, fruity rosé with its floral aromas. And, thanks to Syrah, the powerful, velvety Cabrières reds are incredibly aromatic. Truly the song of the schist !