Pale, crisp, elegant and often imitated, Provence sets the gold standard for rosé. It’s home to some of the world’s most famous pink wines – names that have helped define the style.

But look beyond these well-known bottles and you’ll find small, independent family domaines quietly making some of the region’s most characterful wines.

That’s why we’ve worked for years with the Bréban family in Provence, led today by third-generation winemaker Laurent Bréban.

Meet the quiet stars of Provence

1.   Domaine Pontfract
Domaine Pontfract is a 300-year-old estate in the Provence village of Correns and home to our bestselling rosé (and arguably our best-value) Moulin de Pontfract. It’s just down the road from the famous Château Miraval – bought by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie – whose wines we’d been selling long before they owned it. And while Miraval is good, “Pontfract is better” to quote Tony Laithwaite.

We’ve been working with Xavier Paul at Domaine Pontfract for over 35 years – and although now in his 90s, ‘Monsieur Paul’ still keeps a watchful eye over every vintage. His flagship Domaine Pontfract offers classic Provence finesse at a fraction of the price of its A-lister neighbours.

Then there’s the estate’s white - Le Blanc de Pontfract. From vines close to the Mediterranean, it’s bright with lemon zest, a touch of rosemary and that unmistakable coastal freshness.

Why these cellars are worth knowing

In our experience, the best Provence rosé wines rarely shout the loudest. More often, they come from growers who’ve spent generations understanding their vines, their land and exactly how to capture that unmistakable Provençal freshness in the glass.

That’s why working with families like the Brébans matters so much to us. Because when you know who made the wine, and how they made it, you usually drink better – and often for far less.