For historical reasons alone, it is worthwhile to visit Château de Jonquières. The west wing of the château is surrounded by two towering cylindrical turrets, while the east wing backs into a large courtyard. One of the château’s most stunning architectural wonders is a horseshoe-shaped stairway leading from the rooms onto the courtyard, enclosed by a Renaissance-style, arched double balcony. Aside from its spectacular architecture, the estate’s family history is similarly amazing, with the estate claiming to have been passed down through 32 generations over 900 years.
After the 31st generation, François de Cabissole and his wife Isabelle, restarted vinification at the château in 1992, it is now their daughter Charlotte and her husband Clément who carry on the estate’s legacy, having taken over the 8ha of vines and production in 2014 and converting the estate to organic.
There are guided tours and tastings available, as well as four hotel rooms within the château. Mont Saint-Baudille, located 15 kilometres north of Jonquières on the Larzac plateau, looks down on the village, which is home to some of the appellation’s most powerful players, including Mas Julien, Mas Cal Demoura, and Mas de L’Ecriture, as well as some fresh new faces, such as Domaine Flo Busch.
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