Domaine de La Citadelle

Nature and the Art of Living

By Mathilde Hingray

Valérie and Yannick Panagiotis welcome you to Domaine de la Citadelle for an idyllic vineyard break. Some 40 hectares of vines set below the village of Ménerbes, on the northern slopes of the Luberon, extending over four different terroirs at altitudes of up to 300 metres, offering wine lovers a range of exceptional, instantly recognisable vintages. Blended grape varieties elegantly express this distinctive terroir, a unique combination of minerality, aromatic richness, and depth. The Domaine is committed to respecting nature and has been AB-certified since 2016.

Created by Yves Rousset-Rouard in 1990, this enthusiastic young couple took over the estate at the end of 2022. Valérie, the brains behind “Aroma-Zone”, completed her training and passed her vine and wine diploma. Yannick, her mechanical genius husband, has continued his classic car repair and restoration business. He also enjoys giving tractors and machinery used to run the estate a new lease of life. “We’re living our dream, returning to the land and cultivating it. We’re committed to preserving the environment by recycling and adopting sustainable methods. Horse-drawn ploughing, eco-grazing in the vineyards, and installing beehives…”

The dynamic duo has created a vibrant living environment, sharing their passion for the vegetal world with visitors. They aim to offer a wide range of activities and events throughout the year, including musical evenings, exhibitions, visits to the Botanical Garden, Corkscrew Museum and cellar, vineyard walks to discover the splendid scenery, wine tastings, food and wine workshops, fine dining and more. Everything at the Domaine de la Citadelle is in place to make life a little sweeter.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden, created on six eighteenth-century terraces perched on the Domaine’s heights, has been designed to accommodate a variety of medicinal, aromatic, wild edible, and even magical plants. This 5-hectare haven of greenery, with its magnificent views over Ménerbes village, Monts de Vaucluse and Ventoux, is the perfect place to discover the local flora and oak and rockrose truffle plantations. Agrimony, Immortelle, Love-in-a-Mist, Angel’s Trumpet… Allow 60-90 minutes to cover all the terraces.

Corkscrew Museum

Started by enthusiast Yves Rousset-Rouard with an initial batch of 200 corkscrews bought at auction at Drouot in Paris, the world-first museum boasts a collection of over 1,200 historical items. He added to the collection by travelling the world and visiting antique dealers. The museum houses pieces dating back to the seventeenth century and steadily adds new treasures.

Boutique

Take Domaine de La Citadelle home with you. “Les Artèmes” – a delightful blend of balanced flavours and smoothness in red, white, and rosé. « Dakar 2023” – referring to motorsports, a passion shared by the new owners – a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Grenache grape blend. Our favourite? “Les Ultimes” – a powerful, fine red blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Intense, ripe tannins, volume, and length accompany a beautifully smooth finish. Plus, olive oils, jams, herbs, table linen, books and other fine Provençal and international products.

Events

Visitors can enjoy an idyllic setting in the Vaucluse all year round, for a day, an evening, or a holiday. You can hire the Domaine for all your events: weddings, team building, birthdays, seminars… catered or with platters and tapas. All Domaine activities are accessible on these occasions.

There are also regular exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and other events. The Domaine can recommend the best hotels and B&Bs nearby.

More than just a place, Domaine de La Citadelle is a dream destination set in Luberon.