Domaine Tempier

Domaine Tempier, situated in the Bandol appellation of Provence, France, has roots dating back to 1834 when the Tempier family established the estate. Following the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, Léonie Tempier, Lucie Tempier’s great-grandmother, replanted the vineyards and constructed a new cellar, laying the groundwork for the estate's revival. However, economic challenges in the early 20th century led to a temporary shift from viticulture to fruit farming.

A significant turning point occurred in 1936 when Lucie "Lulu" Tempier married Lucien Peyraud. As a wedding gift, Lucie’s father entrusted them with the family estate. Lucien, recognising the potential of the Mourvèdre grape, became a passionate advocate for its cultivation. His efforts were instrumental in establishing the Bandol AOC in 1941, which mandated Mourvèdre as the dominant varietal in red wines. The couple's first bottled rosé was released in 1943, followed by their inaugural red wine in 1951, featuring a label designed by Lucie’s father, Alphonse Tempier.

Under the stewardship of Lucien and Lulu, Domaine Tempier gained recognition for producing wines that authentically express the terroir of Bandol. They introduced single-vineyard cuvées such as La Tourtine, La Migoua, and Cabassaou, each highlighting the unique characteristics of their respective sites. Today, the estate remains under the guidance of the Peyraud family, with a continued commitment to traditional winemaking practices and sustainable viticulture, ensuring the legacy of Domaine Tempier endures.