Château Virant is named after the ancient rock château built into the nearby mountain side, locally known as the “Virant rock.” Originally named for the Etruscan-era God Wirant, this château dating from the 7th century BC was a place of wine trade. Fragments of amphorae, ceramic pots used to store wine, found during archaeological excavations date this activity to the Iron Age. Through medieval times, this castle was a place of worship, dwelling, and protection for the people. Its dominant position, high on the hillside, has always given it strategic advantages.
At the crossroads of ancient tracks and early roads, it alone controlled the entire plain bordering the Etang de Berre. It also served as a connection point between the interior regions and the sea port at Marseilles. No wonder this rock was so important throughout history. For centuries, this château has given its name to our property. Today it remains a magnificent site for climbing and offers a wonderful view of the majestic Sainte Victoire to the east and the Sainte Baume national forest to the south, another must see in Provence.
The teams at the estate like to think of this “Virant rock” as the benevolent protector of the entire Château Virant.
1632
The underground cellar is born. Little is known of this period. It is assumed that at the time, the fruits of the harvest were poured directly into the cellar via an above ground chute. Indeed a terracotta duct which descends from the ceiling seems to support this theory. Today, this special place houses our best wines, aging in oak barrels.
1897
The main cellar is built by Edmond Thery. His initials, along with this date are carved into a lower gable of the main wine cellar. Thery was a famous French economist, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor, founder of the European economist, and a member of the Academy of Agriculture of France. Upon his death, he leaves a great intellectual legacy. The château remained in his family until the 1950s when the cellars and the property were abandoned.
1974
Robert and Noële Cheylan buy the cellar and the lands of Château Virant. The entire property is totally abandoned. They also purchase the “Virant rock” in order to be able to justify the name of Château Virant because this majestic rock is the true lord of the domain. The adventure begins. For thirteen years, they invested in renovating Château Virant: the cellars, the vineyard, and the olive grove. Through hard work, dedication, and courage, they shaped Château Virant in their own image.
1987
Robert and Noële Cheylan produce their first vintage. After waiting impatiently for this moment, they begin to realize their dream.
1988
First release. Success is assured. that year, the estate's rosé wine was chosen as the official wine of the Aix-en-Provence opera festival. A trial run that proved to be a masterstroke, it was a wonderful reward.
1996
Creation of the first oil mill for processing olives. At this time, the property comprised 12 hectares of olive trees and 70 hectares of vines. Château Virant expanded and developed . Land was purchased, production facilities were modernized, attention to detail was cultivated, quality was constantly sought after, and there was a desire to combine tradition and expertise with technology.
2001
A former sheep pen on the property dating from 1632 is transformed into a banquet room to host family events, business seminars, exhibitions, and concerts. All of these events and more can now take place by making a simple reservation.
2014
Creation of the second oil mill. The first one had become too smail, as more tah 3,OOO local producers also bring their olives to the mill. From 1 kg of olives to several tons, each supplier leaves with extra virgin olive oil, first cold pressed. The Château Virant mill brings together a large community that meets throughout the year, particularly for pruning demonstrations and to share their love of olive trees and olive oil.
2014
Château Virant purchases Château Beauferan and begins to rebuild another beautiful property in the Aix-en-Provence Protected Appellation. Château Beauferan is a valley property of 144 hectares where pines, oaks, and scrubland surround 65 hectares of grape vines. The soil on this property is excellent for producing high quality grapes. Mostly clay-limestone, this diverse soil brings a unique expression to its wines.
2024
Château Virant was taken over by Claire and Philippe Coutin and Stéphanie and Laurent Ramounet. The estate now covers more than 350 hectares (including 216 hectares of vineyards in the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation and 46 hectares of olive trees in the AOP Aix-en-Provence appellation). Driven by a strong commitment to agroecology, the takeover project aims to strengthen the estate's regional roots while continuing to expand its national and international influence.