Le Mas des Infermières

The vineyard

Le Mas des Infermières is a vineyard near Oppède-le-Vieux. The vintner is non other than the talented filmaker Ridley Scott who has owned the estate since 1992. The vineyard covers about 30 hectares at the foot of the Luberon range. The clay limestone soil supports the noble varieties of the South – Grenache, Syrah and Clairette.  

In 2020 after completion of a modern and new cellar, the first cuvée was produced on-site.  « La Source » cuvée refers to the abundant groundwater coming from the Luberon mountain which runs under the vineyard. Bottle labels, designed by Ridley Scott, evocates his vision of the Mediterranean art of living « health, happinness and beauty ».

Beehives were installed at the heart of the vineyard in partnership with a local beekeeper. Le Mas des Infermières is certified Bee Friendly and High Environmental Value. 

Words from Sir Ridley Scott

“It is not difficult to see why I brought my family to Provence back in 1992, in particular the Luberon region and why ultimately, we were led to Mas Des Infermières. It is an area of abundant natural beauty: the vibrant landscape, the citadel villages and the breathtaking backdrop of the Luberon Mountain to the south. And, of course, the Mediterranean climate, as delightful in the cool winter as it is in the heat of summer. There is a powerful sense of history, an epic story in each village: of tragedy, of endurance and the vibrancy of life. The landscape, shaped by the people of the region for millenia now, is the story of the people who shaped the Luberon. And with each passing season - the relationship between vine and earth becomes clearer - how much is owed to the Mountain above and the water that feeds the land."

About Luberon AOC

The vineyards grow in the surroundings of the Luberon Natural Regional Park, part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The vines are planted between 200 and 450 meters altitude. Giving a wide range of daytime temperatures, which in turn gives the wines a distinctive edge of freshness. 

Territory

The vineyards extend across 36 communes in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, in the Vaucluse département. Bordered by the Calavon to the north and the Durance to the south, they lie on both sides of the Luberon Massif, except for the Combe de Lourmarin which separates the Greater Luberon range from the Lesser Luberon.

Climate

The climate is largely Mediterranean but influenced by altitude, with wide variations in temperature and cold breezes blowing in from the Alps. Luberon is one of France’s sunniest regions, with 2,600 hours of sun a year – perfect for ripening the grapes. The sharp overnight drop in temperature gives the vines a chance to rehydrate and promotes slow, gentle ripening.