Château d'Esclans is located in the center of the Var Department, where most of Provence's AOC rosé is produced. Where the winery stands today, 2,500 years ago was probably an observation point for enemy ships sailing in the Gulf of Frejus. The original castle, however, of which only the cellar remains today, dates back to before the 12th century. Acquired in 1201 by Gérard De Villeneuve, a member of a wealthy Marseille family, the chateau and most of the area of the Vallée d'Esclans, were later divided and sold in lots. From hand to hand, the property, by then transformed into a winery, was acquired by entrepreneur Sacha Lichine in 2006. Today the winery can count on 140 hectares of vineyards, within an estate of more than 420 hectares. The main grape grown is Grenache, followed by Vermentino, Cinsault, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Tibouren. The chateau is now known for its old plantings that produce grapes characterized by a higher concentration of flavor than younger vines. The oldest vines are up to 90 years old.