Bellet, the wine of Nice

Just above Nice, on the hills within the city limits, lies Bellet — one of the smallest wine appellations in France. Less than a short hour's drive from our apartment in Cannes, you can taste wines here that you'll find nowhere else, made from grape varieties typical of this spot. The appellation has officially existed since 1941 and is among the oldest wine regions in the country.

One of the smallest appellations

The vineyards of Bellet cover only a modest area, spread over three hills above the city — Crémat, Saint-Roman de Bellet and Saquier. Thanks to its high position above the sea, the sea breeze and the cool wind from the southern Pre-Alps, Bellet has its own fresh style. Production is small, so the wines are mainly found locally.

Its own grape varieties

Bellet is known for a few local grapes: the Braquet and the Folle Noire (locally called Fuella) for the red and rosé wines, and the Rolle (also known as Vermentino) for the whites.

Estates to visit

Several estates welcome visitors for a tour and tasting. Château de Bellet (chateaudebellet.com) is about twenty minutes from the centre and airport of Nice; there you visit the vineyards around the chapel and the half-underground cellar from 2015, with a tasting in an atmospheric 19th-century chapel. Clos Saint-Vincent works biodynamically and is the only estate on all three Bellet hills. There are also, among others, Château de Crémat, Domaine de la Source, Domaine de Vinceline and Collet de Bovis.

Practical

Preferably book a visit in advance. In season there is even a special shuttle bus from Nice to the vineyards of Bellet. You'll find more information about the appellation via vindenice.com.

Combine with Nice

A visit to Bellet combines nicely with a day in Nice itself, with the old town and the Promenade des Anglais. It's also a fine addition to a broader wine tour through the Côte d'Azur and Provence.

From the apartment

Take a look at our apartment in Cannes and book your stay on the Côte d'Azur.