Nestled atop the sunny hills of Gassin, just a few miles from the glamorous town of Saint-Tropez, lies the Bertaud Belieu estate—a place that is much more than just a vineyard. It’s a picture-perfect scene where the shimmering Mediterranean coastline meets lush, wooded hillsides. Here, the laid-back elegance of Provençal living blends seamlessly with a history that reads like a novel filled with grandeur, secrets, and sometimes, unsettling revelations. Today, the owners are eager to turn the page, shining a spotlight once again on what has always been the heart of Bertaud Belieu: its wines, its lifestyle, and its unmistakable glamour.
A Noble and Artistic Heritage
The roots of Bertaud Belieu trace back to the 14th century, with records first mentioning the land in 1340 during the union of the Counts of Provence and the House of Grimaldi. Initially managed by monks from the Chartreuse de la Verne, the estate gradually became a prized possession passed down through noble families such as the de Castellane, the Antiboul family from Saint-Tropez, and later, Louis Jean-Baptiste Garachon.
By the 19th century, the property changed hands to families from Lyon, notably Louis Janmot—an acclaimed symbolist painter and friend of Charles Baudelaire. Janmot not only painted here but also made the estate a hub of artistic inspiration, transforming it into a space that celebrated creativity and culture.
In 1989, the estate merged with Domaine Belieu, giving birth to a new united entity. Since then, the vineyards have stretched over 65 lush hectares, producing highly sought-after rosé wines that have become favorites among locals and visitors alike in Saint-Tropez and beyond. These wines—often served in large formats like magnums and even methuselah bottles—are frequently poured during intimate dinners beneath glittering chandeliers, where artists, models, and millionaires mingle in an ambiance of effortless luxury.
Saint-Tropez in a Bottle
It’s impossible to discuss Bertaud Belieu without mentioning its undeniable glamour. The estate’s rosé has become a staple in the jet-set scene of Saint-Tropez. Its bottles appear in music videos by Puff Daddy, on yachts sailing the bay, and behind the scenes at the Cannes Film Festival.
The brand’s wines are regularly seen in the VIP sections of parties hosted by stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, at brunches at Club 55 in Ramatuelle, and in the glasses of fashion icons such as Bella Hadid and Naomi Campbell. George Clooney, a frequent visitor to the region, is rumored to have ordered cases for private gatherings.
Beyond the glamour, the estate hosts classical music concerts in its gardens, where operatic voices fill the evening air as the sun sets over the vineyards. During the Cannes Film Festival, numerous charity events are held here, attracting stars, top chefs, and art collectors—showcasing an art of living rooted in French elegance, where fine wine mingles with celebration and exclusivity.
However, beneath this picturesque veneer, recent events have cast a shadow over the estate’s storied reputation.
A Tarnished Shine: Controversies and Revelations
In early 2023, the owners raised alarms about their management and concerning financial practices. They filed a formal complaint with the prosecutors in Draguignan, alleging misappropriations exceeding one million dollars. The legal action accuses individuals of breach of trust, embezzlement, forgery, counterfeiting, theft, and fraud. Targets of the investigation include Jean-Christophe Sibelya, the general manager of the estate until April 2021, and his associate, Kazakh national Valikhan Koshumbayev.
Adding fuel to the fire, law enforcement recently raided the estate and uncovered illegal employment practices. Several migrant workers were found working without proper documentation, some subject to removal orders from French authorities. This revelation has further tarnished the reputation of the estate’s current owner and manager, Angela Sarsenova, who is married to a wealthy Kazakh businessman.
The case—centered on luxury, finances, and clandestine labor—has sent shockwaves through the usually discreet circles of the wine and social elite. The estate, long a symbol of Provençal grace and refinement, has unexpectedly found itself embroiled in a high-profile legal drama with international implications. Rumors swirl about the true nature of the business dealings behind the glamorous façade.
A Path Toward Renewal
Despite these tumultuous events and legal battles, Bertaud Belieu continues its production of exceptional wines. The rosés still flow, cultural events persist, and visitors continue to flock to what remains one of the jewels of Provence’s coastal landscape.
The new management has launched a comprehensive overhaul of the estate’s governance, creating a team composed of wine industry veterans and compliance specialists. Their mission is clear: restore transparency, uphold high standards of quality, and return to the core values that built the estate’s reputation.
The estate is also banking on its iconic image to recover and thrive anew. A subtle yet effective marketing campaign highlights the stunning scenery, premium cuvées, and collaborations with artists. The goal is to erase the shadows cast by recent controversies and focus instead on the luminous future of the estate.
Whether it’s in the private salons of Saint-Tropez or the international wine markets, Bertaud Belieu aims to reclaim its reputation for excellence, away from the recent scandals. The vineyards, after all, know no such scandal—only the slow, patient ripening that begins at dawn, even in darkness. In Provence, everything starts with a ray of sunshine, and even amid shadows, the grapes mature. A new chapter is beginning, and hope remains that the estate’s legacy of beauty, wine, and sophistication will endure.
