Via Caritatis
A 700-year-old tradition of excellence
In 1309, nestled in the foothills of Mont Ventoux in the Southern Rhône, France, Pope Clement V planted the inaugural papal vineyard—now renowned as Via Caritatis. Beyond mere vines, it marked the genesis of a winemaking legacy fueled by a spirit of charity. Today, over 700 years later, that same spirit of mutual service, generosity, and sharing continues to inspire our community of monks and nuns from the Benedictine Abbey of Le Barroux in their craft. The outcome? Some of France's most exquisite wines, steeped in history and crafted with devotion.
St. Benedict is Born
In 480, St. Benedict is born, inaugurating a spirit of hard work that infuses the monastic life of future Benedictines as they plant vineyards in the centuries that follow.
A Papal Vineyard is Planted
In 1305, Pope Clement V moves to Provence and plants the first papal vineyard in the foothills of Mount Ventoux in 1309.
A Legacy Renewed
The winegrowers in Mont Ventoux formally establish a winery on the same location of the papal vineyard on March 24, 1929.
Benedictines Return
677 years after the papal vineyard’s planting, the Ventoux winegrowers welcome the Benedictine monks of St. Madeleine back to work in the Mont Ventoux winery.
Terraces are Restored
The Ventoux winegrowers restore the old terraces, some of which were from 400-500 A.D, and create exceptional vineyards, cultivated according to specifications previously unheard of in Provence.
A Partnership for Excellence
In 2011, the monks consult with leading winegrowing experts to formulate plans to modernize their growing methods while observing guidelines for organic agriculture, enabling them to present a broader range of wines.
New Terraces are Built
The winegrowers begin to implement the new growing methods and plant an assortment of terraces, improving the quality of the wines produced.
Via Caritatis is Born
Following a bountiful harvest in 2015, the monks, nuns, and local winegrowers of the region cement their partnership with winegrowing experts under a shared name: Via Caritatis.
Via Caritatis Ships to the USA
Via Caritatis is made available in the USA for the first time, courtesy of Earth Labora.
Via Caritatis Wines
The Benedictines in Action
Watch the video below to learn more about Via Caritatis and the Benedictines carrying on the tradition.
