The Antremond project by Rhonéa Vignobles
Biodiversity supporting sustainable vineyards
Located in Beaumes-de-Venise and facing Notre Dame d’Aubune chapel, the Antremond site spans a 10-hectare vineyard recently acquired by our SCIC ‘Rhonéa Vignobles’. This single-block vineyard is bordered by a protected forest on two sides and an old wall in need of restoration on a third.
On the fourth side, Marion Desoutter, Environmental Certification Manager, and Thierry Sansot, Director of Vine and Wine and Head of Operations for Rhonéa Vignobles, have launched an ambitious biodiversity initiative. In partnership with the association “Children and Trees”, the CIVAM PACA (a local agricultural development center), and the “Jacques Prévert” public school in Beaumes-de-Venise, the team planted 265 meters of trees on November 25, 2024.
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A hedge that connects and educates for the future
The planting brought together 21 schoolchildren (aged 9-11) from Beaumes-de-Venise, who first met two of our winegrowers, Claire Americo and Jean-Christophe Sculfort, to interview them. Together, they illustrated the vine’s growth cycle, highlighting the rhythm of a winegrower’s work throughout the seasons.
During this session, the children engaged with the soils of our terroir firsthand. On planting day, each sapling was carefully labeled to facilitate knowledge sharing.
Marion used the occasion to educate the children about sustainable agriculture through workshops explaining the ecosystem each cooperative winegrower strives to protect. This fragile ecosystem, organized by humans to meet their needs, relies on maintaining biodiversity above and below ground, encompassing both plant and animal life.
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A technical and sustainable project
Technically, the project was developed with the help of Florian Carlet, technician at CIVAM PACA. Eleven tree species were chosen to suit the sandy, loamy soils with minimal stones. The resulting hedge will remain low (3-4 meters) with a narrow footprint to accommodate vineyard machinery.
After preparing the soil, 265 saplings were planted, spaced one meter apart, mulched with hemp, and protected by metal guards supported by wooden stakes. The goals? Minimize weeds and prevent damage from hares!
Why a hedge ?
Biodiversity supporting our land
Believing that healthy soils are key to sustainability, we see biodiversity as an ally in managing our parcels and preserving our soils.
In the years ahead, this hedge will naturally fortify the embankment, reduce erosion, shield the vines from sunburn, mitigate the effects of the ‘Foehn’ (a local hot, dry wind), and improve the soil’s water retention. With this addition, the Antremond vineyard will be fully enclosed, allowing a special cuvée by our winegrowers to bear the prestigious name “Clos d’Antremond.”
A project with wide-reaching impacts
The Antremond project reflects the three pillars of our sustainable development approach, certified by the “Vignerons Engagés” label:
- Social value: like the tree that fosters underground networks and exchanges, this project encourages connections and new relationships.
- Environmental value: demonstrating that human impacts on nature can be positive and restorative, contributing to halting hedge destruction and supporting the carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
- Economic value: generating direct economic activity with external stakeholders and indirect internal benefits by highlighting the Cooperative’s dynamism and values.
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A forward-looking vision for our vinetards and beyond
This initial planting is just the beginning, paving the way for more hedgerows in the coming years and a gradual diversification vision.
Our ambition? To inspire other vineyards to undertake similar initiatives, promoting Rhonéa’s values in showcasing terroirs and supporting the sustainability of winegrowing operations.
Rhonéa and “Children & Trees” association share a common goal: to protect and pass on. Together, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable, vibrant vineyards, where every action—tree planting, educating children, preserving the land—contributes to building a responsible future for our region.