Château de Crémat

Château de Crémat is a historic wine estate and event venue located on a hill in Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. Constructed in 1906 by wine merchant Antoine Mari, the château was built atop ancient Roman galleries that once served for oil and wine production, which were repurposed as the estate's cellars. The estate is part of the Bellet wine appellation (AOC), one of the smallest and most distinctive wine regions in Provence, and cultivates a singular vineyard between sea and mountains on the Côte d'Azur. The property has changed hands several times, each owner contributing to its legacy. In 1923, it was acquired by Irène Bretz, a wealthy American railroad shareholder, who undertook extensive renovations under the Dalmas architecture firm. During her ownership, the château became a hub for Côte d'Azur high society, and it is said that Coco Chanel, a frequent guest, drew inspiration from the château's intertwined double-C initials for the iconic Chanel logo. In 1941, owner Pierre Thomé worked with other estates to secure the AOC status for Bellet wines. Subsequent owners include Charles Bagnis (1980), Jean-Pierre Pisoni (1995), and Cornelis Kamerbeek (2001), who expanded and modernized the cellars. In 2017, after a period of judicial liquidation, the estate was purchased by Nice entrepreneur Daniel Derichebourg. Today, Château de Crémat operates as both a working vineyard and a prestigious event venue. It produces white wines primarily from Rolle (Vermentino) and Chardonnay, and red wines from Folle Noire and Grenache. The estate offers guided visits, wine workshops, and hosts corporate seminars, weddings, and gala dinners in its historic setting. Its official website emphasizes its unique vineyard and the range of experiences it offers, from wine tastings to private events. The château remains a symbol of Niçoise winemaking heritage and a sought-after location for elegant gatherings.

The history of vine cultivation on the lands of Château de Crémat dates back to the Roman Empire, when a legion settled at the site known as Li Plana di Mari, cultivating olive trees and vines. In 1906, Antoine Mari, a wine merchant, built the château atop the ancient Roman underground galleries that had been used for oil and wine storage; these galleries became the estate's cellars. The château was constructed in a medieval style, featuring a prominent machicolated tower and rococo ornaments. In 1923, the estate was acquired by Irène Bretz, a wealthy American shareholder in a major railroad company. She undertook extensive interior and exterior renovations under the direction of the Dalmas architecture firm, known for building grand Belle Époque hotels such as the Carlton in Cannes. These changes preserved the château's overall appearance, including its proud keep. Madame Bretz, who also owned the legendary Negresco hotel, hosted many celebrities of the Côte d'Azur. Among her frequent guests was Coco Chanel, and it is said that Chanel drew inspiration from the château's intertwined double-C initials to create the logo of her fashion house. In 1941, Pierre Thomé, then owner of the château, worked alongside other estates to obtain the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for Bellet wines. In 1980, Charles Bagnis purchased Crémat, during a peak period for the Bellet vineyard and wine. However, he had to sell the château in the mid-1990s. After passing through the hands of Pierre Thomé and the Bagnis family after World War II, the somewhat neglected estate became the property of Nice advertising executive Jean-Pierre Pisoni in 1995. He aimed to host seminars, meetings, congresses, and prestigious receptions, and undertook a luxurious renovation. While perpetuating the winemaking fame of the place, Pisoni maintained the house motto: "We do not want to be the greatest, we want to be the best." In 2001, the château was acquired by Cornelis Kamerbeek, a Dutch lover of Bellet wine. His goal was to restore the estate's historic size of 25 hectares, a program realized through the enlargement and modernization of the cellars, the installation of new sales and tasting rooms, and particular attention to the vineyard. In 2017, the estate was placed in judicial liquidation and purchased by Nice entrepreneur Daniel Derichebourg. Today, Château de Crémat continues to produce Bellet AOC wines and operates as a venue for corporate events, weddings, and cultural activities, including an art gallery.

• 2017

  The estate is placed in judicial liquidation and bought by Daniel Derichebourg.

• 2001

  Cornelis Kamerbeek acquires the château and expands the vineyard.

• 1995

  Jean-Pierre Pisoni acquires the estate and renovates it for events.

• 1980

  Charles Bagnis purchases Crémat.

• 1941

  Pierre Thomé works to obtain AOC for Bellet wines.

• 1923

  Irène Bretz acquires the estate and renovates it.

• 1906

  Antoine Mari builds the château on Roman galleries.

Premium boutique winery and prestigious event venue in the Bellet AOC, combining historic charm with modern hospitality.

• Bellet AOC white wine

  Made primarily from Rolle and Chardonnay.

• Bellet AOC red wine

  Made from Folle Noire and Grenache.

• Bellet AOC rosé wine

  Rosé wine from the estate.

1. 1HOMEPAGE - Chateau de Crematchateaucremat.com
2. 2Corporate Events - Chateau de Crematchateaucremat.com
3. 3Château de Crémat - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Château de Crémat - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org