A FAMILY STORY
Saint Cels is above all a family story… a wonderful adventure that we are delighted to see grow. We work, imagine and push boundaries together, sharing the same passion for wine. We are surrounded by a family of friends who support us throughout the year: friends, employees, customers, suppliers, oenologists…
The story began in 1970, when Henri Calas, the grandfather, decided to invest in an estate after years of working in the wine trade. He acquired Saint-Cels. He expanded the estate, but above all he planted Chardonnay and Syrah, grape varieties that were still rare in this terroir.
In 1993, his grandson Etienne took over. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he renewed the vineyard, planted extensively and focused primarily on growing the vines, entrusting the marketing of the wines to the major wine merchants of the Languedoc.
2017, we are writing a new chapter in this story. We are setting ourselves new challenges: converting to organic farming and developing a new range with the boldness of naivety and a passion for growing, breeding and developing. Etienne’s wife Marie has joined the team and wants to develop direct sales for the estate by exporting Saint Cels wines beyond our borders.
As a complementary duo, we invite you to come and share and taste our creations with each vintage. With each blend, we strive to make wines that reflect who we are and that we will enjoy talking about. Combining pleasure, indulgence and elegance is our guiding principle.
2023, the duo will become a quartet with the arrival of our sons Matthieu and Thomas on the estate. Make way for the young, new vintages and a new dynamic. The continuation of this beautiful story…
The world, encounters and sharing are an infinite source of motivation and pleasure.
A family story that continues…
Marie ROUANET
Commercialisation
After studying Biology (Montpellier), she completed her training with an International Business School (Montpellier Business School). She has worked for nearly 25 years in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry visiting her clients all over the world. In 2017, an awareness of her life priorities led her to leave the industry, follow a course and pass a MBA Wine and International Market (ISV – Montpellier) before joining the family vineyard. She wants to invest in the sales and marketing of our wines.
Etienne ROUANET
Vigneron Éleveur
After a degree in viticulture and wine (BTS Viti-Oeno – Montpellier), he completed his training with a business degree (IAE – Montpellier). Then, in 1993 he took over the domain. For him, as a passionate of Nature, “agroecology” is at the heart of his concerns with a well establish goal : revive the soil.
Matthieu, Baptiste ROUANET
Vigneron
He is somewhat of an adventurer in the family. He has been passionate about agricultural equipment since he was very young. Naturally, this led to an interest in vines and wine. After obtaining his master’s degree in commerce, he worked for three years in mass retail before deciding to spend two years in the Australian vineyards. Matthieu is also the technical and thoughtful side of this duo.
Thomas, Léon ROUANET
Commercial France
He is somewhat of a businessman in the family. Always bursting with ideas, he quickly became interested in entrepreneurship. After graduating from business school, he pursued a master’s degree in real estate development, working in the field for two years. The effects of the economic crisis on the sector eventually prompted him to join the family business. He discovered wine and learned quickly.
Étienne is one of those people who thrive on daydreams and fantasies that only passion can offer. Marie, a woman of conviction, knows how to listen and follow her instincts. Matthieu and Thomas, both strong-willed, breathe new life into the estate, pushing boundaries and leading it into a new era. Together, this quartet finds its footing to play you the most beautiful score with each vintage.