Pierre Gattaz, Summer Festivities at the Château de Sannes

by Sophia Lafaye
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Pierre Gattaz embodies a certain vision of French business leadership. As president of Medef from 2013 to 2018, president of the Business Europe lobby until 2022, and CEO of Radiall, he is entrepreneurial, creative, and attentive—successfully taking on one challenge after another. In 2017, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by acquiring and restoring the Château de Sannes. Through this venture, he celebrates French heritage in a unique way. Indeed, the estate, established in 1603, bears traces of Celtic and Roman archaeology and is nestled in the heart of the Luberon. Spanning 73 hectares, it includes a 35-hectare vineyard that had fallen into disrepair. Pierre Gattaz decided to breathe new life into the estate. He combined his winemaking expertise with the guidance of Jean-Robert Pitte, a seasoned geographer, to refine his approach. In 2018, a vineyard restructuring plan was adopted, and a new winery was inaugurated in 2020. This transformation was marked by the attainment of organic certification in 2020. The quality was quickly recognized by industry professionals, sommeliers, wine merchants, and chefs. Today, the three wine styles—white, rosé, and red—are featured at the finest French and international restaurants. Pierre Sang and Guy Savoy were among the first to champion the estate.

Pierre Gattaz wanted to take the challenge a step further and showcase the Luberon in all its glory—both as a wine tourism destination and a cultural hub. To that end, he organizes exhibitions on the estate. Currently, and through August 22, the exhibition *L’Ordre Magnétique—La Géométrie Rencontre l’Invisible* (The Magnetic Order: Geometry Meets the Invisible) spotlights two artists, François Noel and Eric Decastro.

Lectures on local history and culture enliven daily life, such as this event on July 23 at 7 p.m. featuring Luc Ebbo, a paleontologist and fossil hunter for the past 40 years, who will explain the rich history of this region.

Since 2023, the Passions en Lubéron Festival has been celebrating the Lubéron AOP and local crafts with a forward-looking perspective. Set within a regional nature park, the Lubéron identity is celebrated in a premium setting. The Association des Amis de Sannes—an organization bringing together winemakers, chefs, sommeliers, producers, artists, entrepreneurs, private partners, and institutions—presides over the event. The festival has received the endorsement of the Ministry of Culture and features a variety of captivating activities. Starting at 10 a.m., the public can explore the venue and browse the farmers’ market, which features about twenty winemakers. At 11 a.m., the Tech Talks will begin, focusing on emerging challenges. Starting at 12 p.m., food trucks will showcase local flavors. From 1:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., attendees can treat their taste buds to master classes led by renowned sommeliers such as Philippe Faure-Brac, Gaëtan Bouvier, Ivan Mandelli, Marie Wodecki, and seasoned experts (Jean-Robert Pitte, Périco Légasse, and Thierry Desseauve). Starting at 7:30 p.m., a cocktail reception will begin, followed by a concert at 8:00 p.m.

For connoisseurs, a gourmet gala dinner will be held at the château. It will be orchestrated by Michelin-starred chef Eric Sapet. A special, subtle concert will round out the evening.

Find out more at https://www.passion-luberon.com/#programme.

Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)

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