Bonpas
Nestled near Avignon in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Bonpas is a living testament to centuries of heritage and winemaking tradition. Founded in 1318, the Bonpas Charterhouse is perched above the Durance River, its name derived from the Latin bonus passus, meaning "safe crossing point"—a tribute to its historic role as a vital passage on the ancient route between Rome and Avignon.
Originally built in the 12th century by the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, this fortified monastery became a sanctuary for the Carthusian monks under Pope John XXII. Their enduring motto, “Stat crux dum volvitur orbis” (“The cross is steady while the world is turning”), inspires the Bonpas philosophy: “The wine is steady while the world is turning.”
Today, Bonpas wines are the gateway to the southern Côtes-du-Rhône, inviting wine lovers to explore the region’s remarkable terroirs. Each cuvée tells a story from Bonpas’ rich history, illustrated by unique engravings that celebrate the Rhône Valley’s legacy. The Bonpas coat of arms—uniting Carthusian symbols and the historic Charterhouse seal—is proudly embossed on every bottle, a mark of its timeless identity.
Bonpas wines capture the essence of the Rhône Valley with sophistication and warmth, offering a harmony of rich fruit, generosity, and elegance. Each sip reveals the soul of a region where history and craftsmanship converge.
Location of Vineyard
From the very beginning, Bonpas has been devoted to celebrating the soul of black Grenache. At the heart of every blend lies this cherished varietal, complemented by the timeless Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and other historic grapes of the Rhône Valley.
For over 25 years, Bonpas has partnered with carefully selected vineyards, each meticulously nurtured under the watchful eye of our dedicated winemaker, Jean-Luc Durand. For him, Grenache is a grape that perfects itself with age, achieving a natural harmony as vines mature. That’s why Bonpas treasures vineyards with vines at least 25 years old, where time lends depth and balance to every harvest.
Bonpas wines are born from the union of Grenache Noir and the unique terroir of ancient “galets”—smooth, sun-kissed cobblestones that imbue the grapes with their signature character. Together, they craft wines of ideal tannic balance and aromatic richness, embodying a style that is spicy, juicy, and intensely velvety. Each sip tells the story of tradition, passion, and the timeless beauty of the Rhône Valley.
Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy
Bonpas upholds the traditions of Rhône winemaking, blending various grape varieties to create exceptional wines. Their process begins with physical extractions through devatting and pumping over, followed by the classic Rhône technique of submerging the pomace cap at the end of fermentation. This gentle infusion at 28°C preserves the rich aromas of stewed red fruit while imparting velvety tannins and a round, luxurious texture. The result is a wine with impressive depth and a long-lasting finish. After a few months of aging in tank, the wine’s complexity is further refined.
Bonpas wines are characterized by their roundness and aromatic complexity—an elegant balance that is carefully nurtured every day, giving each cuvée its distinctive identity.
Brand Materials
Winery Profile
Bonpas
Nestled near Avignon in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Bonpas is a living testament to centuries of heritage and winemaking tradition. Founded in 1318, the Bonpas Charterhouse is perched above the Durance River, its name derived from the Latin bonus passus, meaning "safe crossing point"—a tribute to its historic role as a vital passage on the ancient route between Rome and Avignon.
Originally built in the 12th century by the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, this fortified monastery became a sanctuary for the Carthusian monks under Pope John XXII. Their enduring motto, “Stat crux dum volvitur orbis” (“The cross is steady while the world is turning”), inspires the Bonpas philosophy: “The wine is steady while the world is turning.”
Today, Bonpas wines are the gateway to the southern Côtes-du-Rhône, inviting wine lovers to explore the region’s remarkable terroirs. Each cuvée tells a story from Bonpas’ rich history, illustrated by unique engravings that celebrate the Rhône Valley’s legacy. The Bonpas coat of arms—uniting Carthusian symbols and the historic Charterhouse seal—is proudly embossed on every bottle, a mark of its timeless identity.
Bonpas wines capture the essence of the Rhône Valley with sophistication and warmth, offering a harmony of rich fruit, generosity, and elegance. Each sip reveals the soul of a region where history and craftsmanship converge.
Location of Vineyard
From the very beginning, Bonpas has been devoted to celebrating the soul of black Grenache. At the heart of every blend lies this cherished varietal, complemented by the timeless Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and other historic grapes of the Rhône Valley.
For over 25 years, Bonpas has partnered with carefully selected vineyards, each meticulously nurtured under the watchful eye of our dedicated winemaker, Jean-Luc Durand. For him, Grenache is a grape that perfects itself with age, achieving a natural harmony as vines mature. That’s why Bonpas treasures vineyards with vines at least 25 years old, where time lends depth and balance to every harvest.
Bonpas wines are born from the union of Grenache Noir and the unique terroir of ancient “galets”—smooth, sun-kissed cobblestones that imbue the grapes with their signature character. Together, they craft wines of ideal tannic balance and aromatic richness, embodying a style that is spicy, juicy, and intensely velvety. Each sip tells the story of tradition, passion, and the timeless beauty of the Rhône Valley.
Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy
Bonpas upholds the traditions of Rhône winemaking, blending various grape varieties to create exceptional wines. Their process begins with physical extractions through devatting and pumping over, followed by the classic Rhône technique of submerging the pomace cap at the end of fermentation. This gentle infusion at 28°C preserves the rich aromas of stewed red fruit while imparting velvety tannins and a round, luxurious texture. The result is a wine with impressive depth and a long-lasting finish. After a few months of aging in tank, the wine’s complexity is further refined.
Bonpas wines are characterized by their roundness and aromatic complexity—an elegant balance that is carefully nurtured every day, giving each cuvée its distinctive identity.
