Winemaker Portrait #3 - Clos des Roses

By Axel, published on December 19, 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Clos des Roses: Taste life, savor the moment… La Dolce Vita, quite simply!

Imagine a magical place, nestled between the sea and the mountains, at the foot of the Esterel massif. A place bathed in sunshine and joie de vivre, where, for almost two decades, they have cultivated both vines and conviviality. The moment you pass through the majestic gates of Clos des Roses, the Barbero family takes you by the hand and says: "Breathe, taste, love!"

A passion that became a family refuge

It all started with Alex. This entrepreneur from the Var region, of Italian origin, active in the construction industry, harbored a long-held dream: to make wine. He realized it as a playful twist of fate in 2006, after spotting, tearing up, throwing away, and then retrieving an advertisement in the local newspaper! The estate for sale in Fréjus was struggling, but the site was breathtakingly beautiful. Alex embarked on this adventure, aiming to breathe new life into it and transform it into a precious haven, blending winemaking with deep family roots. He succeeded in just a few years. Under his guidance, Le Clos des Roses – named in homage to his Italian mother and his wife Myriam, a passionate rose enthusiast – became a place where characterful wines are produced and where the family legacy takes root. While Laurence Barbero, Alex's daughter, humbly insists she is not a winemaker, she has nonetheless been, since 2007, by her father's side, the heart and soul of the estate. She dedicates herself to it, bringing a modern and welcoming vision while preserving the family spirit.

Logan Potteau

An exceptional estate

Delicacy, purity and tradition: these are the words that define Clos des Roses.

Spaces that speak with elegance

Over the years, Clos des Roses has become a complete living space: vineyard, rose garden, chapel, beehives, swimming pool, rental units… But also a charming hotel, a gourmet restaurant, and even a wellness center! Every corner of the estate is enchanting: elegant interiors with golden stone blend seamlessly with the lush natural surroundings: umbrella pines, olive trees, the scents of the garrigue… Everything invites relaxation, disconnection, and even meditation! Each building has been designed to harmonize with the landscape, combining contemporary lines with respect for the original structure. The décor reflects the family's style: minimalist yet warm, featuring natural materials – stone, wood, leather – and touches of contemporary design. Works of art remind us that Laurence is herself a gallery owner; sculptural pendant lights and backlit display cases enhance the wine cellar and transform its contents into collector's items!

A family united by work and a shared vision

Here, all the family talents are expressed. The management of the "hospitality" division is handled by Enzo, Laurence's nephew. Passionate about gastronomy, he too is committed to ensuring the estate continues the family project, blending hospitality with the Italian/Provençal art of living: How can one love wine without loving food? "asks this epicurean!"

Pierre-Alexis, Laurence's son, graduated from the École Spéciale d'Architecture in Paris in 2018. Under his guidance, the estate will soon embark on a new chapter, reinforcing its upscale positioning and further enriching the visitor experience by combining wine tourism, wellness, and gastronomy. Plans include a hotel extension, the creation of approximately fifteen additional rooms, the development of a spa and an indoor pool, and an expanded restaurant. The interior design will naturally be entrusted to Carla, Enzo's sister and founder of "Maison Carla," who already lends her distinctive touch to the group's various establishments.

Within the family, bonds are strengthened, like tying the branches of a vine to keep it upright. Each person has found their place and, together, they are building a company in their own image: warm, demanding, and forward-looking; without denying the past.

Life in pink, against all odds!

Like everyone else, the Barbero family sometimes faces obstacles. They know how to transcend them, moving from tears to laughter, transforming memories into driving forces for the future, and always emerging stronger. This is evidenced by "Cuvée Papa," a vibrant tribute to Alex, who passed away in 2022. The wine dedicated to him is a Côtes de Provence AOP that embodies the soul of the estate and the memory of a visionary man. Made from Syrah and Carignan, the cuvée is distinguished by its aromatic depth, elegant structure, and generous palate. It is a wine of character, both powerful and refined, an affectionate nod to the father figure, highlighting the link between creation, emotion, and legacy.