Maison Meï
Benjamin Meï's Quest for Permaculture, Perfection, and Pleasure
Within greater Provence in southeastern France lies the subregion of Luberon, known for its Alpine-influenced Mediterranean climate, scenic landscapes, and charming villages. Although Luberon gained Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status in 1988, it has long remained in the shadow of Provence. However, it is finally gaining wider recognition—thanks in part to winemakers like Benjamin Meï, who has made it his mission to put Luberon on the map as a producer of authentic, fresh, and elegant wines for everyone.
Meï, a Provence native, discovered winemaking while studying agriculture. After an internship at Château de Fuissé in Bourgogne, he found his calling. He went on to complete studies in viticulture and enology in Bourgogne and honed his skills in Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Émilion, and Corbières, before making wine in Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. After achieving critical success abroad, Meï took a leap of faith in 2015 and returned to his roots in Provence. Together with his cousin Bernard Meï, they founded Provence Wine Maker and released their first cuvée—Rosé Infinie Rosé, AOP Côtes de Provence—to resounding acclaim. In 2019, they purchased their first estate, Domaine Saint Jean in Pertuis (AOP Luberon and IGP Méditerranée), and Maison Meï was born.
I first discovered Benjamin Meï through his winemaking in Chile. An importer in the U.S. had sent me samples for review, some of which were made by him. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself writing Meï’s biography and wine notes for his Provençal rosé while working for a former employer. After leaving that role in early 2024, I embarked on what became an 11-week spring and summer trip to Europe. When Meï learned I was there, he invited me to visit his two estates in Luberon during my last week in Europe.
Nestled in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, between the Luberon Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Domaine Saint Jean spans 35 hectares (86 acres) of Syrah, Vermentino, Grenache noir and blanc, Ugni blanc, Marselan, and Carignan. It is Level 3 HVE (High Environmental Value) certified, which means it is farmed authentically and sustainably, with a focus on water management, biodiversity (agroforestry), and soil health. Benjamin produces three estate cuvées—Domaine Saint Jean White, Rosé, and Red, AOP Luberon. The estate also produces olive oil.
In 2022, the Meïs acquired another nearby estate, Château La Gavède. Focal points of the property are its 60-year-old Clairette blanche vineyard and another of Grenache noir dating to 1972—both of which Benjamin has revived through permaculture. His approach includes organic and biodynamic farming, agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and regenerative hydrology. “Agroforestry and permaculture are not techniques—they are visions. Choices that promote biodiversity, regenerate soils, and create wines that tell a sustainable story,” said Meï. “Permaculture is cultivating in harmony with nature, respecting its cycles and balances. A sustainable method for living soils and authentic wines.”
The design and planting of the estates new vineyards along contour lines will help prevent soil erosion and preserve water, extending the vineyard’s life span.
The meticulously farmed Clairette blanc goes into a premium estate white cuvée, La Petite Gavède (95% Clairette blanc, 5% Grenache blanc). In the cellar, Benjamin uses sandstone jars as his winemaking vessels of choice. Since my visit, he has also made a sparkling, Château La Gavède Vin Effervescent Brut Nature, IGP Méditerranée.
Today, the Maison Meï portfolio includes a wide range of award-winning wines at various price points: Rosé Infinie, Red Infinite (AOP Côtes de Provence), Terra Luberon Rosé, a series of numbered IGP Méditerranée ‘Creations by Benjamin’ (red, white, and rosé), and the aforementioned Domaine Saint Jean and Château La Gavède estate cuvées. All are crafted to the highest agro-ecological standards, offering wine lovers “unforgettable moments of emotion and pleasure.”
For more information about Maison Meï, follow Benjamin’s winemaking adventures on Instagram. UK residents, you can find some of Benjamin’s wines at Naked Wines.
Maison Meï
Domaine Saint Jean S.A.S.
688 Chemin de Saint Jean
84120 Pertuis France
+33 (0)4 42 61 97 36
Contact Maison Meï