Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine

Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine traces its lineage to 1780, when Pascal Odoyer, a governor of Tavel, became one of the first winegrowers in the village. The family history continued through several generations until 1970, when Jean-Pierre Lafond established the modern estate. He constructed a dedicated cellar and named the property after the champion racehorse Roquepine, altering the spelling to create a more traditional Provençal title. In 1978, his son Pascal Lafond joined the operation and began the transition to bottling wines exclusively under the family name rather than selling to merchants. The winery is currently operated by Pascal’s sons, Jean-Baptiste and François Lafond, who continue the family succession.

The estate manages approximately 85 hectares of vineyards distributed across Tavel, Lirac, Côtes du Rhône, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These sites encompass a variety of geological formations, including sandy soils, clay, and the large river stones or galets common to the region. Following a move toward sustainable practices, the domaine began organic conversion in 2009 and achieved full certification in 2012. Winemaking involves the complete destemming of grapes to ensure soft tannins. The red wines undergo maceration for roughly eight to ten days, with the resulting wines aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels depending on the specific cuvée and appellation.

The winery is most frequently associated with its Tavel Rosé, which serves as a flagship and is noted for its structure and deep fruit profile. Beyond rosé, the portfolio features several Lirac bottlings, including the red La Ferme Romaine and a white blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier. Its Châteauneuf-du-Pape is produced in limited quantities from Grenache vines exceeding 60 years of age. The domaine is respected within the Southern Rhône for its ability to produce clean, expressive wines that reflect their specific terroirs while remaining accessible to a broad range of consumers.