The wine estate
Back to the origins
Between the 5th and the 6th century
Monks planted vines in the vast natural salt marshes, creating what was called the "Fief." This wine quickly acquired a solid reputation, both among local sailors and passing travelers.
Saint-Nicolas (now part of Brem-sur-Mer) then became a renowned trading port, particularly among the Dutch. A flourishing trade was established, with the export of Brem wine to the Netherlands.
Historic Church of Saint Nicholas in Brem
Cardinal Richelieu
During the 16th century, Cardinal Richelieu, Bishop of Luçon and landowner in the region, supported local viticulture by donating his vineyards to the Church. This generosity enabled farmers to produce local wines, although they continued to suffer from the Vendée's geographical isolation.
Portrait du Cardinal Richelieu
The introduction of resistant grape varieties
From 1875 onwards, Phylloxera, a parasitic aphid that ravaged the vineyards for over two decades. Producers resisted with determination, and in 1897, they began a transition by introducing new, adapted grape varieties, such as Grolleau Gris in Brem, to renew and diversify their production.
Grolleau Gris
AOP Fiefs Vendéens
After World War II, a few enterprising winemakers eagerly revived the production of Brem-sur-Mer wines, seeking to restore their legendary reputation.
In 1953, under the name Fiefs du Cardinal, in reference to Richelieu, they began a veritable battle to promote their expertise in quality. Then, in 1965, the vineyard adopted the name Fiefs Vendéens. The excellence and unique identity of this terroir reached their peak in 2011, with the granting of AOC status, symbolizing the recognition of the uniqueness and quality of Vendée wines.
Map of the five Vendée fiefdoms: Brem, Chantonnay, Mareuil, Vix and Pissotte.
The Michon Family
In 1960, Patrice Michon settled in Brem-sur-Mer on a few hectares of vineyards belonging to his father. Twenty-five years later, on the Île d'Olonne, he built a modern winery dedicated to winemaking.
In the 1980s, Patrice was joined by his two sons, Éric and Thierry. Together, they decided to move their winery to Les Clous and acquire new land, recognizing the unique potential of the Olonnes terroir. They began with a few hectares of vines and, over the years, expanded their estate by acquiring other plots near Brétignolle-sur-Mer.
Map of the five Vendée fiefdoms: Brem, Chantonnay, Mareuil, Vix and Pissotte.
Portrait of Patrice Michon
Michon and son
Between the 5th and 6th centuries, monks planted vines in the vastness of the natural salt marshes. Saint-Nicolas (Brem-sur-Mer) was a trading port, known especially to the Dutch, who came to buy Brem wine and ship it back to Holland.
A few centuries later, Cardinal Richelieu donated the vines he had acquired to the church of Luçon, and returned them to the peasants. Even if his gift made it possible to cultivate local wines, they unfortunately still suffered from the isolation of the Vendée. After the Second World War, led by a few enterprising winegrowers, the wines of Brem-sur-Mer gradually regained their legendary status.
In 1960, Patrice Michon settled in Brem-sur-mer on a few hectares of vines belonging to his father. In the 80s, Patrice was joined by his two sons, Eric and Thierry. They will then relocate their winery to L'Ile d'Olonne and buy land to plant their vines, seeing the potential of the Olonnes terroir. They started with a few hectares and over the years acquired other plots.
In 2013, Antoine decided to join the family estate and joined forces with his father. He is participating in the project of a new, more functional cellar.
Thierry et Antoine Michon
A shop...
Since 2020, a new boutique has opened in the heart of Brem-sur-Mer, facing Parc des Genêts. This warm and modern space reflects the estate's identity, combining tradition and innovation. Designed as a friendly space, Pascale welcomes each visitor with a smile, valuable advice, and a selection of iconic local products from the Vendée region, perfect for pairing with our wines.
Brem-Sur-Mer Shop
The domain in a few dates:
1960: Installation of Patrice Michon on a few acres of vines in Brem sur Mer.
1984: Patrice Michon is joined by his two sons Eric and Thierry.
1985: Construction of a modern wine cellar on Ile d’Olonne.
Vignoble Michon becomes Domaine Saint Nicolas.
1995: Certification in organic and Biodynamic viticulture across the entire estate by the A.B., Demeter, Biodyvin and Ecocert labels.
2011: The Vendée strongholds of Brem become Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée.
2015 : Construction of the “Les Clous” winery in the heart of the vines for the vinification of white and rosé wines.
2020: New boutique inaugurated in the heart of Brem-sur-Mer facing the Parc des Genêts with a new atmosphere in a peaceful and friendly spirit.