George and Amal Clooney have a gorgeous new home in Provence

George and Amal Clooney purchased the Domaine du Canadel estate near the commune of Brignoles in France for around 7 million euros. The 172 hectare, 18th century estate includes a pool, olive groves, a large garden, tennis courts, and 25-acres vineyards. They purchased the estate from Richard and Diana Wiesener, an Australian couple living in Monaco. It has been renovated over the years. 

The mayor of Brignoles welcomed them to town himself via Twitter on July 23 with a photo of himself and the couple. “It’s now official. George and Amal Clooney are residents of our beautiful commune.”

The Clooneys aren’t the only famous couple in the area. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and the Perrin winemaking family co-own Château Miraval about a half an hour away. George Lucas owns Château Margui twenty miles down the road. 

While the Clooneys have not expressed interest in starting a winemaking program and insist they purchased it for relaxation after a year in quarantine together, Provence is of course one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. The area sits along the Mediterranean coast, bordered by the Rhone River and the Côte d’Azur. It is perhaps most famous for making some of the best rosés, but it is also known for red blends, Semillon, and other varietals.

"I don't know if he's going to exploit the vineyard," Eric Lambert, president of AOC Coteaux Varois wine syndicate told Wine Enthusiast. "Up until now, the production from Domaine du Canadel goes to the Brignoles Cooperative. But in buying in our region, he'll certainly become a new ambassador for the AOC."

Clooney did start tequila brand Casamigos with partners Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. It sold in 2017 for $1 billion.

The Brignoles region has been popular with wealthy buyers hoping to find a “lifestyle” property where they can run a vineyard without the need to make a profit. Other recent buyers, such as Château Cos d’Estournel owner Michel Reybier, are winemakers hoping to attract investors.