Foundation of the first buildings Début du Ier siècle (période augustéenne) (≈ 104)
Construction begins on 10,000 m2.
Fin du IIe siècle
Major site changes
Major site changes Fin du IIe siècle (≈ 295)
Transformation of existing infrastructure.
16 février 1994
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 16 février 1994 (≈ 1994)
Floating protection and presses.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Parcel Z 218 containing the flask and presses of the winery: classification by order of 16 February 1994
Key figures
Information non disponible - No characters cited in the sources
The texts do not mention any names.
Origin and history
The villa of the Molard, located south of Donzère in the Drôme, is the largest winery known in Roman antiquity. Dating from the Augustean period (early 1st century), it extended over 10,000 m2 and was profoundly altered at the end of the 2nd century. This estate, active between 50 and 80 C.E., produced about 2,500 hectolitres of wine annually, thanks to 300 hectares of vines cultivated by 150 slaves.
The villa housed a 70 × 15 metres warehouse containing 204 dolia (large storage containers) with a total capacity of 1.2 hectolitres each. Two 18.5 m2 flasks and two presses completed the equipment, illustrating industrialised wine production. The remains, including the fern and presses, have been classified as historical monuments since 16 February 1994.
Strategically located 15 km from Augusta Tricastinorum (Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux) and close to the Rhône, the Molard villa was a major export hub. His wine was probably transported by river, as evidenced by the Colonzelle stele (I century) representing the loading of barrels on a ship. This site reflects the economic development of the Roman Narbonnaise, linked to the production of amphores and the wine trade.
The excavations and studies, particularly those cited in Ancient viticulture in the Tricastin, underline its key role in the regional economy. The proximity of the Rhône facilitated exports to other regions of the Empire, making this villa a central player in the Gallo-Roman wine market.
Today, the plot containing the flask and presses remains protected, offering an exceptional testimony of the agricultural and commercial techniques of the time. Research, such as that of Jacqueline Ponton or Damien Seris, continues to shed light on its history and its impact on ancient viticulture.
