Philippe & Nathalie Gard – Coume del Mas, Collioure: Mavericks of Roussillon Winemaking

Coume del Mas ignited a movement.

Today, the winery boasts 35 wines, 4 brands, and 3 corporations that have inspired a generation of winemakers. But the true essence of this story goes beyond networks and numbers – it’s about a passionate collective of creative visionaries. Collioure, with its idyllic setting, feels like the perfect home for this group of mavericks.

The winemaking team at Coume del Mas enjoying a harvest lunch in the winery, raising glasses in celebration.

Take a seat, perhaps with a glass of wine, and indulge in a little art history.

The Heart of Collioure: A Land of Light and Inspiration

Nestled south of Perpignan, where the Pyrenees meet the sea, Collioure is a coastal gem where cliffs, hilltop forts, and sandy bays create a stunning landscape. The region's east-facing coastline bathes in unique light that has attracted artists for over a century. 

Stunning view of the Collioure coastline at sunset, with the golden light reflecting off the sea and cliffs.

In 1905, Matisse arrived in Collioure, down on his luck but seeking inspiration for his style. After phylloxera ravaged the local wine trade, Collioure offered affordable accommodations, beautiful light, and a struggling anchovy business. The vibrant colors of the region lifted his spirits, and he, along with his friend Derain, produced artwork that would later define the Fauvist movement. Picasso, Miro, and Dalí followed, captivated by the same luminous light that still enchants artists, poets, and architects today. 

Henri Matisse's iconic Fauvist painting, ‘Bonheur de Vivre,’ inspired by the vibrant colors and light of Collioure.

This magical environment also inspired a new tribe of winemakers in the Roussillon amphitheater. At the center of this movement stands Coume del Mas, embodying the rebellious spirit that has come to define the region.

The Coume del Mas winery nestled in the hills of Collioure, with a panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountains.

Philippe & Nathalie Gard: Visionaries Behind Coume del Mas

In 2001, Philippe and Nathalie Gard settled in Roussillon, founding Coume del Mas. Their journey began with a shared commitment to organic principles and a passion for the land. Joined by Englishman Andy Cook in 2005 and Julian Grill in 2006, they nurtured their vineyards, crafting exceptional wines from their 35 plots, which cover 12 hectares of diverse terroir.

The uniqueness of Coume del Mas lies in the diversity of its terroirs. Some parcels, cooled by sea air on high terraces, contrast with others further inland, where ancient vines in schist soil yield wines with beautiful minerality. The same natural elements that inspired Matisse’s color palette now shape the flavors of the wines.

Sunlight filtering through the clouds over the dry, rugged vines in the Collioure vineyard, with the Pyrenees mountains in the background.

Handcrafted Wines from Challenging Terrain

The steep terraces of Coume del Mas are impossible to mechanize, which means every vine is cared for by hand. From the start, the Domaine adhered to organic principles, achieving level 3 certification. The vineyard's distinctive geography allows for the cultivation of 100-year-old Grenache Noir, often the star of the wine lineup, as well as Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, all grown in their own individual plots.

The terroir-driven wines of Coume del Mas exhibit a signature minerality across the board. Each plot is vinified separately, and the blending process – the final stage of winemaking – is a pivotal moment of truth, resulting in wines with unique personalities.

Winemaker carrying a harvest bag down a rugged, terraced vineyard in Collioure, Roussillon.


A close-up of the unique schist soil in the vineyards of Coume del Mas, showing the ancient vines rooted in the rocky terrain.

A New Wave of Winemakers Inspired by Coume del Mas

Coume del Mas’ success has inspired a new wave of experimental vignerons in the region, including Richard Bray (Cathartic Wines), Léah Anglès (Divay), and Miguel from ChanChan Collectif. These winemakers, drawn to the region’s affordable land, ancient vines, and diverse terroir, are continuing the legacy of innovation and inspiration that Philippe and Nathalie helped establish.

Explore Coume del Mas Wines:

Experience the unique wines from Coume del Mas, crafted with passion and precision in the stunning Roussillon region. Each wine showcases the rich, complex terroir of Collioure.