The acclaimed British film director talks exclusively to The Connexion about his Vaucluse home, the wine he makes there and how French history has inspired his work
Sir Ridley Scott at his Mas des Infermières estate in Oppède, VaucluseSylvain Humbert
Born on November 30, 1937, in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England, Sir Ridley Scott studied art and design at West Hartlepool College of Art and London’s Royal College of Art (in 2015, the latter awarded him an honorary doctorate).
After graduating, he worked in television as a director and designer, then moved into advertising as a director of commercials.
Several of his films have been set in France.
“I had opened a Paris production office many years ago (now, sadly, long gone), and created several commercials for Chanel among other great French brands,” he told The Connexion.
“I experienced a lot of the vibrant Parisian culture of the day.”
The experience went on to inspire many films including his first, The Duellists, a Napoleonic tale that ultimately won a prize at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival.
It was only years later, however, that he decided to buy a property in France.
‘Gem’ of a property
He purchased the 11-hectare Mas des Infermières estate in Oppède, Vaucluse in 1992. It now includes an award-winning wine business and evolving exhibition of artefacts and costumes from his many films.
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Visitors can rub shoulders with martians, gladiators and Napoleon, and even stay in one of three luxurious guest houses, in which the décor has been overseen, like everything on the estate, by the owner himself.
One of the guesthouses at Scott's Mas des Infermières estateSylvain Humbert
“I had a small farm and manor house in the Cotswolds for ten years and loved it, but it rained constantly and so, eventually, we parted company.
“Ten years later, I realised I missed the country life and began the search for a holiday house that had guaranteed sunshine and a certain way of life. Provence beckoned!”
His decision to purchase Le Mas was an easy one, he said.
“One day, I arrived in Oppède. It was spring and the sun was shining. I made the decision on the spot. The house was a gem and not too big, with 11 hectares of newly planted vines from new California roots.
“I had no plans to be a vintner; that crept up on me little by little. It is a very restful place and helps me recharge on the occasions I can break away from my career and the competition that comes with it.
“But wine production is competitive too. I like the challenge.”
The estate has a rich heritage. Before the 19th Century, the surrounding region, the ‘Comtat Venaissin’, belonged to the papacy and, at that time, Le Mas was a place of healing, probably run by Italian nuns.
The first official mention of Le Mas des Infermières appeared on the land register of Napoleon in 1831. At that point, the estate belonged to General Baron Robert, a general and surgeon (or officier de santé) in Napoleon’s army.
Scott himself has a keen interest in history, although he freely admits “it was not an early enthusiasm”.
He explained: “At school, I achieved only one GCE. I have framed my school report card from my final year, which shows my position in class: I came 32 out of 32!
The director has a passion for history, which stemmed from his love of cinemaOSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES/Shutterstock
“My interest in history came from the cinema – Errol Flynn – but the best stories are historical and can be adapted to any genre.
“My first feature film was based on a Joseph Conrad novella [The Duel], set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic era and a time of uncertainty in France. It’s a story of lethal passion and perhaps reflects French history and culture.”
He studied at the Royal College of Art in London and still paints most days while at Le Mas.
“My visits can be quite random, but I do get to see the different seasons. When I arrive, I feel I am instantly on holiday; a feeling of relaxation and a brief respite from the high intensity of my life in Los Angeles. I love to paint and I can resume a canvas or two left unfinished.
“I find it interesting that so many artists were drawn to this part of the world – Cocteau, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse and others.
“It must have been the light and near-perfect sunshine away from the drizzle of Paris. I imagine the style of life, simple but full.”
More than anything, he said, it is the “silence and peace” of this corner of Provence that appeals.
“The effect is very beneficial and stimulates my creativity, whether it’s on canvas, in consideration of future projects or creating the legacy of a great Luberon wine.”
Wine philosophy
In terms of the latter, the philosophy is simple: a respect for biodiversity.
The estate’s website promises: “We care about the earth and the vines, so we use a cutting-edge geographical information system to optimise all the treatments in the vineyard, reduce our carbon footprint, and minimise the use of any chemical and even organic products.
“The protection and development of the estate’s bee population is also at the heart of our environmental approach.”
Scott enjoys the hard work that comes with owning a vineyardEmmanuel Perrin
This all takes hard work, but Scott insists the effort is enjoyable.
“I don't have sleepless nights or stress from my work. Or at least, I enjoy that aspect of ‘stress’. It becomes the drive. I got over that years ago when I realised that I knew what I was doing. I just really enjoy the hard work, and the outdoor work here.
“The wine cave is more than a hobby and a passion. We recognise the benefit of establishing a genuine and authentic vineyard not just for my family but for this beautiful region.”
He has a loyal team of staff including Mélanie De Rudder, who was in the wine business for 25 years before coming to Le Mas as sales manager.
“Sir Ridley is a rapid decision maker,” she said.
“For instance, when we originally discussed the idea of an exhibition, I thought it might take time to sort out. Then, we received a huge box containing the costumes from his 2015 film The Martian.
“At first, we put one on display but now we have a row of them at the entrance to the wine cellar. A Napoleon exhibit has recently been made in the wine tasting area, so visitors can imbibe the rich, splendid atmosphere while they sip our wines. It is always ongoing, and a lot of fun too.”
Scott's first feature film was The Duellists (1977). The next, Alien (1979) starring Sigourney Weaver, was a massive success. He has directed more than 30 films including such classics as Blade Runner (1982), Thelma and Louise (1991), Gladiator (2000), which won five Academy Awards, The Martian (2015) and Gladiator II (2024).
Mélanie De Rudder with a costume from The MartianSally Ann Voak
A Good Year (2006), a film based on a novel by Peter Mayle, told the story of an investment banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence.
Scott had owned his house in Vaucluse for several years by this point, and had long wanted to film a production in the area.
Peter Mayle, a friend and neighbour, obliged by writing the novel, which Scott promptly bought the film rights for.
The film was shot mostly in locations Scott described as "eight minutes from my house".
More recently, The Last Duel (2021) a historical drama film starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer and Ben Affleck, was set in medieval France.
And in 2023, Scott released his epic biographical war film Napoleon. It mainly depicted the French general’s rise to power, as well as his relationship with his wife, Joséphine, and starred Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.
Sally Ann Voak with a costume from NapoleonSally Ann Voak
Scott names legendary film director David Lean as an important influence (which can be seen with his use of long, slow shots, moving into close on-screen action). He is also celebrated for his realistic portrayal of women in his films.
His family life is precious to him. While his older brother Frank and younger brother Tony, his business partner, are deceased, his two sons from his first marriage, Jake, and Luke, both work as directors in his production company. His daughter, Jordan Scott, is also a filmmaker.
He has dedicated several of his films (and his first wine) to members of his family.
Scott’s third wife, Giannina Facio, is a proficient linguist and a frequent visitor to Le Mas. Scott himself retains English as the business language there, but we are told that his French is exceptionally good.
He was knighted in the 2003 New Year Honours for services to the British Film Industry, and appointed a Knight Grand Cross by King Charles III in 2024.
Sir Ridley Scott had no previous experience of running a wine business, so when he decided to explore the idea he studied the process thoroughly.
He enlisted the help of a local cooperative to bottle the wine and consulted his friend and wine expert Denis Langue.
“We had to check its quality carefully.” said sales manager, Mélanie De Rudder.
“After all, this is a famous wine-producing area. We tried it with friends and family. It passed scrutiny, so in 2017, we produced one cuvée, a red, for his private collection.”
The venture has since expanded, with sales now in France, the UK and US.
“Sir Ridley himself designed the artwork for the labels, which celebrate his passion for dogs: every label has a dog on it!” said Ms De Rudder.
Mas des Infermières produces award-winning winesSally Ann Voak
“In 2020, he installed a modern cellar. Now, Le Mas has a range of whites, rosés and reds and our wine-tasting sessions here in the wine cellar are very popular.
“One of our best reds, based on the Syrah grape, is called Ombre de Lune, which features two dogs howling at the moon!”
Last January, Le Mas des Infermières wines won prestigious awards at a Paris wine fair.
“Sir Ridley attended the show with me,” said Ms de Rudder.
“He is ‘hands-on’ with all aspects of the business and also oversees the farm, with ecological and sustainability concerns high on the agenda.
“For instance, he has installed beehives, and wild flowers between each row of vines, which actually help strengthen their growth as well as looking beautiful.”
Guest accommodation
The estate also has three guest houses. These Provencal ‘mas’ farmhouses were renovated by Scott to extend hospitality opportunities.
Property manager Jane Bagwell looks after this part of the estate.
“Sir Ridley has overseen the décor, of course,” she said.
Guest accommodation at Mas des InfermièresSylvain Humbert
“They are light, spacious and comfortable. The main house, Les Chênes Verts (named after the evergreen oaks surrounding the property), has a separate apartment and sleeps up to nine guests. The others each accommodate six guests.
“They are ideal for family or business groups, especially visitors to France who want a taste of the real Provençal countryside.”
For more information, including opening times and tours, email: contact@masdesinfermieres.com or call (0033) 0490 756616.
