Meridiem

History

Meridiem — A Long Friendship and a Shared Dream from the South

“Meridiem,” derived from the Latin word meaning “south,” tells the story of two lifelong friends from southern France, Paola and Maxime, who have shared a friendship for more than twenty years. United by a passion for wine and the dream of creating their own vineyard, they approached the wine world from a fresh perspective, unbound by traditional winemaking family backgrounds. From vineyard selection to harvest and vinification, they became personally involved in every step of the process to shape a terroir that truly reflected their own vision. 

In 2013, the two moved to China with the goal of exporting wines from the Languedoc region and building a strong international distribution network. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to return to France earlier than expected in 2022. At that point, they had not yet accumulated enough capital to purchase the vineyard they had originally dreamed of owning.

Yet this setback became the catalyst for a new idea: in 2023, they created the concept of a “Hybrid Wine Merchant.” This model combines the role of a traditional wine merchant — exporting and distributing wines through an international commercial network — with the role of a wine producer directly involved in vineyard management and winemaking. From this vision, the Meridiem project was born, allowing Paola and Maxime to finally bring their dream to life.

Madame Germaine & Monsieur Marcel

The cuvées “Germaine” and “Marcel” represent the purest expression of Meridiem’s identity and philosophy. These names belong to emblematic winegrowers from the village of Villeveyrac, whose faces have become symbolic figures of the region itself. Located in the heart of the Hérault region — Paola’s homeland — Villeveyrac reflects Meridiem’s deep attachment to authenticity and local roots.

The photographs featured on the labels date back to the 1930s and were passed down through the children and grandchildren of the winegrowers themselves, accompanied by touching family memories and stories. Through these cuvées, Meridiem seeks not only to honor Germaine and Marcel, but also to pay tribute to all those who cultivated wine on this land before them, restoring to them the central place they deserve in the story of wine.

By colorizing the original photographs, Meridiem visually expresses the subtle harmony between tradition and modernity within the wine world. These images symbolize the invisible connection linking past, present, and future generations of winegrowers. The result is a striking visual identity that reminds us that wine itself is an art form — each bottle carrying the history, dedication, hard work, and even a touch of humor inherited from previous generations.

Philosophy & Vision

The Light and Flavors of Southern Languedoc

After years of traveling around the world, Paola and Maxime eventually settled in Montpellier, in the heart of the Languedoc region where Paola was born. Meridiem works closely with trusted winegrowers and technical experts to fine-tune every detail of each cuvée and achieve the precise wine profile they seek.

The vineyard parcels are selected with great care, taking into consideration orientation, altitude, and terroir characteristics. Vineyard work and harvest planning are carried out collaboratively with growers, while the final blends are developed alongside experienced specialists to create wines with a unique and recognizable identity.

Meridiem is committed to respecting both nature and the people behind the wines, with the goal of expressing the authentic flavors of Languedoc through terroir-driven wines. Their philosophy centers on preserving the land and its resources, while producing wines that remain approachable, vibrant, and expressive.

At the same time, the project aims to increase awareness of the wines of Languedoc — particularly those from the Terrasses du Larzac appellation — while continuing to strengthen the export markets and international relationships the founders have built since 2013. Through this vision, Meridiem aspires to become a more accessible and recognizable ambassador for the region around the world.

Certifications & Recognition

Meridiem focuses on producing wines that respect both terroir and environmental sustainability, with particular attention given to wines certified under HVE (High Environmental Value) and organic farming standards. Through these commitments, the winery continues to develop a responsible and sustainable approach to viticulture while reinforcing the identity and reputation of Languedoc wines internationally.