The Cistercian monks of Saint-Honorat Island perpetuate the ancient winegrowing tradition of the monks of the order of Cîteaux, born in Burgundy at the beginning of the 12th century. They dedicate themselves to a 20 acres (8 ha) vineyard extending in the central part of the island between holm oaks and hundred-year-old olive trees. The clay-limestone, silty and sandy soil is particularly rich in plant organic matter, and the island's groundwater table is constantly fed by a resurgence of the Loup, a coastal river flowing into the Mediterranean sea. The maritime influences of Saint-Honorat Island participate in the unique typicity of the wines produced by the monks.