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Discover our Domaine

The history of Domaine Fournier Père et Fils and the history of Sancerre wines are closely intertwined. We have witnessed first-hand the very first moments of the fledgling appellation. We have been part of its excellence ever since.

Our wines are the true pairings of the gourmet cuisine. They are an expression of the authentic French art de vivre, traditions and heritage.

OUR APPELLATIONS

As a natural westward extension of the Sancerre appellation, the Menetou-Salon appellation is located in a narrow strip of gently sloping vineyards from Sancerre to Bourges. This appellation is the new gem of the Centre Loire region. Its ‘Terres Blanches’ soils (marls and clays) give the wines their scrumptious, silky and intense notes.

Discover our Menetou-Salon

Blessed by nature, Sancerre is a flagship Loire appellation and a world Sauvignon Blanc benchmark. Sancerre is also a picturesque medieval village perched on a hilltop overlooking the Loire river. Thanks to their unique terroirs, the Sancerre wines are now renowned and sought-after worldwide. Domaine Fournier Père et Fils was a first-hand witness of the creation of the appellation in 1936 and is now one of its most active ambassadors and torchbearers. We proudly represent the Sancerre appellation all around the world!

Discover our Sancerre

Pouilly-Fumé sits on the Burgundy bank of the Loire river! This mosaic of densely intertwined terroirs produces rich, complex, and fascinating wines from its one and only grape variety – Sauvignon Blanc. Its illustrious and noble history remains a benchmark for the whole Loire Valley and our passion for these terroirs allows us to craft the cuvées of tomorrow.

Discover our Pouilly-Fumé

History

Since 1926, the estate has been nestled in the wine-growing hamlet of Chaudoux, at the heart of the Sancerre appellation.

Through perseverance, sometimes bravery and entrepreneurial spirit, our family estate has become a flagship estate in Sancerre, producing highly renowned, sought-after wines enjoyed by all the fine wine enthusiasts!

1926193619461968197219791989201520212022

1926

Hélène et Léon settle in Chaudoux. Polyculture crop farming with 0,2ha of vineyards.

1936

Creation of the Appellation of Sancerre. Léon is a member of the founding committee in Verdigny.

1946

Paul, Léon’s son-in-law, takes over the family farm. The farm has now 1,5ha of vineyards, multiple crops and some goats to produce the famous local Crottin de Chavignol cheese.

1968

Claude, Paul’s son, joins his father on the farm. The farm hasn’t changed much since the end of WWII. It comprises 5 cows, 30 goats, 3ha of vineyards.

1972

Claude transitions to grape growing only and extends the family vineyard holdings to 15ha (33 acres) through new land purchases.

1979

Jacques, Claude’s brother, joins the family estate. He is firstly appointed as a head mechanic in charge of managing all the company equipments. A few years later, he steps up as the vineyard manager. He will keep both positions until 2015.

1989

First plantings on the Menetou-Salon appellation.

2015

Domaine Fournier Père et Fils and its affiliate estates join the Vignoble Villebois family of Loire wines.

2021

Fournier Père et Fils joins ‘Les Vignobles Villebois’ family

2022

Domaine Fournier Père et Fils has been certified ’Sustainable Winegrowing’, the first CSR label in the wine industry!

The Team

Domaine Fournier Père et Fils is today run by a passionate team of experienced professionals determined to bring the estate to its highest level. We make it a point to constantly improve our know-how while relying strongly on the values passed on by the past generations.

Frédéric JACQUET

Chief winemaker and General Manager

Trained at the prestigious Bordeaux University, he is a seasoned oenologist with regional family roots dating back to 1777! He is leading enthusiastic vineyard and winery teams while being constantly on the lookout for the best practices to make great wines!

Damien LAURENT

Winemaker

In 2012, straight after Bordeaux University, Damien started working at Domaine Fournier Père et Fils, firstly as a vineyard hand to familiarize himself with the Sancerre terroirs, then as a winemaker since 2012. Damien is now happily settled in Verdigny and has been elected as a local councillor in Verdigny! Damien belongs to the new generation of Sancerre winemakers, bringing life to new environmental projects while benefiting from the long winemaking heritage of the appellation.

Jean-François LEFEBVRE

Vineyard manager

Jean-François is a soft-spoken, accomplished athlete (French archery champion). He passionately heads our vineyard team to new challenges. Jean-François is a forerunner in the new agro-biological techniques and leads the change towards a full organic production.

The Cellar

Our winery equipment is tailored to optimize our vineyard potential. Filled with all sorts of tank shapes and sizes, it is a winemakers’ heaven that allows them to constantly test and try new ideas. We think of the cellar as a modular work place, constantly fitted with new tools that will help the winemakers to deliver the greatest wines.

Damien

Winemaker

‘Under the mentorship of Mr. de Villebois, our daily mission is to perpetuate the timeless values of the estate. Thanks to our ever increasing knowledge of our terroirs, an unfailing curiosity and a desire to produce great wines, we are constantly improving our expertise to make better wines year in year out.’

Visit Us

You are welcome to visit us in our wine shop located a few minutes from our wine estate:

Aux Trésors de Bacchus
25 Nouvelle Place
18300 Sancerre 
02 48 54 17 45

Agnès and Gauthier, our wine merchants, will be pleased to greet you throughout the year to make you discover our wines from our finest terroirs.

Free tastings without appointment, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a drink on the terrace, paired with a delicious crottin de Chavignol.

Opening hours

We are open from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, every day of the week.

Group visits

We can accommodate groups of 15-20 people maximum. We would be grateful if you could let us know beforehand so that we can welcome you in the very best conditions. We look forward to seeing you!

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