Country: France

Domaine le Garrigon was founded in 1919 by the grandfather of the current owners, siblings Daniel and Marie-Françoise Couston. Their vines are spread over 80 hectares between Tulette and Visan in the Southern Rhône, and have been farmed organically since 1997. Out of respect for the terroir they do not use any pesticides, chemicals, enzymes, or non-natural products on their estate. Their winemaking philosophy is one of preservation of the balance between the animal, plant, human, and mineral kingdoms in nature.

The Mediterranean climate here, as well as the clay-limestone, silty clay, and pebbly soils are perfect for growing grapes. The estate focuses on classic Rhône blends including Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Grenache, which are unoaked to allow the flavors of the fruit and the terroir to shine through. Although their winemaking remains respectful to tradition, le Garrigon has continued evolving with the times and has embraced an ethical approach. Their certified-vegan wines are never fined and are expressive and accessible. The Couston’s dedication to working harmoniously with both the land and its living creatures, as well as their focus on benefitting future generations through their practices, is evidence of their passion for their family’s calling.

Country: France

Domaine des Grandes Bruyères is located in the heart of the Beaujolais region, about 800 meters south of the Brouilly appellation, in Saint-Etienne-des-Oullières. Owner Jean-Pierre Teissèdre comes from a family that has been growing grapes since 1885, and in 1990 he received this property from his father. Viniculture being a family affair, Jean-Pierre has gradually been joined in the business by his sons Julian and Jean-Baptiste. Over time the estate has moved towards using more traditional techniques, while simultaneously embracing organic farming, and became certified organic in 2010.

Grandes Bruyères has 13 hectares planted to vines today, with an average age of 50 years. Their red, rosé, and white grapes are farmed without the use of weed-killers, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers, allowing the terroir to fully come through in the wines. According to them, “the earth lives and expresses itself through our wines, each year according to the climatic conditions, our vines give us a unique product, which we shape, sculpt, like the artist who composes….” The Teissèdre family’s legacy of winemaking, combined with their passion for the land, has allowed them to create wines that are works of art.

Country: France

Noël Bulliat is a sixth-generation wine grower, purchased this property in 1978 after graduating from studying viniculture. What began as 4 hectares of vines has now grown to 27 hectares, spread throughout eight different appellations in the heart of the Beaujolais region. In 2005 he went into business officially with his son, Loïc, who was instrumental in their switching to organic practices in 2010, and three years later the estate became certified as organic. The vineyards use eco-friendly techniques, including limited yields, allowing grass to grow between the vines, forgoing the use of chemicals and pesticides, and hand-harvesting the grapes.

Vignobles Bulliat follows a philosophy of “concern for the environment, respect for nature, and a desire to express local terroir.” Now producing around 70,000 bottles a year, they have become known for their unusually serious approach to the Gamay grape. The stunning complexity of Bulliat’s wines is a testament to their passion for their craft as well as their dedication to the land.