Georges Vernay Estate

Domaine Georges Vernay

Mr. Viognier's Instinct

In 1938, Francis Vernay planted the first hectare of the estate. At the time, it consisted mainly of fruit trees. His son,Georges VernayHe was convinced that viticulture was the future of the region. In 1943, when the property consisted of only one hectare of vines, he decided to settle there. He then undertook to continue the work begun by his father. Georges Vernay bought many new plots and gradually uprooted the fruit trees. The property truly became a vineyard. He then opened the very first tasting room in the region. Initially, his clientele was mainly English. However, he soon became theambassador of the Viognier grape varietyin France and around the world. Robert Parker, the famous critic, even renamed it "Mr. Viognier"He would be president of the appellation from 1960 onwards for thirty years."Condrieu.

The quest for excellence

Access the elite of great French wines

Georges Vernayachieved a true rescue of the appellation at the beginning of the last century.Christine VernayHer daughter, Christine, is a schoolteacher by profession. However, she decided to learn the art of winemaking and took over the estate in 1996. By 2010, the vineyard comprised a total of 22 hectares. Four years later, Christine became a member of the...French Wine AcademyIn total, three generations have succeeded one another at the estate. They have all contributed to building the legend of Domaine Georges Vernay while perpetuating its traditions. However, it is Christine who has truly enabled it to definitively reach the elite of great French wines. She regularly re-evaluates her working methods through an analysis of her vineyard. It is a genuine circle of research and innovation that has continued on the estate for three generations. Domaine Vernay's quest has always been one of perfection.

An exemplary domain

With the utmost respect for the vine and for men

Christine Vernay believes it is a duty to set an example for future generations by applying a culturebiologicalFor her, adapting to the environment is essential. The harvest is therefore 100% manual and carried out with great care. Furthermore, no chemical products are used. In this way, the vines fully exploit the potential of the estate and the terroir. Christine Vernay strives to achieve ever greater purity of expression in her wines. She believes that this authenticity is what gives her wines their exceptional quality. The goal is therefore to understand and work with nature. Adapting techniques requires a thorough knowledge of the estate and its history. The written records left by different generations are thus the primary working tool in the vineyard. They allow for the constant improvement of the efforts made in the vineyards and in the winery. This is how theGeorges Vernay estateproduces the great wines ofCondrieu.