Vernay

Domaine Vernay is a historic, family-run estate that has shaped the modern viticulture of Condrieu since 1940. For over 25 years, Christine Vernay, the third generation of the family, has overseen the estate, and in 2020, her daughter joined to learn by her side.

The estate’s famous Vernon hillside, home to iconic Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie wines, is nestled on a stunning property with two historic buildings. One was owned by René Dardel, a nature-loving architect and painter. At the same time, the other was the childhood home of Georges and Christine Vernay, surrounded by the natural scents of violets and mint – notes that echo in their wines.

The small vineyard house, once a retreat for Dardel and local artists, still stands on the hillside. Today, Christine Vernay preserves it as a symbol of her core values: living close to nature, honouring the land, and crafting exceptional wines.

Founded in the 1930s by Francis Vernay, who planted the first vines on Coteau de Vernon, the estate gained prominence under Georges Vernay in the 1950s. Georges is celebrated for saving the Viognier grape from near extinction, reviving Condrieu’s vineyards, and elevating its reputation. Since taking over in 1996, Christine Vernay has continued to carry forward her family’s passion for winemaking, creating some of the most complex and compelling wines from Condrieu and the Côte-Rôtie.

When the name Georges Vernay is whispered among wine lovers, it quickly turns heads and excites those who know about these hallowed wines.