Domaine Chene

History

In the small village of Berzé-la-Ville, nestled in the southern Mâconnais region of Burgundy, the story of Domaine Chêne begins on the gentle slopes of a vineyard known as “Château Chardon.” In 1973, the family, who had lived for generations as farmers, began producing their very first wines with a simple philosophy: to make wines from the grapes they cultivated themselves — wines they would proudly drink with their own family. As the years passed planting vines, learning to understand the land, and patiently waiting on nature with each vintage, the domaine gradually took shape. In 1999, father and son officially established the G.A.E.C Père et Fils partnership, marking the true beginning of the family estate as it is known today. Today, Domaine Chêne continues to quietly build a solid reputation as a family winery that honors the traditions of Burgundy while thoughtfully looking toward the next generation.

Philosophy & Vision

The vineyards extend across approximately 60 hectares of clay-limestone (argilo-calcaire) soils, one of Burgundy’s most prized terroirs, known for bringing minerality, structure, and balance to the wines. South-facing slopes bathed in sunlight, gravelly soils with excellent drainage, and the mild climate unique to the Mâconnais region together create wines that are vibrant, pure, and expressive without excess. To preserve and respect this land, the domaine practices culture raisonnée (sustainable viticulture), minimizing chemical intervention and earning the HVE (High Environmental Value) certification for its environmentally conscious approach. In pursuit of ever greater quality, Domaine Chêne has also invested in a newly built modern winery (chai) equipped with advanced facilities. Blending traditional Burgundian winemaking expertise with modern precision, these facilities provide a strong foundation for producing honest, refined, and consistently high-quality wines. The philosophy of Domaine Chêne is simple: “Wine is not made — it is watched over.” Guided by this belief, the grapes are harvested only when fully ripe, allowing the wines to achieve rich aromas and balanced acidity. The domaine avoids excessive oak influence and overly manipulated styles, choosing instead a gentle approach that preserves the natural character of the grapes and terroir. Rather than impressing with immediate flamboyance, these are wines that reveal comfort, elegance, and quiet confidence with every sip. Today, the domaine produces a range centered on Burgundy’s classic grape varieties, including 12 white wines, 4 red wines, 2 rosé wines, and 1 Crémant.

Certifications & Recognition

For many years, Domaine Chêne has followed its path with consistency and sincerity rather than relying on extravagant claims. As an independent winegrower (Vigneron Indépendant), the domaine oversees every stage of production — from vineyard management to vinification and bottling — faithfully expressing the authentic character of southern Burgundy in every bottle. Its wines are appreciated for their balance: restrained oak, moderate alcohol, and the harmonious interplay of acidity, fruit, and minerality. Accessible and approachable for newcomers, yet refined enough to satisfy enthusiasts seeking “clean, authentic Burgundy,” Domaine Chêne has steadily earned recognition over time. The domaine has been featured in respected publications such as Guide Hachette des Vins and Gilbert & Gaillard, while also receiving distinctions in numerous prestigious wine competitions. For Domaine Chêne, environmentally conscious farming and certification are not simply trends, but a promise to protect the land for future generations. Moving forward, the family remains committed to respecting the rhythm of nature, honoring both the vineyard and the passage of time, and faithfully expressing the pure identity of the Mâconnais terroir through every wine they create.