George Vernay is the undisputed King of Condrieu. In fact, it was thanks to the efforts of his father, Francis Vernay, that the AOC was created in the first place, in 1940. While the domaine... Read More

George Vernay is the undisputed King of Condrieu. In fact, it was thanks to the efforts of his father, Francis Vernay, that the AOC was created in the first place, in 1940. While the domaine is renowned for their Viognier wines, they produce extraordinary red wines as well, from their holdings in Côte-Rôtie and other prestigious appellations.

Continuing with family tradition, George's daughter Christine is the current winemaker for the domaine and has a refined, restrained touch with the wine; elegance is the name of the game here. While the family gained fame through their work in Condrieu, their Syrah wines, specifically the Côte-Rôtie, are considered among the region's best.

The steep hillsides of the Côteau de Vernon preclude any mechanical harvest; the respect the family has for the natural flora and fauna precludes the use of any pesticide or herbicide. Christine Vernay's winemaking philosophy is to create wines with all the hedonistic pleasure Northern Rhone wines can offer, with grapes hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, and not a moment after. The Viognier is intensely and classically aromatic; the Syrah is powerful and savory, not to mention age-worthy.