Morgon AOCGamayFounded 1970Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Morgon estate and spiritual home of the natural Beaujolais movement, producing whole-cluster Gamay with minimal sulfur following Jules Chauvet's method. Marcel died in 2010; the domaine continues.
Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment; the domaine is a pillar of the natural Beaujolais movement founded on Jules Chauvet's principles.
Signature wines: lapierre-morgon, lapierre-raisins-gaulois
Tip: Book tastings well ahead; allocation wines sell quickly through specialist importers.
Morgon AOCGamayFounded 1981Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Morgon estate anchored on the Cote du Py lieu-dit, a Gang of Four natural pioneer. Jean Foillard studied under Jules Chauvet and has farmed organically for decades.
Tasting: Visits by appointment only. The estate is best known for its Cote du Py parcel.
Signature wines: foillard-morgon-cote-du-py, foillard-morgon-eponym
Tip: The Cote du Py cuvee rewards 3 to 5 years in bottle.
Morgon AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Gang of Four member producing Morgon Vieilles Vignes from old Gamay vines with zero-sulfur philosophy and whole-cluster fermentation. A key reference for natural Beaujolais.
Morgon AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Fourth member of the Gang of Four, farming Morgon with the same minimal-intervention approach shaped by Jules Chauvet. Produces deeply concentrated Gamay from old vines.
Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalFleurie AOC
Yvon Metras produces Fleurie with uncompromising natural methods, old vines and zero sulfur additions. Tiny production, allocated through specialist importers.
Morgon AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Morgon estate run by Damien Coquelet, stepson of Jean Foillard. Produces Gamay from the Cote du Py and surrounding lieux-dits with the same natural approach as his mentor.
Morgon AOCGamayMorgon AOC
Morgon estate producing cuvees from the Cote du Py lieu-dit. Burgaud is known for well-structured Gamay with ageing potential drawn from the schist and iron-rich soils.
Régnié AOCGamayDemeter CertifiedECOCERTNaturalRégnié AOC
Regnié estate farmed under Demeter biodynamic certification, one of the few fully certified biodynamic producers in Beaujolais. Natural wine approach with wild-yeast fermentation.
Brouilly AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalBrouilly AOC
Brouilly estate run on natural-wine principles, biodynamic in practice. Jean-Claude Lapalu is a key figure in the Gang of Four orbit, producing vivid, fruit-driven Gamay from granite slopes.
Regnié AOC and Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalRégnié AOC
Natural-wine producer working across Régnié and Fleurie, known for transparent, mineral Gamay with whole-cluster character. Julien Sunier trained in Burgundy and brings terroir precision to Beaujolais.
Cote de Brouilly AOC and Brouilly AOCGamay, ChardonnayFounded 1877Famille GeoffrayORGANIC CERTIFIEDCote de Brouilly AOC
Cote de Brouilly estate operated by the Geoffray family since 1877, sited on the volcanic Mont Brouilly. Produces Cote de Brouilly and Brouilly as well as Beaujolais Blanc.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings available; the estate sits on the volcanic Mont Brouilly slope.
Signature wines: thivin-cote-de-brouilly, thivin-brouilly
Tip: The estate's Cote de Brouilly cuvees reflect the volcanic basalt soils of Mont Brouilly distinctively.
Fleurie AOCGamayFleurie AOC
Family domaine in Fleurie producing elegant, perfumed Gamay from granite soils with a traditional winemaking approach balancing fruit and structure.
Tasting: By appointment; small family domaine on the granite hills of Fleurie.
Fleurie AOC and Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayFounded 1954Fleurie AOC
Independent Fleurie producer created in 1954 by Rene Berrod, now farmed by Guillaume Ruet. Produces Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent with traditional methods as member of Vignerons Independants.
Tasting: Visits by appointment at the estate in Fleurie village.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Historic Moulin-a-Vent estate centred on the appellation's landmark windmill lieu-dit, producing age-worthy Gamay from granite and manganese soils.
Tasting: Cellar door and tasting room at the estate near the iconic windmill lieu-dit.
Signature wines: chateau-du-moulin-a-vent-grand-cru
Fleurie AOCGamayFleurie AOC
Six-generation Despres family estate in Fleurie producing terroir-expressive Gamay from the hillside above the village. Historic estate name drawn from the local Madonna chapel.
Tasting: Family estate open for visits; six-generation Despres family property.
Beaujolais AOC and Fleurie AOC and Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamay, ChardonnayORGANIC CERTIFIEDBeaujolais AOC
Pierre-Marie Chermette's estate spanning Beaujolais, Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent. Known for expressive, low-sulfur wines crafted with artisan precision and respect for terroir.
Beaujolais AOC and multiple Beaujolais crusGamay, ChardonnayFounded 1964Moulin-a-Vent AOC
The largest Beaujolais negociant house, founded in 1964 and known for popularising Beaujolais Nouveau globally. The Hameau Duboeuf park at Romanèche-Thorins is a major wine-tourism draw.
Tasting: The Hameau Duboeuf wine theme park and museum at Romanèche-Thorins is open to visitors; includes cellar tour, flower exhibition and tasting.
Moulin-a-Vent AOC via Chateau des JacquesGamayMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Burgundy house Louis Jadot acquired Chateau des Jacques in Moulin-a-Vent, bringing Burgundy winemaking rigour to Beaujolais. Produces single-lieu-dit Gamay cuvees of notable depth.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings at Chateau des Jacques in Moulin-a-Vent. Book through Louis Jadot Beaune.
Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalFleurie AOC
Anne-Sophie Dubois produces natural, low-intervention Fleurie from organically farmed Gamay. Part of the new generation of Beaujolais natural-wine producers building on the Gang of Four legacy.
Morgon AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Natural-wine producer in Morgon working with old-vine Gamay on schist and granite. Karim Vionnet is part of the post-Gang-of-Four generation keeping Morgon natural viticulture vital.
Morgon AOC and Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Nephew of Marcel Lapierre producing natural Beaujolais across multiple crus. Christophe Pacalet is known for single-cru bottlings that articulate Gamay terroir with minimal intervention.
Cote de Brouilly AOCGamayCote de Brouilly AOC
Small Cote de Brouilly estate on the volcanic basalt slopes of Mont Brouilly, producing mineral, structured Gamay that expresses the distinct terroir of the appellation.
Cote de Brouilly AOC and Brouilly AOCGamayCote de Brouilly AOC
Estate spanning Cote de Brouilly and Brouilly, producing terroir-driven Gamay from the southern flanks of Mont Brouilly. Traditional winemaking with respect for the appellation's volcanic character.
Morgon AOCGamayMorgon AOC
Family estate in Morgon crafting structured Gamay from schist-rich soils. A reliable village producer delivering honest, food-friendly Morgon at accessible prices.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Moulin-a-Vent estate producing age-worthy Gamay from granite and manganese-streaked soils around the iconic windmill lieu-dit.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Small domaine in the Moulin-a-Vent appellation producing mineral Gamay from granitic soils with careful low-intervention cellar work.
Beaujolais-Villages AOCGamay, ChardonnayBeaujolais-Villages AOC
Beaujolais-Villages estate in Lancié producing reliable, well-made Gamay and Chardonnay for everyday drinking, with a small tasting room for direct sales.
Saint-Amour AOCGamaySaint-Amour AOC
Saint-Amour estate near the village of Saint-Amour-Bellevue, the northernmost of the Beaujolais crus. Produces fragrant, cherry-fruited Gamay from sandy granite soils.
Saint-Amour AOCGamaySaint-Amour AOC
Small Saint-Amour estate producing delicate, aromatic Gamay from the northernmost Beaujolais cru, bordering the Maconnais.
Juliénas AOCGamayJulienas AOC
Julienas estate producing spicy, full-bodied Gamay from the granite and schist soils of this Saone-et-Loire cru. Traditional producer maintaining the cru's reputation for structured reds.
Juliénas AOCGamayJulienas AOC
Historic Julienas producer with old-vine Gamay planted on granite-rich slopes. The Clos du Fief cuvee is among the more structured and age-worthy in the appellation.
Chénas AOCGamayChenas AOC
One of Chénas's small number of independent producers working the smallest of the ten crus, producing powerful, spicy Gamay from granite and sand soils bordering Moulin-a-Vent.
Chénas AOCGamayChenas AOC
Small Chenas estate named for the granitic soils that define the appellation. Produces concentrated Gamay with a firm structure suited to short ageing.
Chiroubles AOCGamayChiroubles AOC
Chiroubles estate at 400 metres altitude, producing the lightest and most aromatic of the Beaujolais crus. The high-altitude granite soils of Chiroubles give unusually floral, delicate Gamay.
Chiroubles AOCGamayChiroubles AOC
One of Chiroubles' historic estates, farming high-altitude granite vines at over 400 metres. The estate produces floral, light-bodied Chiroubles with refreshing acidity.
Régnié AOCGamayRegnié AOC
Family domaine in Régnié, the youngest of the ten crus granted AOC status in 1988. Produces fresh, fruit-forward Gamay from granitic-sandy soils on the west-facing slopes of the appellation.
Régnié AOCGamayRegnié AOC
Regnié estate producing straightforward, approachable Gamay from one of the most recently promoted crus. An honest, everyday wine producer anchored in the village tradition.
Brouilly AOCGamayFounded 1676Brouilly AOC
Historic 17th-century chateau and one of the largest estates in Brouilly, acquired by Christophe Gruy in 2017. The chateau and its walled wine chai are protected monuments. The estate produces Brouilly from the largest of the crus.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available at the historic 17th-century chateau and winery.
Brouilly AOCGamayBrouilly AOC
Brouilly estate on the gentle granite slopes around the village of Cercié, producing generous, round Gamay typical of the appellation's six-commune spread.
Morgon AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon AOC
Mee Godard produces natural Morgon from organically farmed old vines, with a focus on transparent, single-terroir expression of the schist and iron-rich Cote du Py soils.
Beaujolais AOC and L'Ancien Beaujolais Vieilles VignesGamay, Chardonnay, Pinot NoirBeaujolais AOC
Jean-Paul Brun's estate in the southern Beaujolais producing both classic Gamay cuvees and unusual old-vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends. Known for terroir precision and low-sulfur winemaking.
Brouilly AOCGamayBrouilly AOC
Brouilly estate in the commune of Saint-Lager, one of the six communes making up the largest of the Beaujolais crus. Produces ripe, generous Gamay from sandy granite.
Fleurie AOCGamayFleurie AOC
Fleurie estate on pink granite soils producing perfumed, floral Gamay characteristic of the queen cru. Traditional fermentation in cement and ageing in large old oak.
Fleurie AOCGamayFleurie AOC
Small Fleurie domaine farming granite parcels above the village, producing elegant, rose-and-violet-scented Gamay with a long finish typical of the appellation.
Morgon AOCGamayMorgon AOC
Morgon village estate producing traditional, schist-influenced Gamay with the earthy, iron-mineral character that defines the appellation's most structured wines.
Saint-Amour AOCGamaySaint-Amour AOC
Saint-Amour estate producing fragrant, cherry-forward Gamay from the northernmost cru, a favourite on Valentines Day menus for its evocative name and approachable style.
Juliénas AOCGamayJulienas AOC
Small Julienas estate producing spiced, full-flavoured Gamay on the granite and schist slopes of this Saone-et-Loire cru shared between the Rhone and Saone-et-Loire departments.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Moulin-a-Vent estate named for the iconic windmill that anchors the appellation. Produces structured, age-worthy Gamay from the granite and manganese soils that give Moulin-a-Vent its power.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Family domaine in Moulin-a-Vent run by the Diochon family, farming old vines on granite and manganese soils to produce serious, age-worthy Gamay with mineral depth.
Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDFleurie AOC
Joint project between the Lafarge family of Volnay Burgundy and the Vial family of Fleurie. Brings Burgundy precision to Beaujolais, farming biodynamically for pure, mineral Gamay.
Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingECOCERTFleurie AOC
Biodynamic estate in Fleurie producing Gamay with Ecocert organic certification. The domaine is among the Fleurie producers committed to the highest ecological standards in the vineyard.
Fleurie AOCGamayFleurie AOC
A single-vineyard Fleurie clos producing consistently floral, silky Gamay from a sheltered granite bowl above the village, a historically documented single-parcel Fleurie clos.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayORGANIC CERTIFIEDMoulin-a-Vent AOC
Organic Moulin-a-Vent producer from Romanèche-Thorins, crafting structured, terroir-precise Gamay from parcels around the windmill monument.
Saint-Amour AOCGamaySaint-Amour AOC
Saint-Amour estate producing aromatic, fresh Gamay from the northernmost cru, historically connected to the Benedictine priory that gave the appellation its name.
Morgon AOCGamayMorgon AOC
Morgon estate producing village-level and Cote du Py parcellaire Gamay with traditional whole-cluster fermentation in old oak, reflecting the earthy, iron-mineral terroir.
Beaujolais-Villages AOC and Morgon AOCGamay, ChardonnayFounded 1232Beaujolais-Villages AOC
Historic medieval chateau with 13th-century origins at Saint-Jean-d'Ardieres, operating as a hotel and wine estate. Produces Beaujolais-Villages and Morgon under the Chateau de Pizay label.
Tasting: The chateau and hotel-restaurant operates full cellar tours, tastings and vineyard walks; estate stay available.
Tip: One of the few wine-tourism estates in Beaujolais with a hotel and restaurant on site.
Brouilly AOCGamayBrouilly AOC
Brouilly estate in Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne, one of the six communes of the largest cru. Produces round, fruit-expressive Gamay from the gently sloping granite terrain of Brouilly.
Chiroubles AOCGamayChiroubles AOC
Chiroubles domaine at high altitude farming vines at over 400 metres on pure granitic soils. Produces the characteristic light-bodied, floral Chiroubles style with lifted violet and cherry notes.
Juliénas AOCGamayJulienas AOC
Julienas estate on mixed granite and schist soils, producing robust, well-structured Gamay with characteristic spice and full fruit of the appellation.
GamayWalk-ins welcomeMorgon
The first Beaujolais cru caveau, installed since 1953 in an 18th-century chateau surrounded by a wildlife park. Pours older Morgon vintages alongside regional products; a grand press occupies the reception hall.
Tip: Ask for an older vintage Morgon; the cellar stocks library bottles rarely found elsewhere.
GamayWalk-ins welcomeFleurie
Village-centre boutique pouring wines from 32 Fleurie estates, staffed each day by a different vigneron. Four Fleurie wines offered for tasting, next to the tourist office.
Tip: The vigneron on duty changes daily so each visit brings a different producer perspective.
GamayWalk-ins welcomeFleurie
Six-generation family estate on the hillside below Fleurie's chapel. A modern tasting room opened in 2023 pours the full Fleurie range from pink granite terroir; panoramic vineyard terrace available.
Tip: The Grille-Midi cuvee captures the sunnier south-facing slope; ask to compare it with the Madone old-vines.
Gamay, ChardonnayAppointment onlyFleurie
Founded in 1927, this cooperative assembles four generations of vigneron families in Fleurie. Cuvees include Les Garants, La Chapelle des Bois, and Montgenas from distinct vineyard parcels.
GamayWalk-ins welcomeChenas
Producer cooperative in Chenas pouring the full arc of northern Beaujolais crus: Moulin-a-Vent, Chenas, Morgon, Fleurie, Julienas, Saint-Amour, Brouilly, Chiroubles, Regnié, and a Beaujolais Blanc. Bottles from EUR 7.40 with click-and-collect available.
GamayWalk-ins welcomeJulienas
Cooperative of 85 growers managing 290 hectares across Chenas, Julienas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, and Brouilly. The Julienas tasting room is set in the Chateau du Bois de la Salle, a classified 15th-century building.
Tip: The Chateau du Bois de la Salle itself is a listed monument; worth combining the tasting with a look at the architecture.
Gamay, ChardonnayWalk-ins welcomePierres Dorees
Cooperative caveau in the golden-stone village of Val d'Oingt, classified among the most photogenic villages. Pours the full Vignerons des Pierres Dorees range including Terra Iconia, Prestige, and the Fines Bulles sparkling from the southern Beaujolais.
Tip: The ochre village streets are among the most photogenic in the region; combine the tasting with a walk through the village ramparts.
GamayWalk-ins welcomeBelleville-en-Beaujolais
The largest selection of Beaujolais wines in one place: 600+ references covering all 12 appellations at winemaker prices. Master Sommelier Guillaume Mithieux guides visitors through the full regional spectrum from Nouveau to aged Crus.
Tip: Ask Guillaume to arrange a vertical of Morgon or Moulin-a-Vent across several vintages; the cellar stocks old vintages most visitors never access.
Gamay, ChardonnayAppointment onlyBelleville-en-Beaujolais
The oenotheque of Beaujolais's largest estate hotel hosts a unique sensory wine course across 8 workshops covering colour, aroma, and flavour. Estate wines from Morgon, Brouilly, and Beaujolais Blanc available at the on-site boutique.
GamayAppointment onlyBrouilly
The 108-metre cellar of this classified 17th-century monument is the longest in the Beaujolais. Guided tours take in the gardens designed by Le Notre, the 1676 chateau, and the historic chai before a tasting of three estate wines.
Tip: Weekend visits are by appointment only; book at least a week ahead during summer.
Gamay, ChardonnayAppointment onlyCote de Brouilly
The oldest estate on Mont Brouilly, in the Geoffray family for six generations. The cellar features a blue-stone vault; visitors taste Cote de Brouilly and Brouilly cuvees in a setting that dates to the 15th century.
Tip: Ask to see the chapel on the hilltop above the vines; the view from the summit extends across the entire Beaujolais region.
GamayAppointment onlyMorgon
Oenologist Annie Augris runs workshops on tasting methodology, vine cultivation, and Morgon cru discovery at this family domain in the upper Morgon hamlet. A relaxed, producer-direct experience with older vintages available.
Gamay, ChardonnayAppointment onlyPierres Dorees
Organic family estate in the golden-stone Beaujolais Pierres Dorees zone. Offers producer-led cellar visits, barrel tastings, blending workshops, and aperitif evenings with local charcuterie and cheese.
Gamay, ChardonnayWalk-ins welcomeBrouilly
A 15th-century fortified chateau and classified monument open year-round with an audio-guide covering the ancient cellars and remarkable 15th-century timber carpentry. Owned by the Richard family since 1984, the estate manages 90 hectares across Beaujolais and Brouilly.
Gamay, ChardonnayWalk-ins welcomeBeaujeu
The tasting cellar of 16 Beaujolais-Villages producers, founded in 1956 in the historic capital of Beaujolais. After a full renovation, the caveau pours the complete arc of appellations from Beaujolais-Villages to the 10 Crus alongside Cremant de Bourgogne.
Tip: Beaujeu hosts the Sarmentelles Nouveau festival each November third Thursday; arrive a week early and the Comptoir stocks unlabelled primeur samples.
Christian Ducroux ★ 4.6
Régnié AOCGamayDemeter CertifiedORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalRégnié
Christian Ducroux in Régnié-Durette is a long-committed biodynamic producer, certified Demeter since the 1990s and farming without any inputs beyond sulphur-free fermentation. His Régnié and Beaujolais-Villages are cult items in natural-wine circles yet remain largely unknown outside specialist merchants.
Tip: Ducroux's Régnié is a standout expression of the tenth and newest Beaujolais Cru; ask for a cellar visit when passing through Régnié-Durette.
Yvon Métras ★ 4.8
Fleurie AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalFleurie
Yvon Métras farms just over two hectares in Fleurie biodynamically without certification and produces tiny quantities of zero-sulphur Gamay from old Gobelet vines. His wines are allocated only through a handful of natural-wine merchants and almost never appear in restaurants; demand exceeds supply each vintage.
Tip: Métras Fleurie is usually sold on allocation and sells out within days of each release; contact his importer in your country months ahead of the vintage release to join the list.
Jean-Claude Lapalu ★ 4.6
Brouilly AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalBrouilly
Jean-Claude Lapalu farms eleven hectares in the Brouilly Cru with biodynamic practices and makes zero-sulphur Gamay that has attracted attention from natural-wine writers as a reference for the appellation. His Cuvée des Fous and Brouilly classique are produced in small quantities and exported through specialist importers.
Tip: Lapalu's Cuvée des Fous comes from very old Gamay vines and has more density and grip than most Brouilly; it is the bottle to seek out if you want to understand what natural Brouilly can achieve.
Karim Vionnet ★ 4.5
Morgon AOCGamayORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon
Karim Vionnet is a younger-generation Morgon producer whose organically farmed Gamay from the Cote du Py and Corcelette plots has attracted attention in Paris and London natural-wine bars. Low yields, zero chaptalisation, and minimal sulphur define his approach and produce Morgon with unusual precision and freshness.
Tip: Vionnet's wines are poured by the glass at several Paris natural-wine bars and are worth tracking down before a Morgon visit to understand the appellation's current direction.
Domaine Georges Descombes ★ 4.7
Morgon AOCGamayBiodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalMorgon
Georges Descombes is a direct pupil of Jules Chauvet and the Gang of Four generation, and his Morgon and Beaujolais-Villages are produced with the same zero-sulphur discipline. Less famous than Lapierre or Foillard but equally rigorous, Descombes' wines appear on natural-wine lists in Paris and Tokyo and remain allocated at small quantities.
Tip: Descombes has mentored several of the younger natural-wine producers now emerging in Morgon; his domaine is an important visit for anyone serious about understanding the movement's lineage.
Fleurie AOCGamayORGANIC CERTIFIEDNaturalFleurie
Pierre-Marie Chermette's Fleurie Poncie from the east-facing Poncié lieu-dit is the prestige cuvee of the Vissoux range, a single-parcel Fleurie from deep granitic sand that shows the floral, mineral side of the appellation. Produced in quantities too small for wide restaurant listing, it is a hidden-gem Fleurie that competes with much more expensive bottlings.
Tip: Saint-Vérand is on the southern edge of the Beaujolais and is often omitted from Cru itineraries; the Vissoux estate is a pleasant stop on the Pierres Dorees circuit before heading north toward Fleurie.
Clos de la Roilette (Coudert) ★ 4.4
Fleurie AOCGamayFleurie
Clos de la Roilette is a walled lieu-dit in Fleurie farmed by Alain Coudert, producing a distinctive style for the appellation. The enclosed granite plot gives a darker, more structured Fleurie than most of the appellation, with more tannin and ageing ability. It is little known outside France but has been a favourite of informed Beaujolais buyers for decades.
Tip: Clos de la Roilette ages unusually well for Fleurie; if you find older vintages at a wine merchant do not hesitate, the wine often opens beautifully at five to eight years from harvest.
Domaine de la Madone ★ 4.2
Beaujolais-Villages AOCGamayBeaujolais-Villages
Domaine de la Madone in Le Perreon is a family domaine producing Beaujolais-Villages from well-sited granite slopes that fall just outside the Fleurie Cru boundary. The wines show more structure and depth than most regional Beaujolais and represent exceptional value for the quality, known to local restaurateurs and visitors who stray off the Cru circuit.
Tip: Le Perreon is a quiet village in the centre of the Beaujolais that sees few wine tourists; the Madone domaine is a good reason to explore the Beaujolais-Villages zone beyond the ten Crus.
Morgon AOCGamayEUR 18-25 retail
The entry Morgon from Domaine Lapierre, vinified without sulphur dioxide in the tradition established by Marcel Lapierre and continued by sons Mathieu and Camille. Whole-cluster Gamay from Morgon granite gives red-cherry fruit, a violet top note, and a long, clean finish that belies the modest price.
Tip: The non-sulphite cuvee needs cool storage and should be drunk within two or three years of vintage; if you see the sulphite-free version, note the faint label distinction and keep it in the fridge after opening.
Morgon AOCGamayEUR 20-28 retail
Jean Foillard's Cote du Py Morgon comes from the decomposed volcanic schist of the Py hill, the appellation's named lieu-dit. Whole-cluster carbonic maceration produces a wine with mineral density and dark-fruit depth unusual for the price. A clear Cru terroir expression available under thirty euros.
Tip: Cote du Py Morgon benefits from an hour of air after opening; it can also age gracefully for five or more years in a cool cellar, bridging the gap between Beaujolais and minor red Burgundy.
Beaujolais AOCGamayEUR 12-18 retail
Jean-Paul Brun sources old Gobelet-trained Gamay vines from the Pierres Dorees area of southern Beaujolais for this unchaptalized, unfined, unfiltered cuvee. It drinks with more substance and grip than standard regional Beaujolais and represents exceptional value for natural Beaujolais at this price.
Tip: L'Ancien cools well in the fridge for summer drinking; it also improves with a year or two in bottle, a rarity for basic-AOC Beaujolais.
Fleurie AOCGamayEUR 16-22 retail
Michel and Cécile Chignard's Les Moriers is grown on the sand-granite soils of Fleurie and captures the appellation's signature floral, silky-textured Gamay at an accessible price.
Tip: Chignard Fleurie is fragrant and approachable within a year or two of vintage; it pairs broadly across charcuterie, poultry, and lighter red-meat dishes.
Morgon AOCGamayEUR 14-20 retail
Jean-Marc Burgaud's Cote du Py Morgon comes from vines on the volcanic schist hill and is aged in a combination of old wood and concrete. It represents serious Morgon terroir at a price that undercuts many comparably ambitious Cru releases.
Tip: Burgaud also makes a Regnie and a Beaujolais-Villages that offer similar quality discipline at even lower price points; ask for all three for a comparative tasting.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayEUR 15-22 retail
Domaine Diochon has farmed Moulin-a-Vent for generations on the manganese-rich granite soils that give the appellation its age-worthiness. The wine shows the structured, tannic Gamay that distinguishes Moulin-a-Vent from lighter Crus, with cherry-and-spice depth and a firm finish that develops over three to six years.
Tip: Moulin-a-Vent is the Cru most often compared to Cote de Nuits Burgundy; Diochon's entry wine delivers that structure at a fraction of the Burgundy price.
Cote de Brouilly AOCGamayEUR 15-22 retail
Chateau Thivin is the leading estate of the Cote de Brouilly appellation, which covers the volcanic Mont Brouilly summit and gives a more concentrated, mineral Gamay than the surrounding Brouilly AOC. The Cuvee Zaccharie comes from older vines on the blue diorite slopes and has a characteristic grip and spice rarely found at this price in the Beaujolais.
Tip: The Mont Brouilly summit is a ten-minute walk from the chateau; climb it for a panorama over all ten Beaujolais Crus before tasting the estate wines.
Beaujolais AOCGamayEUR 10-16 retail
Pierre-Marie and Chantal Chermette's Domaine du Vissoux in Saint-Vérand produces a Beaujolais AOC from old Gobelet Gamay farmed organically. Zero sulphur additions, minimal intervention, and a freshness that makes it irresistible at ten to sixteen euros.
Tip: Du Vissoux also makes a Fleurie from the Poncié and Garants plots that offers a clear step-up from this entry Beaujolais to a named Cru.
Morgon AOCGamayEUR 15-20 retail
Damien Coquelet, stepson of Jean Foillard, is a young Morgon producer working natural-wine methods in the tradition of the Gang of Four. His Morgon draws from granite soils across the appellation and is vinified without sulphur in whole-cluster semi-carbonic style, resulting in a fresh, crunchy, vivid Gamay that punches above its price.
Tip: Coquelet also makes a Chiroubles that offers the floral, lighter-bodied side of natural Beaujolais at a similar price; both are worth seeking out in Paris natural-wine bars before a Beaujolais trip.
Moulin-a-Vent AOCGamayEUR 18-26 retail
Chateau des Jacques in Romanéche-Thorins, owned by Louis Jadot, farms 28 hectares on the Moulin-a-Vent appellation's granite and manganese soils. The entry Moulin-a-Vent bottling, aged in Burgundy barrels, delivers the structured, age-worthy Gamay character of the appellation at an accessible price with wide international distribution.
Tip: The Chateau des Jacques also produces named-clos bottlings from Grand Cras, La Roche, and Clos du Grand Carquelin across the appellation; the entry wine is the gateway to this hierarchy.