Château des Broyers: combining tradition and modernity in Beaujolais

Pierre Coquard, an engineer by training, spent a decade in the IT industry before embarking on a significant family project: revitalizing Château des Broyers to transform it into a venue for corporate events while continuing its tradition of winemaking. The journey began in 2003 when the Coquard family acquired this historic property. Over the next two and a half years, they created reception spaces and restructured the vineyard, combining respect for the terroir and traditional expertise with modern technology.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

Where is the estate located and what does it produce?

A vineyard near Mâcon

Located in La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, just a few kilometers from Mâcon, Château des Broyers boasts 2.5 hectares of vineyards surrounding the estate. The wines produced here cover no fewer than eight different appellations: Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Morgon, Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Crémant de Bourgogne, and Beaujolais-Villages in red, white, and rosé.

What is the history behind Château des Broyers?

Over 300 years of vineyards

For a bit of historical context, vineyards have existed at Château des Broyers for over 300 years. The estate was structured by the canons (ecclesiastical dignitaries) of Mâcon, who instructed farmers to convert the historic grove into viticultural land. The main building, initially inhabited by the Broyer family, expanded until 1700. In 1710, the Seigneur des Raviers, a bodyguard of King Louis XIV and a cavalry captain, commissioned the construction of the château as it stands today. Since 2005, the property has been dedicated to team-building events and seminars during the week and transformed for weddings, baptisms, and family gatherings on weekends. The estate also offers extensive oenotourism experiences with guided tours and wine tastings in its vaulted cellars. Today, a team of 14 people works on the estate, including vineyard staff, a head chef, and reception personnel. Over 4,000 square meters are allocated to reception spaces, with 11 rooms and salons and numerous guest rooms.

The idea is to share and exchange in a refreshing and restful setting,

says Pierre.

What defines the wines of the estate?

Bold and elegant wines

When it comes to the wines, the goal is to blend tradition and modernity to reveal the finest expression of each appellation's terroir.

It’s always about finding the perfect balance between fruit and tannin while creating wines with good aging potential,

Pierre explains. This is particularly evident in their Moulin-à-Vent, a great Beaujolais wine with lovely expressions of red fruits and floral notes, coupled with a roundness and elegance. This 100% Gamay red wine is aged for 8-9 months in oak barrels previously used for white wines, to avoid an overly strong oak flavor. The robust body of this wine pairs perfectly with grilled rib-eye steak on vine shoots, accompanied by small jacket potatoes with cream and chives. The smokiness of the meat harmonizes beautifully with the wine's subtle oakiness.

How do the white and sparkling cuvées stand out?

Pouilly-Fuissé and Jeu de Bulles

In a different style, their Pouilly-Fuissé is the "king of Burgundy wines." This 100% Chardonnay delights with its aromas of flint, gunstone, delicate notes of hazelnut, almond, and white flowers.

It’s like fine lace, a lady in an exceptional evening gown, all elegance and grace,

Pierre describes. This exceptional wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, Gillardeau© oysters, grilled lobster, or frog legs in butter.

Finally, their Jeu de Bulles cuvée is a bold venture, being a 100% Gamay sparkling wine that is fruity, fresh, and with a well-controlled acidity. The palate is indulgent with fruity notes that pair excellently with foie gras toast or a prawn risotto with lychees.

If you find yourself near Mâcon, now you know where to stop!

Discover the wines of Château des Broyers directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Château des Broyers

Where is Château des Broyers located?

The estate sits in La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, a short drive from Mâcon, where the Beaujolais meets the south of Burgundy. Pierre Coquard farms 2.5 hectares there under sustainable practices.

Which appellations does Château des Broyers produce?

The vineyard spans eight appellations: Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran from Burgundy, plus Morgon, Saint-Amour, Juliénas and Moulin-à-Vent from Beaujolais, rounded out by a Crémant de Bourgogne and Beaujolais-Villages in red, white and rosé.

What grape goes into the estate’s Moulin-à-Vent?

This red comes from Gamay alone, matured for eight to nine months in oak barrels that first held the whites, which softens the wood. The palate brings red fruit, a floral hint and a firm, structured frame.

How would you describe the Pouilly-Fuissé from Les Broyers?

Made entirely from Chardonnay, this white leans on a flinty minerality lifted by hazelnut, almond and white flowers. Fine and supple, it suits oysters, shellfish and other seafood at the table.

Who is the winemaker behind Château des Broyers?

Pierre Coquard, an engineer who spent ten years in IT, revived this 1710 family property from 2003. He chases balance between fruit and tannin and also crafts Jeu de Bulles, a sparkling Gamay cuvée.