Domaine les Braconniers

Domaine Les Braconniers is a winery in the Loire Valley, carried forward by eight generations of peasant winemakers. It all began in 1803 in Châtillon-sur-Cher with Charles Dupuy, and the family history continued until the 2024 merger that brought together the Dupuy, Cormier, Meunier, and Gibault estates under a shared identity led by Franck Meunier. The name “Braconnier” pays tribute to the grandfather, a free-spirited and mischievous figure whose poaching outings left a lasting memory.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What is the story behind the estate?

History, heritage and vision

A good wine flourishes with deep roots and magical wings

a motto that reflects the balance between memory and movement.

At fifty, the current winemaker returned to the lands of his childhood. The landscapes of forests, vineyard plots, the Berry Canal, the Cher River, and memories of fishing with his grandfather convinced him to embark on this journey. Taking over the estate means reconnecting with an intimate past and opening a new future with the support of Pascal Guibaud. The philosophy of the estate remains the same: to preserve the land for future generations and to evolve the vineyard towards greater respect for life through a step-by-step biodynamic approach. The first harvest from vines planted by his mother closed a family circle and opened another, one of active heritage, where each vintage reconnects with the place without altering it.

How does the estate work its terroir?

Terroir of Touraine and practices that respect life

The vineyard covers thirty-five hectares in the Touraine appellation and AOP Touraine-Chenonceaux. Most of the hillside vineyards face the Cher River and benefit from cool nights, which promote aromatic expression. The proximity of the woods fosters beneficial biodiversity, creating a coherent ecosystem where the vines breathe.

To observe the vine evolving day by day and reveal the best while respecting its rhythm

, this is the daily driving force guiding choices in the field and the cellar.

The transition is built with patience. Rebalancing the vineyard planting with Pinot Noir and conducting trials with Syrah, advancing towards biodynamics without rushing the vines, and developing wine tourism are all ongoing evolutions at the estate. In the cellar, winemaking respects the grape and the spirit of the vintage. The estate seeks precision rather than demonstration, with élevages aimed at refining texture without masking aromas with overly strong woody notes.

What grape varieties and wines define the estate?

Grape varieties, wine styles and hospitality

The mosaic of Loire grape varieties is expressed through Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, and Chardonnay for whites, offering fruit, tension, and a mineral structure. The reds rely on Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Côt (Malbec outside the Loire) for fresh, refined profiles. New plantings of Pinot Noir complete the ensemble, while Syrah trials explore new horizons.

Dualis is the wine that resembles me most. Born from a blend of Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc, combined with a complex aging in Oak and Acacia barrels, it has offered me a true ground for expression and a space for creative freedom during winemaking.

Hospitality at the estate extends the work in the vineyard, with visits and tastings that highlight the spirit of sharing. Encounters remain essential, a simple exchange where grape varieties and vintages are discussed, and where the meaning of the peasant winemaker’s craft is understood.

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

Frequently asked questions about Domaine Les Braconniers

Where is Domaine Les Braconniers located?

The estate lies in the Loire Valley, spanning thirty-five hectares across the Touraine and Touraine-Chenonceaux appellations. Most hillsides face the Cher River and benefit from cool nights.

Which grape varieties grow on the estate?

Whites come from Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin and Chardonnay, while reds rely on Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Côt. Young Pinot Noir plantings and Syrah trials round out the range.

Are the vines farmed biodynamically?

The shift toward biodynamics happens gradually, one step at a time, so the vines keep their own pace rather than being pushed. The estate moves toward greater respect for life.

What is the Dualis cuvée?

Dualis blends Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc, aged in oak and acacia barrels. The winemaker calls it the wine that resembles him most.

Can you visit for a tasting?

Yes, the estate welcomes guests for tours and tastings. These moments open a simple conversation about grapes, vintages and the craft of a peasant winemaker.