The Domaine de l'Enchantoir gets a makeover

Before acquiring their vineyard, Fabienne and Jean-Michel had no idea of the mountain of administrative tasks that awaited them. However, for these Parisians, the effort is well worth it. The couple had dreamed of taking over a vineyard in the Loire Valley for over a decade.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What drew Fabienne and Jean-Michel to the Loire Valley?

A Dream Realized in the Loire Valley

For Fabienne, who spent her childhood in the Val de Loire, it was unthinkable to look for a vineyard elsewhere. She cherishes this wine region known for producing "exceptional wines with unbeatable quality-price ratios."

I used to go wine hunting with my grandfather in Touraine when I was little, and continued with my father. They weren’t in the business, but they were knowledgeable wine enthusiasts who passed their passion on to me. This passion was nurtured with my husband, with whom I often travel along the wine routes,

says the winemaker.

How did the couple learn the trade after buying the estate?

"Becoming a Winemaker Doesn’t Happen Overnight!"

In late 2015, Fabienne and her husband visited Domaine de l’Enchantoir, a vineyard located in the heart of the Saumur terroir in the commune of Le Puy-Notre-Dame. Enchanted by the property, the couple finally realized their dream and purchased the estate last August.

We are new to this world, but the passion is there. We discover new things every day, which is truly exhilarating,

Fabienne rejoices.

Upon taking possession of the property, Fabienne and Jean-Michel decided to continue working with the existing consulting oenologist, sought advice from a wine expert, and assembled a team of employees.

Having experts on site helps us immensely, as becoming a winemaker overnight is not realistic, even though our first harvest taught us a lot,

confides Fabienne.

Initially, the couple focuses mainly on the administration and marketing of the cuvées. Their daughter Amandine, who joined them a few months ago, also helps manage the estate daily, particularly in communication.

How is the vineyard worked, and what is next for the wines?

A Vineyard Cultivated with Organic Practices

Soil and vine work is crucial at Domaine de l’Enchantoir, where the 16-hectare vineyard is entirely cultivated organically. Jean-Michel and Fabienne did not hesitate to invest in both the vines and new equipment upon their arrival and are preparing to undertake extensive renovations of the cellars.

Regarding wine production, the winemakers continue in the tradition of their predecessors while making some changes.

We aim to refine our red wine range to fully exploit the exceptional Saumur terroir,

Fabienne explains. The couple is also working on developing a 100% Chardonnay white wine and a sweet wine in the AOC Coteaux de Saumur, set to debut next winter.

Despite still working in Paris, Fabienne and Jean-Michel visit their estate whenever they have free time. This remote management (temporary as Jean-Michel is preparing for retirement) does not prevent them from developing oenotourism at the vineyard. In less than a year, the tasting room at Domaine de l’Enchantoir has hosted numerous events: dinner shows, concerts, tasting workshops…

And this is just the beginning!

say the winemakers.

Discover the wines of Domaine de l'Enchantoir directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de l'Enchantoir

Where is Domaine de l'Enchantoir located?

The estate sits in Le Puy-Notre-Dame, within the Saumur appellation of the Loire Valley. This corner of the Loire is known for wines that balance quality and a fair price.

Who runs Domaine de l'Enchantoir?

Fabienne and Jean-Michel Brunet took over the property in August, after more than a decade of wanting to settle in the Loire vineyards. Their daughter Amandine also takes part in the estate's daily life.

Is Domaine de l'Enchantoir farmed organically?

Yes. The sixteen hectares of the vineyard are worked entirely under organic farming. The owners invested in the plots and new equipment as soon as they arrived.

What wines does Domaine de l'Enchantoir produce?

The estate focuses first on its Saumur reds, which it aims to refine so they express the terroir better. A white made solely from Chardonnay and a sweet Coteaux de Saumur are also being prepared.

Can you visit Domaine de l'Enchantoir?

The estate is building up wine tourism and welcomes visitors in its tasting space for concerts, workshops and dinner shows. This activity has been growing steadily since the takeover.