DOMAINE DES FOURNELLES

Domaine des Fournelles – Three generations, one clear direction: expressing Beaujolais with sincerity

Domaine des Fournelles is the quiet yet solid story of a family of winemakers based in Saint-Lager, at the foot of Mont Brouilly. It all began in 1947, when François and Claudine Bernillon founded a small farm combining mixed agriculture, livestock and vines. Nothing extravagant at the time, but one conviction was already clear: the land comes first.

In 1973, their son Alain, joined by his wife Bernadette, made a decisive choice: to stop livestock farming and focus entirely on viticulture. The estate then took on a new dimension. The wines began to travel, from Belgium to Parisian tables, while remaining deeply rooted in an artisanal approach.

Since 2015, the third generation has been at the helm. Mariannick Bernillon and her husband Guillaume Dumontet bring fresh energy and a forward-looking vision, without ever turning their backs on the family heritage.

A family vineyard at the heart of Beaujolais crus

Today, the estate covers around 8 to 9 hectares, mainly across two emblematic appellations: Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly, now complemented by Beaujolais-Villages red and rosé wines.

This location at the foot of Mont Brouilly offers volcanic and granitic soils of remarkable richness, capable of producing wines that are both fruity, structured and elegant, faithful to the pure expression of Gamay when handled with precision.

Everything is managed in-house, from vineyard work to sales. This rare choice allows the estate to sell nearly 80% of its production directly to private customers, without intermediaries, following a short supply chain built on trust and proximity.

Manual, demanding and responsible viticulture

At Domaine des Fournelles, the word “respect” is not a marketing slogan. It is a daily reality. The vines are worked by hand: manual pruning, tying and harvesting. Every gesture matters, every intervention is carefully considered.

The estate is currently certified HVE (High Environmental Value) and is engaged in a conversion to organic farming. Practices continue to evolve to reduce environmental impact, preserve soils and maintain the natural balance of the vineyard.

Vinification is carried out entirely in the estate’s own cellars, ensuring total quality control and perfect coherence between grape and wine.

Authentic and approachable Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly wines

The wines of Domaine des Fournelles fully reflect this philosophy: generous and precise Brouilly wines, more structured and profound Côte de Brouilly, and straightforward, convivial Beaujolais-Villages.

These are wines designed for pleasure, for the table and for sharing, without unnecessary artifice. The focus here is on balance, drinkability and faithfulness to terroir, not fleeting trends.

A new generation with a vision for the future

With Mariannick and Guillaume, the estate is opening up further to digital channels, expanding its range and strengthening its environmental commitment, while never losing what defines its identity: a family-run, independent estate deeply attached to its land and its customers.

Domaine des Fournelles moves forward at its own pace, but always in the right direction.

What is the difference between a Brouilly and a Côte de Brouilly wine, and how can you choose the one that best matches your personal taste ?