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Maison Wessman
Maison Wessman: age-worthy Bergerac reds and high-altitude Limoux Chardonnays...
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Maison Wessman, from Périgord Pourpre to the heights of Limoux
Maison Wessman - South-West vineyards (Dordogne, Aude)
Maison Wessman is a French wine house founded in 2016, born around Château de Saint-Cernin in the Périgord Pourpre. It brings together three vineyards, Saint-Cernin, les Verdots and Bugalys, spread over 86 hectares from Bergerac to Limoux, for Bergerac reds and high-altitude Chardonnays.
Reinventing tradition, redefining excellence: this is the ambition of Maison Wessman, born of Róbert and Ksenia Wessman's passion for an underrated terroir. From the thousand-year-old château of Saint-Cernin to the cool hillsides of Limoux, a house of bold character, available directly from the producer on Avenue des Vins.
Maison Wessman, the story of an ambition
The story takes root in the early 2000s, when Róbert Wessman, an Icelandic businessman, acquired Château de Saint-Cernin in the Périgord Pourpre. His ambition was clear: to create a distinct, bold and exceptionally unique estate on a terroir long overshadowed by its famous neighbours.
In 2016, Maison Wessman was officially born. Róbert leads it alongside his wife Ksenia Wessman, co-owner of the estate: she co-manages the business and takes part in the key stages of the vineyard's life, down to the quality and packaging of the wines. Around the couple stands a passionate team, supported by world-renowned specialists.
Over the years, the house has widened its footprint. The Vignoble des Verdots, in Bergerac and Monbazillac, joined the estate in 2021 and became its main property, while the Bugalys vineyard in the Haute Vallée de Limoux completed the ensemble. Today, Maison Wessman farms 86 hectares, from Bergerac all the way to the Pyrenees.
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Three vineyards, one shared standard
It all begins at Château de Saint-Cernin, a thousand-year-old property perched on one of the highest points of the Issigeac plateau, surrounded by nearly 10 hectares of vines. This vineyard grows only Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux grapes that yield structured, age-worthy reds.
The Vignoble des Verdots, at the heart of the Périgord Pourpre in Bergerac and Monbazillac, has become the house's main estate. Further south, the Bugalys vineyard, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees in the Haute Vallée de Limoux, rises to high altitude to give exceptional whites, mainly Chardonnays. This contrast between the South-West and the cool Limoux hillsides is the house's signature.
Château de Saint-Cernin - Issigeac (Dordogne)
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon - Issigeac plateau
A thousand-year-old building perched on one of the highest points of the Issigeac plateau, surrounded by around 10 hectares of vines. This is where, on the cradle of the house, Róbert Wessman's first wines were born.
Reinventing tradition, redefining excellence
The house motto is more than a slogan: it guides every range. From the entry-level Originel, an accessible expression of the vineyard, to ultra-premium wines such as N°1 Saint-Cernin, Maison Wessman seeks to reveal the best of each terroir and to surprise casual and seasoned drinkers alike.
This boldness shows in the breadth of the range: the Grand Vin and Château les Tours des Verdots in Bergerac, the Bugalys Chardonnays in Limoux, the La Folie blend, the Imprévu wines with their unique labels, and the Wessman One champagnes. One house, several signatures, all turned towards excellence.
In the cellar, guided by great names
To raise its wines, the house surrounds itself with leading ambassadors. The reds are overseen by oenologist Julien Viaud, of Laboratoire Rolland & Associés, while Andreas Larsson, named World's Best Sommelier in 2007, is the ambassador of the Saint-Cernin and Bugalys ranges. The estate is run by Lise Sadirac, named Winemaker of the Year 2026.
This standard carries through to the glass. At Bugalys, the Chardonnays are hand-harvested to preserve the freshness of the fruit. And the house is not afraid to blend across regions: its La Folie cuvée brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from Bergerac, a Syrah from Provence and a Spanish Tempranillo, under the guidance of Andreas Larsson.
The wines of Maison Wessman
From Bergerac reds to high-altitude Chardonnays, the house composes a wide range that spans its three vineyards. As vintages and availability change, the selection shown on Avenue des Vins may vary, here are a few of the house's flagship cuvées.
Saint-Cernin Rouge
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon - red, Issigeac plateau
The founding red of the house, born on the terroir of Château de Saint-Cernin. A tribute to the importance of beginnings, structured and elegant, pairing with red meats, South-West duck breast and matured cheeses.
N°1 Saint-Cernin Rouge
Ultra-premium red - confidential production
The flagship cuvée of the Issigeac plateau, made in very small quantities. A collector's and fine-dining wine, to keep for special occasions.
Grand Vin « Les Verdots »
Red and dry white - AOC Bergerac
The range crafted for wine lovers and epicureans, at the heart of the main Verdots estate. Bergerac wines that delight the most experienced palates at a fine table.
Bugalys Blanc and Alti Bugalys
Chardonnay - white, Haute Vallée de Limoux
Chardonnays grown at altitude at the foot of the Pyrenees and hand-harvested. Bugalys Blanc plays on freshness and precision; Alti Bugalys aims for breadth and depth, with fish, seafood and creamy poultry dishes.
Château les Tours des Verdots
Red and dry white - AOC Bergerac
Balanced, powerful Bergerac wines whose elegance combines finesse and substance. An ideal way into the house style, from everyday treats to shared meals.
Alongside these cuvées, the house offers other ranges: the entry-level Originel, the Imprévu wines with their unique labels, the Wessman One champagnes (including a cuvée selected by Andreas Larsson) and a Crémant de Limoux. Depending on stock, Avenue des Vins will show you the cuvées and vintages available to order.
A starred table and renowned ambassadors
Maison Wessman has gathered great names around its wines: chef Thierry Marx, co-owner of the Maison Wessman par Thierry Marx restaurant (awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide), oenologist Julien Viaud of Laboratoire Rolland & Associés, and sommelier Andreas Larsson, World's Best Sommelier 2007. Its Verdots estate hosts tastings, dining and a gîte to extend the experience.
Carefully shipped across France and Europe
Why choose Maison Wessman
Three complementary terroirs. From Bergerac reds to fresh Limoux Chardonnays, one house to explore several faces of French wine, across 86 hectares.
A history-laden cradle. Château de Saint-Cernin, a thousand-year-old property on the Issigeac plateau, gives the house its roots and identity.
Renowned ambassadors. Oenologist Julien Viaud (Laboratoire Rolland & Associés) on the reds, sommelier Andreas Larsson on the whites: the house works with the very best.
A table and the art of hosting. At les Verdots, the restaurant by Thierry Marx, awarded a Bib Gourmand, and a gîte extend the discovery of the estate.
Directly from the house. You order with no needless middleman, as close as possible to the producer, with careful shipping across France and Europe.
Your questions about Maison Wessman
Where is Maison Wessman located ?
Maison Wessman was born at Château de Saint-Cernin, in the Périgord Pourpre (Dordogne, South-West France). It also farms the Vignoble des Verdots, its main estate in Bergerac and Monbazillac, and the Bugalys vineyard in the Haute Vallée de Limoux, at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Who founded Maison Wessman ?
The house was founded in 2016 by Róbert Wessman, an Icelandic businessman who had acquired Château de Saint-Cernin in the early 2000s. His wife Ksenia Wessman is co-owner and co-manages the estate, down to the quality and packaging of the wines.
What does the name Maison Wessman mean ?
The name takes that of its founders, the Wessman family. The word maison (house) reflects the idea of one signature bringing several vineyards and ranges together under a shared standard: reinventing tradition and redefining excellence.
What kinds of wine does Maison Wessman make ?
The house mainly makes Bergerac reds, at Saint-Cernin and les Verdots, and high-altitude Chardonnays at Bugalys, in the Haute Vallée de Limoux. Its range also extends to dry whites, sweet wines, rosés, blended cuvées and Wessman One champagnes.
Which grape varieties are grown ?
The Saint-Cernin vineyard grows only Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Bugalys whites are 100% Chardonnay, the grape of choice on the cool hillsides of Limoux. The La Folie cuvée also blends in Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Tempranillo.
Who makes the Maison Wessman wines ?
The house relies on renowned ambassadors: oenologist Julien Viaud, of Laboratoire Rolland & Associés, for the reds, and Andreas Larsson, World's Best Sommelier 2007, for the Saint-Cernin and Bugalys ranges. The estate is run by Lise Sadirac, Winemaker of the Year 2026.
Does Maison Wessman have a link to fine dining ?
Yes. The Vignoble des Verdots is home to the Maison Wessman par Thierry Marx restaurant, whose chef is co-owner and which was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. The estate also offers tastings, gîte accommodation and vineyard visits.
How long can these wines be kept ?
The Saint-Cernin and Verdots reds, structured and powerful, benefit from several years in the cellar, especially the Grand Vin and N°1 cuvées. The Bugalys Chardonnays are lovely young for their freshness, while the fuller ones can also age for a few years.
What foods pair with Maison Wessman wines ?
The Bergerac reds pair with red meats, duck breast and matured South-West cheeses. The Limoux Chardonnays elevate fish, seafood, shellfish and creamy poultry dishes. The Wessman One champagnes suit apéritifs and festive moments.
Which Maison Wessman wine makes a good gift ?
For a gift, N°1 Saint-Cernin, made in confidential quantities, is a fine gesture for lovers of great reds. An Alti Bugalys Chardonnay or a Wessman One champagne will delight those who enjoy high-altitude whites and elegant bubbles.
Can you visit Maison Wessman ?
Yes. The Vignoble des Verdots offers tastings, dining at the restaurant by Thierry Marx and gîte accommodation throughout the year. To arrange a visit, it is best to contact the house directly; practical details are on its official website.
Where can you buy Maison Wessman wines directly ?
The available Maison Wessman cuvées can be ordered directly on Avenue des Vins, as close as possible to the producer, with careful shipping across France and throughout Europe. The selection and vintages on offer change with each delivery.
Directly from the house, from Périgord Pourpre to the heights of Limoux
Maison Wessman - a French wine house founded in 2016, uniting the Saint-Cernin, les Verdots and Bugalys vineyards, across 86 hectares from the Périgord Pourpre to the Haute Vallée de Limoux.
Bergerac reds, high-altitude Limoux Chardonnays, Wessman One champagnes - available directly on Avenue des Vins.