Frédéric Lafarge — heir to the legendary Domaine Michel Lafarge in Volnay—founded Domaine Lafarge-Vial in 2014 with his wife, Chantal Vial. The estate represents a thoughtful extension of Burgundian sensibility into the granitic hills of Beaujolais, merging precision viticulture with the distinct character of southern terroirs.
The domaine farms 4.1 hectares of vineyards in the Fleurie and Chiroubles appellations. These high-altitude, steeply sloped sites are planted exclusively to Gamay, with many vines over 50 years old. The soils—primarily decomposed pink granite interlaced with quartz—are well-draining and contribute directly to the wines’ mineral detail and aromatic lift.
From the beginning, the Lafarges have worked according to certified (Demeter) organic and biodynamic principles. Their farming avoids synthetic inputs entirely and follows lunar cycles and biodynamic preparations to enhance soil vitality and vine resilience. In the steepest parcels, such as Joie du Palais, plowing is still done by horse.
In the cellar, grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, typically including 15% to 25% whole clusters. Extraction is gentle, aimed at preserving finesse and freshness. The wines are aged for 12 months in a mix of used oak barrels (228L and 350L) and large-format foudres (30hL), which allow the expression of site to remain unobscured by wood influence.
Domaine Lafarge-Vial is not a side project. It is a dedicated, long-term engagement with Gamay and granite—a continuation of the Lafarge family’s deep-rooted belief in terroir, interpreted through a different landscape but with the same clarity of purpose.
