François Merlin

About the Winery

Domaine François Merlin is an acclaimed winery in the Northern Rhône Valley, producing elegant Syrah and Viognier wines. François Merlin inherited neither vines nor a passion for wine, yet he has gone on to become one of the northern Rhône's most referenced producers. He started in 1987 when he planted his first vine while working as a vineyard worker at Domaine Rostaing. After selling his first vintage in AOC Condrieu in 1990, he established himself exclusively on his Domaine François Merlin in 1999 before expanding his operation and being joined by his son Laurent in 2013. The estate now covers approximately 10 hectares spread across the Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu, and Collines Rhodaniennes appellations. Today the domaine enjoys a fine reputation and is very present in fine Parisian restaurants where sommeliers compete for his cuvées.

“From humble beginnings to becoming one of the Northern Rhône's most referenced producers of elegant Syrah and Viognier wines.”