Sustainability at Its Finest: Château Bonnet’s Winemaking Masterpieces

Located in La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, at the southernmost tip of Saône-et-Loire, the estate spans 23 hectares, boasting four of the ten esteemed crus of Beaujolais. Chénas represents the historical appellation of the region, while Juliénas and Moulin-à-Vent pay homage to the family’s ties to Juliénas and Romanèche-Thorins. This family estate has been dedicated to viticulture for generations. 

The story begins with Mr. Bonnet, an alderman from the city of Mâcon, who transformed the old hunting lodge known as “Les Paquelets” into a vineyard in 1630. Since the early 17th century, the Perrachon family has played an integral role in the wine industry, with roots in Juliénas and a move to Château Bonnet in 1973.Since 2006, Château Bonnet has also cultivated the captivating Saint-Amour. Additionally, their cellars produce delightful Beaujolais whites and Burgundy crémants.

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The legacy of Château Bonnet is intertwined with the Perrachon family’s unwavering passion, love, and commitment to their craft. Pierre and Monique, Pierre-Yves and Marie-Luce, and now the newest addition, Charlotte, have all contributed to the success of this remarkable estate. Inspired by age-old traditions, they nurture the land with the utmost respect, employing minimal intervention techniques such as pickaxe blows and surface plowing to preserve the soil’s microbial life and balance.

Château Bonnet’s estate spans 20 hectares, encompassing prestigious appellations such as Chénas, Moulin à Vent, Juliénas, Saint-Amour, and Beaujolais-Villages (both white and red). The King variety for their red wines is the Gamay Noir à jus blanc. Each wine is a testament to the family’s unwavering dedication, as they meticulously handpick the grapes, oversee vinification, aging, bottling, and sales.

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With a deep understanding of their vineyard’s nuances, the Perrachon family keenly observes every aspect of winemaking, from vineyard management to fermentation and tastings. Their expertise lies not only in skillfully guiding the process but also in allowing each vintage to express its unique character. 

As custodians of the domain, the Perrachon family upholds their commitment to sustainable viticulture, guided by the Terra Vitis certification since 2013. Their dedication to organic farming further underscores their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Visitors to Château Bonnet can embrace the heritage, craftsmanship, and passion that have been carefully nurtured over the centuries, while indulging in the sublime wines crafted by this extraordinary family estate.

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