Domaine Éric Hérault – A Family Story in the Heart of Chinon

In the heart of the Loire Valley, in the charming wine-growing village of Panzoult, just a few kilometres from Chinon, Domaine Hérault has cultivated a genuine passion for winegrowing and outstanding terroir-driven wines for several generations.

The family’s winemaking story began in 1963, when Bernard Hérault and his wife Claire settled on a mixed farming estate with just half a hectare of vines. Gradually, viticulture became the central focus of their activities, laying the foundations for an estate deeply attached to its terroir and its distinctive identity within the Loire Valley.

In 1992, their son Éric joined the family business and continued its development with ambition and determination. Together with his wife Élodie, he helped expand the vineyard while maintaining a strong commitment to quality. By carefully controlling yields, they aim to produce more concentrated grapes and wines with greater aromatic expression. Today, their son Pierre is also part of this wonderful family venture, bringing a fresh perspective while carrying forward the values of conviviality, craftsmanship and tradition passed down through the generations.

The estate now covers approximately 26 hectares of vineyards, spread across the diverse terroirs of the Chinon appellation. From the clay-limestone soils of the slopes to the gravelly terraces, each plot contributes to the diversity and distinctive character of the wines. Cabernet Franc, the emblematic grape variety behind Chinon’s red wines, expresses its full aromatic richness, natural freshness and elegance here. The estate also produces white and rosé wines, offering different interpretations of this distinctive Loire Valley terroir.

One of the estate’s remarkable features is an old tuffeau limestone quarry dating back to the 13th century. Discovered and subsequently converted into an ageing cellar and tasting venue, this historic site bears witness to the close connection between the region’s heritage and its centuries-old winemaking tradition.

Remaining true to its roots, Domaine Hérault places great importance on achieving harmony between fruit, refined tannins and the expression of the terroir. The result is a range of authentic, generous and approachable wines, crafted to be enjoyed and shared around a good table.

A family-run estate where tradition, passion and the passing down of expertise come together to create honest wines, deeply rooted in the identity of Chinon.