Charlotte & Aurélien Houillon

Aurélien and Charlotte Houillon, the driving force behind their winemaking project initiated in Vaucluse in 2017, bring a unique pedigree to the world of wine. Their years of apprenticeship in the Jura alongside renowned figures like Pierre Ovenoy and Aurélien's brother, Emmanuel Houillon, have endowed them with a wealth of expertise. Embracing a minimalist philosophy in both winemaking and biodynamics, the duo has successfully transplanted the legendary approach of Ovenoy into their own venture.

Nurturing 9 hectares of predominantly rescued vines in the charming village of Faucon, nestled beneath the imposing Mont Ventoux, the Houillons create wines that are a testament to their wild and untamed spirit. Despite their untamed nature, these wines exhibit the deep and intense characteristics of southern Rhône classics, including Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault. What makes their wines particularly enticing is the meticulous, hands-on approach taken in the winemaking process – a nod to their commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Adding a personal touch, some of their labels are handcrafted from papyrus, painstakingly screened from scratch in their own barn. To taste the wines of Aurélien and Charlotte Houillon is to embark on a journey marked by tradition, innovation, and a profound connection to the terroir.

About the Winemaker

Charlotte & Aurélien Houillon

Aurélien and Charlotte Houillon, the creative minds behind their winemaking venture established in Vaucluse in 2017, bring a distinctive background to the wine world. Their extensive training in the Jura, under the mentorship of esteemed figures like Pierre Overnoy and Aurélien's brother, Emmanuel Houillon, has equipped them with invaluable expertise. Embracing a minimalist approach to winemaking and biodynamics, they have seamlessly integrated Overnoy's legendary techniques into their own project.

Caring for 9 hectares of predominantly rescued vines in the picturesque village of Faucon, nestled beneath the majestic Mont Ventoux, the Houillons produce wines that reflect their wild and untamed spirit.

charlotte dalton winemaker

The Region

Rhone Valley, France

The Rhône Valley, nestled in southeastern France, is renowned for its rich winemaking history and diverse terroir. In recent years, the region has also become a prominent destination for natural winemaking. With its Mediterranean climate, varied soils, and a plethora of indigenous grape varieties, the Rhône Valley offers an ideal environment for sustainable viticulture. Natural winemakers here prioritize organic and biodynamic farming methods, cultivating grapes such as Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier with minimal intervention to express the true essence of the land. By eschewing chemical additives and focusing on natural fermentation, they produce wines that are vibrant, aromatic, and reflective of the region's unique terroir. Whether it's the bold and spicy reds of the northern Rhône or the lush and aromatic whites of the southern Rhône, the natural wines of the region are known for their complexity, balance, and sense of place. As the demand for authentic and terroir-driven wines continues to grow, the Rhône Valley remains a beacon of tradition and innovation in the world of natural winemaking.