Domaine Vacheron is recognized as one of the top estates in Sancerre, renowned for producing both white and red wines that stand out for their remarkable purity and precision. Under the leadership of cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, the estate has fully embraced biodynamic farming practices. They avoid synthetic chemicals in the vineyard, rely on hand harvesting, and use only compost-derived fertilizers. With a commitment to low yields, the cousins work with some of the region’s most sought-after vineyard parcels. Adopting a Burgundian approach to winemaking, they vinify each plot separately, creating unique blends that change from year to year.

The estate spans just over 46 hectares within the Sancerre appellation, with 43 hectares certified as biodynamic since 2005 by BIODYVIN. In addition, the remaining 3.3 hectares were in the process of conversion to biodynamics as of the 2008 certification. Of the 14 communes that are part of the Sancerre appellation, the Vacheron family’s vineyards are primarily located within the Sancerre commune itself, where 42 hectares are situated. Most of their vineyards are dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, with 32 hectares used for their “Cuvée Domaine” and 2 hectares in the “Lieu-dit Les Romains.”  The terroir is typical of the Sancerre region, with 45% of the vines planted on flinty soils, another 45% on limestone, and the remaining 10% on clay. Vineyard practices are in line with biodynamic principles, including traditional soil hoeing, the use of plant teas made from nettles, horsetails, and ferns to treat vine diseases, interplanting with grass between vine rows, hand weeding, and manual harvesting.