Rows of vines on the Les Coteaux d'Hugier estate - Ognon ValleyThe Guillaume estate, based in Charcenne, is renowned for its vine plant nurseries, which are among the world leaders on the market. Founded in 1895, the nurseries played a crucial role in rebuilding French vineyards after the phylloxera crisis, when Albert Guillaume began grafting seedlings. Today, the company produces between 12 and 15 million plants a year, perpetuating this know-how.
Plots of vines with a tree in the foreground - Vallée de l'Ognon
Set of barrels from the Vignoble Guillaume in Charcenne - Ognon ValleyThe vineyard, which dates back to 1732, covers 46 hectares of carefully cultivated land. The soils, similar to those of Burgundy, contribute to the quality and character of the wines produced. Since 1989, Xavier Guillaume has been producing wines that have earned a reputation for excellence, particularly those made from Pinot Noir grapes. These wines, reflections of the Haut-Saône terroir, have regularly won awards in the wine world.
Glass of red wine served at Bistrot Louis - Vallée de l'OgnonIn summer, the Guillaume vineyard organises activities to help as many people as possible discover its expertise. Visitors can take part in walks through the vines, starting from the winery, with a snack and wine tasting at the vineyard’s “caborde”.
Lucie and Vincent from Vignoble Cheviet pose in front of a barrel, in the vineyards and in front of bottles of wine from their production - Vallée de l'Ognon, Haute-Saône
Focus on a bottle of Chardonnay produced by Vignoble Cheviet - Vallée de l'Ognon, Haute-SaôneLocated in Bucey-lès-Gy, the Vincent Cheviet vineyard covers almost 6 hectares. Vincent and Lucie Cheviet are committed to responsible viticulture that respects the environment and wine-making traditions. Their approach favours natural winemaking processes, preserving the authenticity and unique character of their wines. This philosophy was recognised in 2020 by TERRA VITIS certification, a guarantee of quality and respect for the environment.
The vineyard continues a winemaking tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, when the wines of Gy enjoyed great renown. This rich history continues today with the production of wines under the PGI “Vins de Pays de Franche-Comté”, marking the recognition of the wine heritage of Haute-Saône.
The wines produced include IGP Franche-Comté varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay. Their range of sparkling wines, the “Gybullées”, comes in brut white, rosé and demi-sec red, offering a palette of flavours to suit all palates.
Certified organic since 1993, the Coteaux d’Hugier vineyard cultivates 5 hectares of vines, where a variety of grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay and Auxerrois flourish.
Serge Ballot, winegrower and owner of the estate, embodies the spirit of balanced, environmentally-friendly agriculture. His approach integrates not only viticulture, but also livestock farming and cereal growing, creating a complete agricultural ecosystem.
The estate’s production is remarkably diverse. As well as traditional red and white wines, Coteaux d’Hugier also produces sparkling wines and ratafia, a local liqueur wine.
A special feature of the estate is its natural winemaking method, with no added yeast. This approach aims to preserve the authentic expression of the clay-limestone terroir, which is particularly suited to the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties.
Parcels of vines on the Les Coteaux d'Hugier estate - Ognon Valley
Vines which are trellised on the Les Coteaux d'Hugier estate - Vallée de l'Ognon
Assortment of bottles of wine from the Les Coteaux d'Hugier estate on a wooden barrel - Vallée de l'OgnonIn Champlitte, two estates continue the winemaking tradition: Domaine de la Pâturie and Domaine Pascal Henriot.
Domaine de la Pâturie covers 19 hectares. Planted in 1974 by Albert Demard, former curator of the Champlitte museum, the estate was taken over in 2017 by the Joyandet family, who are natives of the region. The vines, planted on south-east-facing slopes, benefit from a unique terroir made up of limestone and clay soils. This geological composition gives the wines a remarkable minerality and aromatic complexity that will appeal to lovers of fine wines.
Aerial view of the Champlitte vineyards - Harvesters can be seen - Vesoul - Val de Saône
A couple cutting grapes in the Champlitte vineyards - Vesoul - Val de Saône
Aerial view of the Champlitte vineyards, showing two winegrowers working the vines - Cité de caractère - Vesoul - Val de SaôneThe estate produces refined cuvées such as “Par Amour” and “Gueules de Loups”, which fully express the potential of local grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Auxerrois. The meticulous work in the vineyards and cellars results in elegant, well-balanced wines.
The “Gueules de Loups” and “Cœurs de Loups” cuvées take their names from the history of the area known as Pâturie. In the past, this area was known as a wolves’ territory.
Since 1985, independent winemaker Pascal Henriot has been crafting organic and natural wines on the hillsides of Champlitte. His approach gives rise to authentic cuvées that faithfully reflect the terroir of the Haute-Saône region.
The 7-hectare vineyard, perched at an altitude of 300 metres, is spread over three distinct plots: Folains, Monts Cairs and Vergers Carel. These south-facing limestone slopes at the foot of the Langres plateau benefit from a special subsoil that favours the expression of the grape varieties.
Pascal Henriot’s commitment to the environment is reflected in his pesticide-free viticulture and innovative growing methods. Between the grass-covered rows, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, Gamay and Gewurztraminer grow alongside buckwheat and rye. This symbiosis encourages biodiversity, with up to 10 species of wild orchid visible.
The estate, surrounded by hedges and low dry stone walls, forms a veritable sanctuary for the local flora and fauna. These traditional features of the wine-growing landscape protect the vines while providing a habitat for numerous species.
A man serves a glass of rosé wine called "L'imprévu" from the Pascal Henriot estate - in the background is the plot of vines under a beautiful sunset - Champlitte - City of character - Vesoul - Val de SaôneThe owners warmly welcome you to discover their estate. Come and meet these passionate winegrowers, who are happy to share their know-how and their love of the land. Taste authentic wines that express all the richness and diversity of the region.
