DOMAINE VENTOURA

Domaine Ventoura is, above all, a family-owned estate deeply rooted in the Chablis region, in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis. Today, the domaine farms 11 hectares across Petit Chablis, Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru, following a philosophy centered on vineyard work long before bottling is even considered.

The story begins in 1953 with Auguste Ventoura, a humble farmer who planted his first vines alongside cereal fields and livestock. His son Claude gradually expanded the estate and deepened the understanding of the local terroirs. For over 25 years, the grapes were delivered to the local cooperative, until the decisive choice was made to vinify independently, allowing the estate to fully express its unique terroirs.

This evolution led to an intimate knowledge of Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils, geological formations over 150 million years old, which are at the heart of Chablis’ unmistakable mineral character. Respect for the land is now embedded in the family’s DNA, supported by investments in modern equipment, their own press, winery and cellar, enabling full control of the winemaking process.

The current generation is represented by Thomas Ventoura, who, after initially pursuing a technical career away from the vines, returned to viticulture with renewed passion. Through continuous learning, daily vineyard presence and careful experimentation, Thomas refines each vintage while preserving authenticity.

The domaine’s philosophy revolves around “rocks and leaves”: understanding soils and vines through constant observation. Vineyard work is precise and respectful, with a low-intervention, organic-oriented approach. In the cellar, stainless steel, oak barrels and technical expertise are merely tools to let the grapes speak. The ultimate goal is clear: to bottle the purest possible translation of Chablis terroir, vintage after vintage.