François Villard trained as a chef before setting up his estate in 1989 following his sommelier and viticultural training. He favours late harvesting so that they berries are perfectly concentrated. Today, his estate spans 42 hectares over nearly all the appellations in the region (except Hermitage) and it has become a standout name in the Rhône. Since 2022, the entire property has been certified organic.
François also took part in a joint project called Vins de Vienne to replant the old Seyssuel area. He undertook this with two other master winemakers, Yves Cuilleron (Domaine Cuilleron) and Pierre Gaillard (Domaine Pierre Gaillard). The initiative was a great success.
François loves to build, and with each vintage he creates new vats for his wine that he christens with a comical name, normally a play on words. He produces 400,000 bottles a year and is adored by enthusiasts and critics alike.

Grown in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, Cuvée Mairlant originates from vines growing on the steep slopes of Saint-Joseph. The Syrah used comes from three parcels, Ardoix, Chavanay and St Pierre de Bœuf. The vines have grown on soils of decomposed granite for 25 years and are south-east facing.
The vines are harvested by hand and the winegrower keeps almost half of the wines in whole bunches. The grapes ferment for 12 days in open stainless steel and wooden vats. Aging then lasts 18 months in barrels that are 2-4 years. 10%of the barrels used are new.
Syrah gives the wine a rich and intense colour, crimson in its youth then more of a red brown after a few years. This Saint Joseph has lovely fruity, spicy and liquorice aromas, with slight woody notes. The palate is very concentrated, balanced, and velvety. This wine can easily be kept for about fifteen years. For airing with food, any red meat will work well.