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.

Renowned for its wines from Gigondas, Domaine Santa Duc produces a very fine Côtes-du-Rhône, a blend of parcels located in the communes of Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Roaix and Séguret. The name of this cuvée, Les Quatre Terres, thus makes perfect sense. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault and Clairette are grown organically, harvested by hand and sorted very carefully before gently maceration. The wine is aged on its lees in both foudres and old oak barrels. An elegant, silky and mouth-watering wine, it can be enjoyed young on the fruit with succulent grilled meat and homemade ratatouille.