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.

Condrieu Terrasses du Palat is one of the benchmark wines of Domaine François Villard. Originating from parcels of Chavanay and Vérin, the 2-year-old vine stocks grow on quartzite, decomposed granite soil. In the cellar, the grapes ferment at a low temperature with native yeast. François Villard does daily stirring for six months then ages the wine for eleven months without racking. This wine can easily be kept for ten years and, over time, develops subtle creaminess alongside delicious aromas of stone fruit and flowers.