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.

A nod to the cuvée « Les Serines » from its winemaker friend Yves Cuilleron (Domaine Cuilleron), L’Appel des Sereines is a lovely Syrah which unfurls notes of red and black fruit and spices. Absolutely delicious, and a real wine to enjoy with friends, it is produced in a sustainable manner. This Syrah has been blessed with south-east exposure on the parcels located at Chavanay, Ardois, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône and Verin. The vines are quote young: 10 years old. In the cellar, François Villard allows the berries to ferment for ten days in open vats and ages his wine in wooden vats laisse (50%) and in three-to-five-year-old barrels (50%). Very good value for money, this Syrah can easily be kept for ten years.