André Perret

He took over his family farm back in 1982 after studying biology and realising he wanted more of an outdoor lifestyle. When André returned to his village there were just two other winemakers located there, he has been influential in developing the area and encouraging young winemakers to set up shop there. He has also been instrumental in rejuvenating the fortunes and reputation of Viognier in northern Rhône and is now widely regarded as one of the top producers in Condrieu. Since 2020 André has been joined by daughter Marie, after she finished five years study at agricultural school and a vintage in Cachapoal, Chile. After starting with just half a hectare, they now have 13 ha of vines on some of the steepest slopes of the region, the vineyards are terraced and labour intensive. There are 5.5ha in Condrieu, 5.5 in Saint-Joseph (1 white, rest red), the remainder is VdP Rhodaniennes. The Saint-Joseph and VdP Rhodaniennes wines are certainly worth seeking out too.