François Dumas

François Dumas, a committed voice from the Northern Rhône

A unique journey, between tradition and commitment

François Dumas , originally from Véranne in the Loire Valley, discovered his passion for winemaking in 2004 during a season at Cuilleron . Initially destined to become a physical education teacher , he changed course to pursue training in viticulture and oenology , earning a BPREA (Brevet Professionnel Responsable d'Exploitation Agricole - Professional Certificate for Agricultural Production) in Tournon . He then worked for renowned winemakers such as Jean-Louis Chave in Hermitage and Jean-Louis Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin, where he honed his skills before striking out on his own. In 2010 , François settled in Véranne and produced his first vintage. Three years later, he acquired plots in Saint-Joseph and Condrieu . Today, he cultivates approximately 4 hectares of vines organically , with organic certification currently in progress .

Natural viticulture, precision and respect for the terroir

François is deeply committed to rigorous organic viticulture , influenced by the principles of natural farming such as those of Masanobu Fukuoka . He avoids bare soils and experiments with various natural methods, often at the expense of immediate profitability. Soil cultivation is done without chemicals, and François favors natural winemaking . He uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation and limits the use of sulfur to very low levels. This approach allows him to produce authentic wines that faithfully reflect their terroir .

François Dumas embodies a new generation of winemakers , blending tradition and innovation . His wines, marked by a demanding organic approach and natural winemaking, offer a refreshing rediscovery of the Northern Rhône terroirs . With limited but high-quality production, François continues to captivate wine lovers with sincere and elegant cuvées. His commitment to sustainable practices makes him a model of contemporary viticulture. Each bottle reflects not only the unique characteristics of the plots he cultivates, but also his passion , exacting standards , and profound respect for life .