Earlier this month, I spent 10 days eating and drinking my way through France. (See here for details on my July 4th tour of Paris’ natural wine bars and retailers.) On July 9, after visiting Chateau Thivin and Domaine Chignard, I headed to Domaine Diochon in Moulin-à-Vent.

Located just across the road from the cru’s namesake, the 12.5 acre vineyard and winery was established in 1935. Its modern history begins in 1967, when Bernard Diochon succeeded his father.

Seven years ago, Bernard handed off the winemaking responsibilities to Thomas Patenôtre, a local vigneron. Bernard’s presence is still felt, though. The winery is his home, and while visiting, it was obvious that he still spends quite a bit of time in the vineyard and in the winery.

Below are some photos from my visit.

The famous windmill.

Bernard Diochon. Check out the sweet ‘stache.

Thomas Patenôtre, showing us the pre-phylloxera vines.

The vineyard at Domaine Diochon.

The wines we tasted.

 

Thomas Patenôtre also likes to DJ.

Patenôtre’s cat.