Domaine des Faunes: the nostalgia of a wine-grower's labour

The history of the "domaine des Faunes" began in the 50's when Marius Monnier left his native village of Yvorne to settle in the Genevan canton. He settled down in the heart of Mandement, in the wine-growing locality of Dardagny, where he took over the local inn. Born surrounded by the vine stock of Chablais, our exiled Waldensian grew nostalgic of the labour of wine-growing. So he bought a few plots which were available in the village.

In 1965, he acquired three hectares with which he started a vineyard, which he named the "Domaine des Faunes". In an era where 90% of the production went to the local co-op cellar, it was a daring gamble. Quality production as well as a network of efficient connections enabled Marius Monnier's small business to thrive. In 1983, the founder handed over his business to his daughter Danielle and son-in-law Gilbert Mistral. This one, with qualifications from Changins, modified the stock of vines and purchased more land. When, in 2004, he handed over the management of the estate to his sons, Frédéric and Etienne, the vineyards extended to more than 40 hectares.

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