Cellier aux Moines

Cellier aux Moines is one of Burgundy's oldest wine estates, set on a hillside above Givry, a town on the Côte Chalonnaise in the Saône-et-Loire department. The name — "the monks' cellar" — points directly to its Cistercian origins: between 1120 and 1130, monks from the Abbey of La Ferté planted a vineyard here, built a cellar and a wine press, and enclosed the whole property within a stone-walled Clos.

How long did the monks run this vineyard?

The Abbey of La Ferté managed the estate for nearly seven centuries. After the French Revolution, ownership passed into private hands, and the property then stayed with a single family for two more centuries. The real turning point came in 2004, when the domaine was bought by Philippe and Catherine Pascal, together with their three children, Camille, Marguerite and Alexis. Under the Pascal family, the estate was restored and modernised, reviving its reputation among Burgundy's finest terroirs.

What makes the Clos du Cellier aux Moines special?

The Clos du Cellier aux Moines is a Premier Cru of Givry covering 13 hectares in total, enclosed by its historic wall. Domaine du Cellier aux Moines owns 5 hectares within the best-exposed part of this Clos, planted directly around the original cellar buildings. The estate is farmed along sustainable lines: it earned organic certification in 2020 and biodynamic certification in 2023, meaning cultivation follows natural cycles without synthetic chemical inputs, with close attention to soil health and vineyard biodiversity.

What heritage protection applies to the site?

The building complex of Cellier aux Moines carries official heritage protection in France. Under a decree dated 15 April 1970, the façades and roofs of the estate's buildings were listed as a monument historique; a separate listing from the same date also protects the windmill standing on the property. This dual protection reflects the exceptional architectural and historical value of a site that has remained in continuous winemaking use for close to nine centuries.

Where is Givry, and why visit?

Givry sits in the Côte Chalonnaise, just south of the Côte de Beaune, right in the heart of Burgundy's wine country. It's a quieter corner than the famous Côte d'Or, yet just as steeped in tradition — Givry wine reportedly supplied the royal court under Henri IV. Visitors to Cellier aux Moines can see the historic walls of the Clos, take in the vineyard-covered hillside, and stand at a place where a Cistercian winemaking tradition has run unbroken from the Middle Ages to today's biodynamic production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cellier aux Moines? It's a historic wine estate in Givry, founded by Cistercian monks from the Abbey of La Ferté around 1120–1130, now run as a biodynamic domaine by the Pascal family.

How old is the vineyard? Historical research confirms the vineyard, cellar and press were established between 1120 and 1130, giving the estate nearly 900 years of continuous winemaking history.

What exactly is listed as a historic monument? The façades and roofs of the building complex, plus the windmill on the property — both protected under the monument historique listing issued by decree on 15 April 1970.

Can the estate be visited? Domaine du Cellier aux Moines operates as a working winery on site; anyone planning a visit or tasting should check directly with the producer for current arrangements.