Our history

The Mistral-Monnier family has run the estate since its creation in the early 1960s. Marius Monnier, the ancestor-pioneer, was the son of a winemaker, originally from La Tour-de-Peilz. From an early age, he was immersed in the world of vines and wine, as his father was the owner of the illustrious Clos-de-la-George in Yvorne.

Marius Monnier arrived in the canton of Geneva in 1947 and never left the world of wine, working as head cellarman at Champagnisation. From 1954 to 1966, he and his wife ran the Café de la Poste in Dardagny and worked for the Friederich brothers, also wine merchants in Dardagny. At the same time, he bought a few plots of land in the village. 

In the early 60s, he gathered together three hectares and created the Domaine des Faunes, which he gradually enlarged, and in 1977, with his son-in-law, he began construction of the current winery. 

In 1983, he handed over the estate to his daughter Danielle and son-in-law Gilbert Mistral, from a family of Provence winegrowers. Today, his grandsons Frédéric and Ludovic have taken up the torch. 

Frédéric Mistral was born in 1977. He initially trained as an engineer in mechanics and robotics, graduating in 1998. After several jobs in IT, the magic of wine and a sense of the land were too strong. In 2005, he obtained his engineering degree in oenology and viticulture from Changins. He is responsible for the winery, vinification and marketing. 

Ludovic Mistral was born in 1982. He first learned the trade of car mechanic before he too gave in to the call of his roots. It is he who looks after the vines as vineyard manager.

Our estate

Our winery has been distinguished since its creation by a policy of diversification. In addition to traditional grape varieties such as Chasselas, Pinot Noir and Gamay, we offer Aligoté, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Scheurebe, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Merlot, Viognier and Syrah. Our range includes some 20 different references, including some magnificent oak-aged reds.

The entire work, from vineyard to bottling, is carried out on site by Frédéric and Ludovic, assisted by a close-knit, passionate team

Our vines

On the hillsides surrounding Lake Geneva, the richness of the terrain, the gentle slopes and the skilful work of man have created a splendid blend. Anyone who has the good fortune to travel through this region is bound to be seduced. Our vineyard is ideally located 15 kilometers from downtown Geneva, in a village that has managed to retain all its authenticity.

Dardagny has never betrayed its agricultural vocation. Fertile land like this deserves man's care. The Celtic peoples of the region (Allobroges, Helvetii) were already producing wine before the arrival of the Romans (50 BC).

Dardagny has never betrayed its agricultural vocation.

We are aware of this beautiful heritage, which we are keen to preserve. That's why our estate has been following integrated production standards for many years, in order to promote the sustainability of our plantations and preserve the environment. The estate features a diverse range of grape varieties, with many specialties, such as Syrah, Scheurebe or Merlot.