Description
Château d’Ampuis
Situated between the king of rivers and an exceptional vineyard, the Château d’Ampius was originally a fortress in the 12th Century and was later converted into a Renaissance style château.
Acquired by the Guigal family in 1995, the Château d’Ampuis was then registered as a national historic monument. Since then it has undergone a colossal programme of renovation in order to restore the building to its former glory.
This process has taken nearly 11 years with over 100 people working on the project for over 5 years. The work was overseen by Jean-Gabriel MORTAMET, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments and the result is a restoration of the utmost quality.
Today, Château d’Ampuis is the headquarters of the Maison GUIGAL. Tours and visits are organized at the domain’s historic cellars located in the heart of the city of Ampuis.
The walls proudly display the motto from its prestigious past, “No Pains, No Gains”. A motto which expresses the ethos of this Rhône establishment perfectly.
The Guigal domain was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal in Ampuis; a small, ancient village at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. It is overlooked by unique vineyards where vines and wine have been celebrated for over 2,400 years. Following his arrival in 1924 at the age of 14, the founder went on to make wine for 67 vintages in the Côte-Rôtie and, at the beginning of his career, took part in the development of the Vidal-Fleury establishment.
In March 2006, the Guigal family purchased the Domaine de Bonserine which, whilst still retaining independence, enjoys the support of the Guigal domain in developing its activities.
The acquisition of the Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in July 2017 marks a milestone in the history of the Maison Guigal as it gained a foothold in the South of the Rhône Valley. Nalys became the southern jewel in the family crown.
We are not very far from the first square metres of cellar where Etienne Guigal worked, although today there are 3 hectares of cellars and galleries housing barrels, oak and stainless-steel vats. The history and soul of the Guigal family infuse this place which quietly harbours these exceptional wines.
At the same time and with the same spirit of passion and enthusiasm, the family selects, matures and sells wines from the greatest appellations of the Rhône valley.
