Jean-Yves Péron is a trailblazing natural winemaker based in Savoie, France, renowned for his innovative approach to reviving the region’s ancient vineyards and indigenous grape varieties. Born and raised in Savoie, Péron initially studied biochemistry before pivoting to oenology in Bordeaux during the late 1990s. His winemaking journey took him across the globe, working with luminaries like Thierry Allemand in Cornas and Bruno Schueller in Alsace, who shaped his commitment to natural winemaking. He also gained experience in Oregon and New Zealand, where he encountered sulfur-free winemaking at Willakenzie Winery, further influencing his minimalist philosophy.

In 2004, Péron returned to his native Savoie and established his domaine in Chevaline, near Lake Annecy. He began with 2 hectares of old-vine Mondeuse, Jacquère, Altesse, and Roussanne, cultivating micro-parcels on steep, south-facing terraces at altitudes between 350 and 600 meters. These vineyards, some over 120 years old, are planted on mica-schist, limestone, and slate soils and have never seen chemical treatments or machinery, preserving their historical integrity. Péron’s farming is organic and biodynamic, using natural treatments like nettle and horsetail, though he avoids certification, letting his wines speak for themselves.

Péron’s winemaking is defined by minimal intervention, whole-bunch fermentation, and native yeasts. His reds, primarily Mondeuse, often undergo carbonic maceration, yielding vibrant, fruit-driven wines with spice and freshness. His whites, inspired by Northern Italian orange wines, see extended skin contact, resulting in complex, tannic, and mineral-driven expressions of Jacquère, Altesse, and Roussanne. Aging typically occurs in neutral oak or amphorae for up to three years, with no fining, filtration, or added sulfur.

Since 2011, Péron has expanded through a négoce operation, sourcing organic grapes from Savoie and beyond, notably Alsace (Les Voisins cuvées) and Piedmont (I Vicini cuvées), where he works with varieties like Barbera, Grignolino, and Moscato. These projects reflect his curiosity and desire to explore diverse terroirs while maintaining his distinctive style. His wines, such as “Le Champ Levat” (Mondeuse), “La Grande Journée” (Altesse), and “Côtillon des Dames” (Jacquère and Altesse), are celebrated for their depth, freshness, and ability to age.

Péron’s 3-hectare estate, now supported by a modern, eco-friendly cellar in Conflans, produces around 15,000 bottles annually. His vineyards, hand-harvested due to their steep terrain, also include rare local varieties like Persan and Bergeron. Beyond wine, he experiments with ciders and plans to plant more forgotten local grapes. Known for his generosity and mentorship of young winemakers, Péron’s wines are prized for their authenticity and alpine character, redefining Savoie’s potential on the global stage.