Justine Vigne

is a young, passionate winemaker based in Richerenches, in the Enclave des Papes in the southern Rhône region of France. She founded her own domaine in 2019 and focuses on creating natural-wines using biodynamic principles, minimal intervention and a deep respect for terroir.

Background & Path

  • The property is family-owned since the early 19th century, with vines first planted by her grandfather in the 1950s.

  • After studies in viticulture and oenology (including a focus on biodynamics) and experience abroad, Justine returned home and took over a portion of the family vines.

  • From the moment she took over, she introduced organic, biodynamic practices, brought in animal traction (horse), and committed to a manual, low-technology approach.

Terroir, Viticulture & Philosophy

  • Location: Richerenches, in the historic enclave of the popes, southwestern Rhône.

  • Vineyard size: Approximately 4.5 hectares.

  • Grapes: Old vines (planted 1950s–1980s) of Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah.

  • Soils: Lime-sandy, garrigue-influenced terroirs on wind-swept hills.

  • Farming: Organic and biodynamic, work done by hand and with a horse to avoid soil compaction, composts and minimal to no synthetic inputs.

  • Winemaking: Indigenous yeasts, vinification in Georgian-style qvevris (large clay jars) or in open aggregate vessels, very limited added sulphur (often under 10 mg/L), no filtration and minimal fining. The intention is to intervene as little as possible so the vineyard speaks in the wine.

Style & Wines

Her wines reflect a combination of freshness, minerality, purity of fruit and texture. They are described as “vins vivants”(living wines) and carry the signature of their site rather than winemaking artifice. Among her cuvées:

  • “1826 Rouge” – a reference to her family’s heritage, often 100% Grenache or a Grenache-Cinsault blend, from old vines.

  • “Ultreïa” – mostly Grenache with Cinsault and a touch of Syrah, whole bunches, aged in clay jars; names reflect pilgrim trails and sense of journey.

  • “Yoga” – 100% Syrah, parcel-driven and made in an expressive, elegant style.

Significance & Unique Aspects

  • Justine Vigne is emblematic of the new wave of independent natural-wine growers in lesser-known terroirs: small scale, high precision, ecological commitment, and creative mindset.

  • Her choice to work outside the major appellation glamour (in the Enclave des Papes) gives her freedom to experiment and to express site rather than rules.

  • Use of qvevris is unusual for her region and adds a distinctive textural and micro-oxygenation dimension to her wines.

  • Very limited production (often a few hundred to a few thousand bottles) makes her wines sought-after by natural-wine aficionados.

Practical Info

  • Location: 1199 chemin des Abeillers, 84600 Richerenches, France.

  • Founded: 2019 (first independent vintage around then).

  • Vineyard: ~4.5 ha of old vines of mixed varieties under organic/biodynamic conversion.

  • Style: Natural wines (low added sulphur, no filtration, manual harvest) focused on red wines from Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah.

  • Visits: Likely by appointment; given small scale best to contact ahead if interested.

Summary Bio

Justine Vigne founded her eponymous domaine in 2019 in Richerenches, in the Enclave des Papes of the southern Rhône. With familial roots in the land dating back to the 19th century, she modernised the site by committing to organic and biodynamic viticulture, bringing back horse-traction, hand-work and soil-care as her cornerstones. Her winemaking is deliberately minimal: old vines, indigenous yeasts, qvevri fermentation, very low sulphur, no filtration, parcels of Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah. The wines she produces are pure, lively and expressive of place rather than technique. In doing so, she represents a new generation of natural-wine makers: small-scale, dedicated, terroir-driven and authentic.