Domaine Ratapoil

Arbois, Jura, France

Domaine Ratapoil is a true gem of the Jura, led by the passionate and quietly rebellious Raphaël Monnier, a former historian who traded books for barrels in 2009. The name Ratapoil — once a playful term for amateur winemakers — reflects both his humble beginnings and his dedication to reviving Jura’s viticultural heritage with curiosity and care.

A Family Affair

The beating heart of Domaine Ratapoil is the Monnier family home, nestled just north of Arbois near the Doubs border. It’s here, in a modest cellar carved into the hillside beneath the house, that Raphaël crafts his expressive natural wines. Though space is tight, the cellar is impeccably organized, housing barrels, tanks, and amphorae that allow each cuvée to evolve with minimal intervention and maximum respect for the grape.

The Vineyards

Over time, Raphaël has pieced together 5 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines across nearly 20 small parcels in the Arbois region. The reds hail from prestigious sites like Les Corvées and En Paradis, where old vines thrive on soils of clay, limestone, and gravel resting atop blue marl — a hallmark of Jura terroir. He also tends a rare and ancient parcel of forgotten indigenous varieties in Buffard, a testament to his commitment to biodiversity. The whites come from smaller plots in Vadans, each contributing subtle layers of minerality and nuance.

At Domaine Ratapoil, everything is done with intention: no chemicals in the vineyards, no additives in the cellar, and fermentation is always with native yeasts. The result? Wines that are vibrant, sincere, and alive — just like the land and the people who make them.