Domaine La Bancale

In the heart of the Agly Valley, just outside Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Domaine La Bancale has been quietly making waves since 2014. Run by Bastien Baillet and Céline Schuers, this small, hands-on estate is deeply committed to natural winemaking—eschewing synthetic chemicals in both the vineyard and cellar. Instead, their philosophy centers on soil vitality, minimal intervention, and respect for the vine, using only modest amounts of copper, sulfur, and plant-based treatments.

The result is a lineup of expressive, terroir-driven wines that speak clearly of place—most notably the standout Chair Blanche Marne Noire, a benchmark cuvée that has earned widespread acclaim.

A Story Rooted in Nature and Dedication
Bastien and Céline’s journey began in their teenage years, united by a shared love of nature and manual work. Their path led them to the Languedoc in their twenties, where they immersed themselves in agriculture and viticulture. Bastien studied viticulture in Montpellier, while both gained hands-on experience at several estates throughout Languedoc and Roussillon.

During these formative years, they fell in love with the region’s heritage grape varieties and its ancient bush vine vineyards. Their admiration for old-vine Carignan and other indigenous grapes deepened while training with respected winemakers such as Jean-Louis Tribouley and the team at Domaine de l’Ausseil in Latour-de-France.

It was in the cooler, rugged terroirs of the Fenouillèdes that they found their inspiration—a region rich in potential for creating wines that balance vibrancy, depth, and authenticity.

Crafting a Dream, One Vine at a Time
In 2014, Bastien and Céline took the leap and acquired just over one hectare of old vines—the first step in building what would become Domaine La Bancale. Today, the estate spans nearly 5 hectares across five communes, offering a rich mosaic of soils, exposures, and microclimates that shape their wines.

From the beginning, the domaine has embraced organic farming, with certification currently underway. Every decision in the vineyard and cellar is guided by their commitment to living soils, native yeasts, no additives, and pure, transparent expressions of their Fenouillèdes terroirs.

La Bancale's wines are more than just natural—they are the product of patience, passion, and a deep respect for the land.