Xavier Bénier

Natural Winemaker | Beaujolais, France

Based in Saint-Julien, in the heart of Beaujolais just north of the Rhône, Xavier Bénier is a pioneering voice in the natural wine movement. A graduate of the wine academy in Beaune in the early 1990s, Xavier began his career in négoce, quickly gaining attention—and some controversy—for producing unfined, unfiltered wines with minimal to no sulfitesat a time when that was nearly unheard of.

From Family Vines to Natural Expression

In 2001, Xavier shifted focus to farming his own land, beginning with a 1-hectare parcel inherited from his grandfather in 2003. Today, he cultivates 6.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards rooted in red sand, clay, limestone, and schist soils. His main focus is Gamay, but he also works with Chardonnay, Viognier, and Pinot Noir, including vines over 100 years old.

Xavier also partners with a select group of organic and biodynamic growers in Beaujolais and Burgundy to source additional fruit for certain cuvées.

Natural Winemaking, No Compromises

Xavier’s cellar work reflects his deep commitment to low-intervention winemaking:

• Organic farming only – no synthetic chemicals, herbicides, or soil amendments

• Manual harvesting

• Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts

• No fining or filtration

• Minimal or zero sulfites

He uses carbonic maceration for reds like Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau (from 100–150-year-old vines), neutral oak or large foudres for aging his Vieilles Vignes (8+ months), and fiberglass tanks for whites such as his Beaujolais Blanc.