Co-operatives: stronger together

Joining forces to overcome the collapse in prices in the second half of 20th century, Beaujolais vinegrowers fond in the creation of co-operatives the means to sell their wines better. Leaving their position as plain suppliers, these professionals brought the production of their vines and their capital together, allowing the smallest of estates the opportunity to vinify their grapes in better conditions. Just like the estates that make their own wine, the co-operatives focus on the quality of the wines they produce.

Through its 18 co-operatives and three successive generations, winemaking Beaujolais tells its history. Between 1929 and 1934, Chiroubles, Liergues and Chénas opened the way, joined in the 50s by Létra, Bully and Theizé. In 1960, four new cellars joined the ranks to federate the Cru and Beaujolais-Villages appellation areas: Juliénas, Saint-Étienne des Oullières, Le Perréon and Lachassagne. And it was in 1988 that the wine co-operative of Saint-Julien embodied the latest generation of cellars. Three generations but one point in common: the taste for service and quality, making up the sales of around 30% of the production of our winemaking area.