Our History
Since 1936 …
The story of the Gabriel Meffre Winery began in 1936, when Gabriel and his wife Juliette, both passionate about wine, created their ‘Négociant-Vinificateur’ business in Gigondas.
More than 80 years later, the family business has built on its strong foundations and has established its reputation as a leading Winery in the southern Rhone Valley. With a complementary know-how of ‘Négociant-Eleveur’ and Producer, the Winery is deeply involved in sustainable development and Social Responsibility (CSR).
1936 . 1990
Gabriel Meffre (1908-1987) & his wife found Maison Gabriel Meffre, Négociant-Producer in Gigondas, and buy their first vineyards in Gigondas. They invest in the vineyards in the Rhône Valley and Provence until the early 80s. With 800ha of vineyards, they gradually became the number one AOC wine producer in France. The winery produces and sells wines from the Meffre Estates. The famous Gabriel Meffre branded lorries travel all over France and as far as Switzerland to supply wholesalers.
1990 . 1999
A new growth strategy is launched when Bertrand Bonnet becomes CEO. He foresees the market’s evolution to better quality wines and makes significant changes to the company: developing export markets, creating strong brands, investing in up-to-date equipments. Long based in the Rhône Valley, the Winery also build new partnerships with winemakers in the Languedoc to provide ranges of varietal wines from the Oc region.
1999 . 2009
As a “return to the roots”, the Winery invests in vineyards: Domaine de Longue Toque in Gigondas (27ha) and Château Grand Escalion near Nîmes (44ha). Both vineyards are based on the principle of “sustainable viticulture” with the aim of significantly reducing our impact on the environment. Simultaneously, the Winery is recognized by experts for its commitment on quality with the ISO 9002 & 9001, BRC and IFS certifications.
Since 2001, Domaine de Longue Toque and Château Grand Escalion have been awarded the Terra Vitis – “Sustainable Viticulture” Label, that is renewed annually.
2009 . 2015
Eric Brousse, a well-known personality in the wine sector, takes over the Winery. He builds a fresh and ambitious vision with the teams in place to make Gabriel Meffre one of the benchmark owners-négociants in the Rhône Valley.
In 2011, Sustainable Development is made a long-term company policy. Devoted to high quality since the 90s, the Winery wants to make a new step and launches its Corporate Social Responsibility procedure (CSR).
In 2015, the Winery achieved “level 3 – confirmed” (out of 4) of the AFAQ 26000 evaluation, recognising a high level of maturity in environmental, social and economic issues. Maison Gabriel Meffre is now one of the top responsible wineries in France.
2016 . 2021
Under the management of Etienne MAFFRE since June 2018, we have developed a strategic plan, combining economic performance and durability. More than ever, it reflects our ambition to be a key player in the Rhone Valley. We are therefore very proud to be the 1st Winery of the Rhône Valley to be recognized “Exemplary” in Sustainable Development and Corporate Responsibility (Afaq 26000).
