Our history

From 1901 to the present day…

The origins of the Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune date back to the beginning of organized winegrowing with the construction of the first cooperative winery in France in the village of Maraussan in 1901.

Worthy heirs of the “Vignerons Libres” of Maraussan, our cooperative winegrowers have preserved their ancestral know-how over the years, combined with an incredible capacity for innovation. With each era they have shown courage and ambition with the creation of new economic models, while at the same time preserving and developing a powerful work ethic of mutual support.

Chronology

1901 / 2024

1901

First wine cooperative to sell its own wines in france

1901

First wine cooperative to sell its own wines in france

In response to the troubled economic climate and in order to build up a sales network that was independent of the wine merchants, the first wine cooperative in France was created on 23 December 1901 in Maraussan.

1905

Construction of the first vinification facilities inaugurated by Jean Jaurès

1905

Construction of the first vinification facilities inaugurated by Jean Jaurès

Just four years later, in 1905, the first cellars were built. The site drew inspiration from a visit by Jean Jaurès, who was full of praise for the initiative as an example of collective action. He also bought a share in the winery. The cooperative members proudly announced their humanist project on the front of the building. The old musketeers' motto was slightly modified to reflect the cooperative's solidarity: "ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL". The winery has been classified as an Historic Monument, not only for its historical significance, but also because of the symbol that it represents for the winegrowers.

1914

The winegrowers of the Midi region support the french army

1914

The winegrowers of the Midi region support the french army

The harvest in 1914, when the First World War broke out, was abundant, and winegrowers in the Midi were able to produce substantial quantities of wine. The Vignerons Libres united with numerous winegrowers in the Midi to donate more than 200, 000 hectolitres of wine to the French army to "keep up the troops' morale".

1995

Creation of the "Les Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune" winery

1995

Creation of the "Les Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune" winery

In 1995, the descendants of the Vignerons Libres de Maraussan organized the largest merger of wineries in France, consisting of seven cooperatives producing more than 700,000 hectolitres. A major step forward for the French wine industry. And so it was that the Vignerons du Pays d'Ensérune were created. Solidarity and democratic values are upheld, with the objective of improving members' incomes.

2000

Protection of the Lesser Grey Shrike

2000

Protection of the Lesser Grey Shrike

In the 2000s, the Vignerons du Pays d'Ensérune decided to monitor the flora and fauna in the Lespignan wetlands. They took protective measures to save nesting birds, especially one rare, threatened species, the Lesser Grey Shrike, which for several years provided the inspiration for a wine.

2001

Membership of the Union de Cooperatives les Vignobles Foncalieu

2001

Membership of the Union de Cooperatives les Vignobles Foncalieu

The Vignerons du pays d’Ensérune joined the Union de Coopératives Les Vignobles Foncalieu in order to further develop the potential of their vineyards. They were joined by other wineries in the Grand Suud, Corbières, Minervois and the Côtes de Rhône.

2008

Creation of the "Atelier Prestige"

2008

Creation of the "Atelier Prestige"

In 2008, in collaboration with the Union les Vignobles Foncalieu, the Atelier Prestige was set up, with a more rigorous set of specifications, to mobilize dedicated winegrowers. The grapes are sorted by hand, the musts are vinified separately with the production of four top-of-the-range wines. A serious challenge for our winegrowers and oenologists!

2009

Launch of Organic production

2009

Launch of Organic production

In 2009, the Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune began using organic winegrowing and vinification methods. Support is provided for members of the cooperative who wish to convert to organic farming and develop a new range of organic wines.

2012

"Wine Cooperative of the Year" award

2012

"Wine Cooperative of the Year" award

Vignobles Foncalieu received the Revue des Vins de France magazine's "Wine Cooperative of the year" award. The wines regularly receive awards at major events, such as Vinalies Internationales, the Brussels International Competition, Chardonnay du Monde, Syrah du Monde, and the International Agricultural Show in Paris. Our wines are exported all over the world.

2013

Preservation of biodiversity and water quality

2013

Preservation of biodiversity and water quality

In 2013, the Vignerons du Pays d'Ensérune joined forces with the Water Agency in an environmental initiative. Diagnostics were carried out on their growing practices and their impact on biodiversity in the vineyards. A major awareness programme was then organized to encourage winegrowers to change their growing practices in order to conserve and preserve the quality of surface and underground water resources. Tools enabling ploughing between and under the vines gradually replaced chemical products.

2014

The Wine Advocate

2014

The Wine Advocate

In 2014, the four Grands Vins produced by the Atelier Prestige were acknowledged by one of the most influential wine publications in the world, Robert Parker's "Wine Advocate". The AOP Saint-Chinian "L’Apogée" and the PGI Coteaux d’Ensérune "Les Illustres" were ranked among the top wines. The ultimate accolade for our devoted winegrowers, and a validation of the rigorous quality approach launched six years ago.

2015

Launch of mating disruption

2015

Launch of mating disruption

Always striving to produce more environmentally-friendly wines, the Vignerons du Pays d'Ensérune implemented mating disruption in 2015 to combat the grape worm. This method involves releasing pheromones that prevent the butterflies from mating and hence the birth of any larvae. Known as biological pest control, this technique provides an effective, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical treatments. It is now used on more than 550 hectares since its launch in 2015.

2017

A 21st century winery

2017

A 21st century winery

In 2017, the Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune launched a major investment plan for the wine making facilities at Cazouls-les-Béziers. The objective is to develop innovative vinification processes that are not only highly effective but also environementally friendly. After less than eight month's work, the Cazouls winery has been completely transformed to meet new standards, in terms of quality of course, and in terms of sustainability and responsibility: this 21st century winery already complies with tomorrow's standards, i.e. reduced water consumption, less waste, and measures to ensure the safety and well-being of employees.

2019

2019: a new shop to sell our products!

2019

2019: a new shop to sell our products!

2019 stood out for the launch of a new shop at the Nissan lez Ensérune cooperative winery. The shop is devoted to wine tourism and tasting. The site is now approved by Qualité Tourisme Sud de France, Vignoble & Découverte, Accueil vélo (bike-friendly), Tourisme & Handicap (disabled-friendly) and recognised as a winery stop in the department's Oenotour. It hosts art exhibitions, food & wine pairing classes, tasting workshops and so much more all year round.

2019

2019: our new HEV vintages (High Environmental Value)

2019

2019: our new HEV vintages (High Environmental Value)

The 2019 vintage stood out for our first productions being HEV-certified. The certification is the result of a collective long-term endeavour which began over 20 years ago: It recognises the Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune's commitment to protecting the environment and its sustainable production methods. The certification applies to 4 main areas: · protect the area's biodiversity · reduce the use of pesticides · adapt fertilisation · Manage irrigation and protect water resources

2020

2020: Street Art in the cellar!

2020

2020: Street Art in the cellar!

The new Nissan lez Ensérune winery had a revamp last year and is now our main wine tourism attraction. The Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune haven't stopped there; they've made it into an original and unique venue with 5 regional street artists creating 5 murals over 8m high. The collaboration has enhanced the site, raised its profile, given the cooperative a modern image and attracted younger customers. Over 200 people flock to this unique setting for a drink with friends, old and new, every Wednesday!

2021

2021: Jace's "Gouzous" took over the Cazouls wine cellar

2021

2021: Jace's "Gouzous" took over the Cazouls wine cellar

After the Nissan cellar, it's now Cazouls' turn to showcase a mural over 700 m². Jace, a world-renowned street artist famous for his mischievous little characters, honored us by bringing his art to our cellar. An original and playful cellar tour is now offered to visitors.

2022

2022: First harvest under the TERRA VITIS certification

2022

2022: First harvest under the TERRA VITIS certification

The 2022 harvest marks the release of our first Terra Vitis-certified wines, with 10 of our cooperative winegrowers committed to the approach. Based on the three pillars of sustainable development—environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic sustainability—Terra Vitis is the only national certification in France specifically dedicated to viticulture and officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Learn more: https://www.terravitis.com

2024

2024: A fresh new look for our wine cellar

2024

2024: A fresh new look for our wine cellar

To welcome you even better, our wine cellar has had a beautiful makeover! A spacious and bright venue where you can now enjoy: summer evenings, tasting workshops, afterworks, and other events throughout the year.