The history of Domaine Drouhin dates back to 1880, when Joseph Drouhin made the decision to move from Chablis to Beaune in Burgundy. At that time, he purchased the trading rights of a wine house that had been established in 1756. This marked the beginning of the Drouhin family's winemaking roots in Burgundy.
Fast forward to 1918, and we see Maurice Drouhin, Joseph's son, taking over the family business. Maurice had a vision to develop a fine estate and specialize exclusively in Burgundy wines. This marked a turning point for Domaine Drouhin, as Maurice's dedication to Burgundy wines set the stage for the success and reputation the estate enjoys today.
Under Maurice's leadership, Domaine Drouhin began acquiring prime vineyard sites throughout Burgundy. These vineyards, located in prestigious appellations such as Clos des Mouches, Musigny, and Clos de Vougeot, would become the foundation for the estate's exceptional wines. Maurice's commitment to quality and terroir-driven winemaking became the driving force behind Domaine Drouhin's success.
In the years that followed, Maurice's children, Robert and Françoise, joined the family business and continued to uphold the values and traditions set forth by their father. Robert Drouhin, in particular, played a significant role in expanding the estate's influence and reputation on an international scale.
During Robert's tenure, Domaine Drouhin became one of the first Burgundy producers to export their wines to the United States. This move proved instrumental in introducing Burgundy to a broader audience and establishing the estate as a benchmark for quality in the region. Today, Domaine Drouhin wines are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world.
The Drouhin family's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is also worth noting. They were pioneers in implementing organic and biodynamic farming practices in their vineyards, long before these practices became popular in the wine industry. This dedication to sustainable viticulture ensures that their wines express the true character of the terroir while preserving the land for future generations.
The history of Domaine Drouhin is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to producing exceptional Burgundy wines. From Joseph Drouhin's initial purchase of a wine house in 1880 to the present day, the estate has remained firmly rooted in Burgundy, consistently crafting wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.