When Fabrice Brunel took the helm of Domaine André Brunel following the passing of his legendary father, he inherited more than just a winery—he took on a centuries-old legacy rooted in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and became the 8th generation owner of the estate. While honoring its deep traditions, Fabrice is also spearheading a forward-thinking, sustainable approach to wine-growing, working hard to ensure that the estate remains at the forefront of both quality and innovation.
A Storied Estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
There are only a few wine regions that elicit pure excitement amongst the wine aficionados of the world, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhône is certainly one of them. And Domaine André Brunel, with its origins tracing back to the 18th century, has played a crucial role in shaping the region’s reputation. Originally known as Domaine Les Cailloux, the estate expanded significantly under the leadership of André Brunel, particularly with the launch of Cuvée Centennaire in 1971—a Grenache-dominant wine that cemented the winery’s status as a premier producer. 
Today, the estate spans three appellations—Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, and Vaucluse Vins de Pays—each offering a distinct expression of Southern Rhône terroir. Grenache remains the cornerstone of the estate’s wines, supported by Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault, all cultivated with a commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.
A New Generation of Winemaking
Despite his deep family roots in wine, Fabrice Brunel’s path to winemaking wasn’t immediate. “I studied engineering, followed by a business school master degree. I then worked as a consultant in Paris in diverse industries as aeronautics, automotive, luxury and clothing,” he says. After a decade in Paris, he returned home at the age of 32 to continue the family legacy. “If I didn’t come back, my father was going to sell the estate,” he recalls with a smile. His return marked a new chapter for the winery—one that balances tradition with modern techniques, always staying true to the estate’s classic identity while adapting to the challenges of a changing wine world.
“It was good for me to go back to my roots. I’m the only child so I didn’t want to be the one who stopped the business. If I compare with the enterprises I worked for, having an estate is really great and interesting. You have the agricultural part, the vinification part, the marketing because your name is on each label and the business part because you have to know how to run a company.”
One of the most significant challenges facing Châteauneuf-du-Pape today is climate change. To battle this, Fabrice recognizes the need for evolution, while at the same time keeping the legacy and quality of the wines produced. “Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most famous wine regions but maybe needs to rejuvenate its image, says Fabrice. Stay a true classic but attentive to new ways of consuming wine and new trends. At Brunel, we are aware of this. Many estates are adopting more and more sustainable techniques and we are also investing a lot on communication. For the wine itself, global warming is a huge challenge. But we also have new tools that will help us to cope with (at least until a certain limit) : underneath irrigation, electric tractors and more,” he explains.
Pioneering Sustainable Winegrowing
One of Fabrice’s most ambitious sustainability projects is the introduction of solar panel-covered vineyards—a groundbreaking initiative in France. “The project started 3 years ago now, and the the objective is to cover 5 hectares of vines with solar panels. The panels will rotate, producing energy during the morning, and protecting the vines during the warmest hours of the afternoon. They will protect the vines from hail and maybe from light frost, as it will be 1-2° warmer below the panels,” he says.
This dual-purpose approach not only reduces water evaporation—cutting irrigation needs by up to three times—but also helps preserve acidity in the grapes, leading to better-balanced wines. If successful, the project could power over 800 homes with zero carbon emissions, setting a precedent for the global wine industry.
“First and foremost, this is an agricultural project,” Fabrice emphasizes. “But if we can also produce clean energy and reduce our environmental impact, why not?”
“In terms of impact, it will be the first project in France at such a scale, Fabrice explains. It will be the threshold between experimental and production. So it will be the perfect tool to see if it’s really working and if this technology could be deployed on a bigger scale,” he says.
Despite the clear benefits, the initiative has faced resistance from local residents—a classic case of Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) sentiment. However, Fabrice remains optimistic: “I can understand them, but we’re planting tree barriers so in a few years, the panels won’t even be visible. Hopefully, that will ease concerns.”
The Future of Domaine André Brunel
Looking ahead, Fabrice sees immense potential in blending tradition with modern sustainability. “Winemaking remains a noble craft—one that should be respectful of the planet while continuing to bring people together,” he says.
With his vision for eco-friendly viticulture and his commitment to preserving Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s heritage, Fabrice Brunel is looking to ensure that Domaine André Brunel not only thrives today but also leads the way for the future of Rhône Valley winemaking.
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Love André Brunel, amazing wines!
Do they have a tasting room, I am going to CNDP this spring, and would love to visit!!
I believe they offer private tastings and tours of the vineyards. Give them a call on +33 (0)4 90 83 72 62 and I’m pretty sure they’ll be able to set something up!