TONNELLERIE ARTISANALE

Jérôme Viard is part of the closed circle of coopers who are about a hundred in France. Today, the Tonnellerie artisanale is the last to manufacture traditional Champagne barrels. It was awarded the Entreprise du patrimoine vivant label in 2006.

History. Woodworking, with the nobility of the actions it requires and the passion it arouses, is a long history that is part of the family's genetic heritage. Whether they are carpenters, cabinet makers or cartwrights, Jérôme Viard's ancestors have perpetuated a know-how of which he is now the heir. Very attached to his Champagne origins, Jérôme is passionate about wine, whether it is sparkling or not. And it is by following a university degree in oenology that he takes over the family business. At random, during a meeting with Denis Saint-Arroman, Best Worker of France in the Cooperage category in 2007, the dream, in which he did not dare to believe, came true.

La Tonnellerie artisanale counts among its customers many winegrowers or local great names as well as Italian, Luxembourgish, New Zealand and South African producers who came to seek the excellence and tradition of a traditional cooperage to welcome their great vintages.

The products. Tonnellerie de Champagne-Ardenne offers all types of barrels from 1 to 600 litres with, of course, champenoise pieces (205 l), bourguignon pieces (228 l) and bordelaise pieces (225 l). In addition, Jérôme Viard, faithful to his line of wood craftsmen, is committed to giving a second life to winemaking casks that have contained great wines or champagnes of character. In his workshop, he transforms them into original furniture or decorative accessories such as armchairs, tables, stools... The cooperage also offers all the accessories necessary to use the barrel in his cellar: diver, sighter, bimaterial drain, barrel support...

The most. Jérôme Viard opens the doors of his cooperage for a visit and a tasting.

Employment. 5 employees.