A family
history
The challenge of three passionate young people
The acquisition of Domaine de Panisse was completed in April 2020, with the Vacheron family seizing an exceptional opportunity by choosing to take over the reins of Domaine de Panisse.
Located just 2 kilometres north of Clos du Caillou, on one of the appellation’s most beautiful terroirs, Domaine de Panisse is a real favourite for the new generation: Marilou Vacheron, Axel Vacheron and Antoine Robert, supported by Sylvie Vacheron and Bruno Gaspard.
The challenge facing three young enthusiasts
Marilou Vacheron
After studying Business in Lille and gaining experience across various sectors of the wine industry around the world, Marilou Vacheron joined the estate in 2016.
From that moment on, her love for wine and deep passion for the family estate have guided her daily — continuing the adventure of Le Clos du Caillou, and more recently, Domaine de Panisse. Her mission remains clear: to carry forward the work begun by previous generations, and to preserve it for those to come.
« Domaine de Panisse was truly a love at first sight for us — working there with my family is both a source of pride and a true strength »
Axel Vacheron
A graduate of the Changins School of Viticulture and Oenology in Switzerland, Axel Vacheron trained in Switzerland, Spain, and the Loire Valley before returning to his home region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There, he spent a year in oenological mentorship with our much-missed friend, Philippe Cambie.
He joined the estate in 2021, bringing with him a fresh perspective and a dynamic energy.
« Panisse wasn’t part of the original plan, but the opportunity arose — and together, we seized it. Today, we’re fortunate to work with distinct terroirs that bring incredible complexity and nuance to everything we do. »
Antoine Robert
For himComing from a family of winemakers in the Languedoc region, Antoine naturally pursued a BTS in Viticulture and Oenology in Montpellier.
He completed internships with renowned winemakers such as Alphonse Mellot in Sancerre, Radford Dale in South Africa, and Jean-Baptiste Souillard in the Northern Rhône.
Partner of Marilou, he joined Clos du Caillou in 2017, while still maintaining close ties to his family estate in Languedoc.
For him, « Panisse was an incredible opportunity, given the vineyard’s qualitative potential and its privileged geographical location. »
Sylvie Vacheron
Sylvie Vacheron took over the Clos du Caillou estate from her parents in 1995, alongside her husband Jean-Denis Vacheron, following an experience at the INAO in Sancerre.
Together, they quickly propelled Clos du Caillou wines to become some of the most renowned in the appellation.
After Jean-Denis’s accident in 2002, Sylvie chose to continue the journey, forming a partnership with Bruno Gaspard that endures to this day.
The passion lives on, now joined by her two children, and together they embarked on acquiring Domaine de Panisse — « a vineyard composed of old vines on a unique terroir, representing a tremendous new impulse for us and for generations to come. »
Bruno Gaspard
An oenologist by training, Bruno Gaspard began his journey with Clos du Caillou in 2002 after experiences in the Hautes Corbières, Laudun, and Gigondas.
Together with Sylvie, they have formed a steadfast and passionate duo, guiding Clos du Caillou for over 20 years.
Now joined by the new generation of the Vacheron family, « Domaine de Panisse represents a new challenge for us, endowed with a very interesting terroir. »
A New Momentum
Supported by their elders, Sylvie Vacheron and Bruno Gaspard, the three young talents have embarked on a new challenge: to bring this unique place to life, craft wines that reflect their vision and the distinctive terroir, and write a new chapter in its story.
Visits & Tastings
We are delighted to welcome you to the Clos du Caillou tasting room, where you can sample our wines and purchase them on site.
Tasting Room Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Saturday (October to March): 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Saturday (April to September): 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Sundays and public holidays
For group visits, please contact us at: bonjour@closducaillou.com