E. Guigal: A storied Rhône Valley family producer established in 1946

Drive through the Côte-Rôtie of the Northern Rhône Valley and you will see signs hanging amid the steep vineyard slopes bearing the name E. Guigal, a storied Rhône Valley producer that began with founder, Étienne Guigal.

As a young boy, Étienne, supported himself by working in the vineyards for the historic Vidal Fleury for 16 vintages. In 1946 he founded his namesake E. Guigal in Ampuis; an ancient village at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, where he built his family winery while overseeing 67 vintages.

E. Guigal is dedicated to producing exceptional wines of the Rhône Valley. In 1995, E Guigal acquired Château d’Ampuis, an historical and oenological landmark in Côte-Rôtie appellation which serves as the centerpiece for the family domaine.

Based in the northern Rhône with production in several appellations including Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St. Joseph and Condrieu. E Guigal acquired Domaine de Bonserine in 2006 which remains independent with the family’s support. In 2017, E. Guigal established its first foothold in the southern Rhône with the acquisition of Château de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Étienne’s son, Marcel Guigal, took over in 1961 and has overseen 64 vintages. Philippe Guigal, an oenologist, represents the third generation joining his father in the family business as winemaker in the 1990s.

This past October, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Philippe Guigal to taste through the E. Guigal portfolio (U.S. importer Vintus) and talk about his grandfather and production. The family has also expanded into the cooperage business to produce its own wine barrels, and there is a strong hospitality program.

Listen to our conversation with Philippe Guigal on The Connected Table Live here or on your perferred podcast channel.