Moillard Thomas

Domaine Thomas-Moillard – A heritage steeped in tradition in the heart of the Côte d’Or

The Domaine Thomas-Moillard is a historic name in the Côte d’Or, with roots deeply embedded in Burgundy’s winemaking history. The estate was founded in 1848, when the young Symphorien Moillard married Margueritte Grivot, the daughter of a vineyard owner, . However, the estate’s real rise to prominence did not begin until 1850, following a chance encounter in Nuits-Saint-Georges with a travelling Belgian notary. He was so impressed by the Moillard wines that he persuaded Symphorien to export a selection of wines to Belgium – marking the start of the house’s role as a négociant and its first export business.

In 1870, their daughter Jeanne inherited the business from her father, who died whilst serving with the French Army in Algeria. Her marriage to Maurice Thomas brought further vineyards into the fold – marking the birth of the Thomas-Moillard name. Their son Charles, who worked for the family for 70 years and lived to the age of 98, acquired most of the estate’s vineyards during his lifetime.

Over the generations, the estate grew to become a major producer and négociant in the region. As is typical in Burgundy, these changes were also reflected in the varying labels bearing the estate’s name: Thomas-Moillard, Moillard, Moillard-Grivot and Maison Moillard. The estate boasted an impressive portfolio of vineyards, including Grand Crus such as Bonnes Mares, Clos de Vougeot, Corton-Charlemagne and Romanée-Saint-Vivant, as well as Premier Crus such as Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts.

Despite this success, the estate’s future was not without its challenges. With more than 65 shareholders, mostly family members, disagreements arose. This led, in 2005, to the sale of around 30 hectares of the finest vineyards to renowned houses such as Domaine Dujac and Etienne de Montille. In 2008, the remaining part of the domaine was finally sold to Vincent Sauvestre, a prominent producer and négociant who also owns the Jean-Baptiste Béjot estate .

Under Béjot’s new management, Domaine Moillard continues today to produce Premiers Crus and village wines from an estate of around 30 hectares situated between Vougeot and Volnay. The estate remains a living testament to Burgundy’s rich winemaking tradition and its often turbulent history of ownership.