Domaine Georges Vernay is a pioneer of the Condrieu appellation, and Georges himself is considered the region’s elder statesman. Georges, now in his 90s and retired, took over his father’s farm in 1953 and turned what had been a general farm into a domaine dedicated to grapes. Even as he was planting grapes, many of his neighbors were uprooting theirs. The terraced, hillside farmlands of Condrieu are difficult to work, and during the mid-20th century farming fell out of favor with the young. But Georges Vernay bought additional acreage, promoted the appellation and promoted his wines. He became president of the local growers’ association and by the late 1970s Condrieu was once again an appellation of note. Georges retired in 1996 turning his estate over to his daughter Christine and her husband Paul Amsellem. The 55-acre estate is farmed organically and grows Viognier and Syrah. Although the Condrieu appellation is known for its white wines, Domaine Georges Vernay also produces red wines that impress reviewers.