Georges Vernay created the family business, "Coteau du Vernon " vineyards on 3 1/2 acres in the appellation of Condrieu in the Rhone River Valley in Central France.

Toward the end of the 1940s, GeorgesVernay became one of the most ardent defenders and saviors of the Condrieu appellation, which was in jeopardy of being disappearing entirely." Today, the estate Domaine Georges Vernay extends over more than 38 acres and the continuation of Vernay vintages are assured by his children Luc and Christine Vernay with the able assistance of Christine's husband, Paul Amsellem:

The Domaine produces two prestigious barrel-aged Viognier vintages from old vines on the estate, the "Coteau de Vernon" and "Les Chaillées de l'Enfer." These two represent the quintessence of Condrieu's fine Viognier wines. In addition, Domaine Georges Vernay also produces wonderful red vintages from estate Côte Rotie, Saint Joseph and Syrah grapes.

An apron commemorating the Domaine and the Vernay's contribution of Coteau du Vernon to the Viognier legacy is available on this site.

The tower, beautifully gracing the main courtyard, gave its name to the Grand Cru Classe estate of Chateau Latour-Martillac. It is the only trace left of a small fortified castle built in the 12th century. In 1871, wine merchant Edouard Kressmann settled in Bordeaux and took an interest in this property. The oldest part of the vineyard, grafted in 1884, still displays the whole range of the white grape varieties that Edouard loved.

Alfred, Edouard's eldest son, bought the estate in 1929. The present label with gold and black wide oblique stripes was designed by Alfred's son, Jean, and inaugurated on a vintage 1929 bottle served in 1936 at the coronation of His Majesty George VI of England. In 1955, Jean inherited the estate, which he had managed since 1940.

The chateau has since passed to Tristan and Loïc, two of Jean's sons, who manage the winery today. They have made a commitment to continue to improve the Chateau's great red and white wines.