Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils traces its beginnings to the 1930s, when Sylvain Cathiard’s grandfather, after working at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Lamarche, established the family estate. From 1969 to 1985, Sylvain’s father, André, expanded and nurtured the domaine. Sylvain then took the helm, initially working with rented parcels before inheriting the original family vineyards. In 2006, his son Sebastien joined, and together they established Sylvain Cathiard et Fils. Since Sylvain’s retirement in 2011, Sebastien has continued to lead the domaine with a focus on both tradition and thoughtful evolution.
The domaine is based in Vosne and comprises 5 hectares across Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges, and Chambolle-Musigny, including a rare, tiny parcel in Romanée-St-Vivant just below Romanée-Conti—making them the smallest landowner of this storied Grand Cru. Sebastien, his wife, and a small team manage the vineyards with meticulous care, using organic principles while choosing not to pursue formal certification.
Sebastien approaches winemaking with restraint, aiming to let the vineyard’s character shine. He gently handles the fruit, fully de-stems, and allows a natural fermentation, followed by 18 months of maturation in carefully selected oak barrels. Since 2000, the wines are neither fined nor filtered, preserving their purity and texture.
Sebastien Cathiard’s wines are celebrated for their harmony, finesse, and supple texture. Since taking over in 2011, he has responded thoughtfully to feedback, gradually reducing the proportion of new oak to highlight the purity of the fruit. In a good year, the domaine produces around 50 barrels across all appellations, with the Vosne-Romanées now considered among the village’s finest.