François Villard trained as a chef before setting up his domaine in 1989. Today, his vineyard spans 30 hectares over nearly all the appellations in the region. François also took part in a joint project called Vins de Vienne: him and two other master vignerons (Yves Cuilleron and Pierre Gaillard) replanted the very old Seyssuel vineyard. François loves to build, and with each vintage he creates new vats for his wine that he christens with a comical name, normally a play on words. He produces 400,000 bottles a year and is adored by enthusiasts and critics alike.

Condrieu Terrasses du Palat is one of the benchmark wines of Domaine François Villard. Originating from parcels of Chavanay and Vérin, the 2-year-old vine stocks grow on quartzite, decomposed granite soil. In the cellar, the grapes ferment at a low temperature with native yeast. François Villard does daily stirring for six months then ages the wine for eleven months without racking. This wine can easily be kept for ten years and, over time, develops subtle creaminess alongside delicious aromas of stone fruit and flowers.