Julie Balagny

Julie Balagny was a talented winemaker based in the Beaujolais region of France. She was celebrated for her artisanal, small-batch approach to winemaking, which focused on producing natural and expressive wines that showcased the unique terroir of Beaujolais and the Gamay grape variety.

Julie’s winemaking philosophy revolved around minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. She practised organic and biodynamic farming methods that respected the land and promoted biodiversity, working predominantly with old, low-yielding Gamay vines.

During winemaking, Julie employed traditional and non-interventionist techniques, including Indigenous yeast fermentation. She also used minimal amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ensuring her wines remained as natural as possible.

Julie Balagny’s wines are renowned for their purity, freshness, and authenticity. They often feature vibrant fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and a strong sense of place, reflecting the specific vineyard sites in Beaujolais. Her wines were typically released under the Vin de France designation, indicating a more experimental approach to winemaking compared to the traditional and regulated Beaujolais AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée).

Julie died suddenly in July 2023.