Domaine du Tunnel is a contemporary classic in the world of excellent wine, situated in the centre of France’s Northern Rhône Valley. This boutique farm, which was established in 1994 by winemaker Stéphane Robert, has gradually established a reputation for producing accurate, expressive wines that perfectly embody the distinct personalities of Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Saint-Peray. Since then, what started as a modest side project has grown into one of the appellation’s most prestigious wineries, winning praise from people all over the world for its dedication to terroir and expression purity.
The development of Domaine du Tunnel has been characterised by significant turning points over the years, including the building of the gravity-fed winery inside an ancient railway tunnel, the expansion into Saint-Péray, and a number of critical awards.. This blend of tradition and modernity, married to a meticulous vineyard approach, places the domaine firmly at the forefront of Northern Rhône winemaking.
Domaine du Tunnel
2130 Chemin du Tramway, Lieu-dit Barras, 07130 Saint‑Peray
domaine‑du‑tunnel@wanadoo.fr | www.domainedutunnel.fr
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The People behind
At the heart of Domaine du Tunnel’s success stands its founder and winemaker, Stephane Robert. Known for his hands-on approach and deep understanding of the region’s terroirs, Robert has shaped the winery’s identity with his precision and respect for traditional techniques. His philosophy is simple yet demanding: let the vineyards speak, with minimal intervention guiding the way from vine to bottle. Over the years, he has assembled a close-knit team that shares his commitment to excellence. From vineyard stewards who work tirelessly among the steep granitic slopes to cellar workers overseeing gentle extractions and careful ageing, every member of the team plays a critical role.
Together, they uphold a culture of dedication and authenticity, with Robert’s vision as the guiding force behind every bottle.
Domaine du Tunnel’s vineyards are spread across some of the most storied appellations of the Northern Rhone, and the diversity of these sites plays a central role in defining the estate’s wines.
Terroir & vineyards
In Cornas, old Syrah vines cling to steep, sun-drenched slopes of decomposed granite, where the exceptional drainage and heat retention of the soils contribute to small, intensely flavored berries. This terroir produces concentrated, age-worthy wines that embody the appellation’s rugged beauty, with a distinctive granitic minerality running through each glass. The estate farms several prized lieux-dits, including La Révérence and Combe, known for their ability to produce wines of remarkable depth and structure.
The Saint-Joseph holdings present a different side of Syrah. Here, the vineyards are spread across both the southern and central parts of the appellation, where varied soils of granite and schist combine with slightly cooler conditions to yield wines of elegance and aromatic complexity. The plots benefit from south-facing exposures and the influence of the Mistral wind, which helps control disease pressure and maintain vibrant acidity in the grapes. In Saint-Joseph, careful vineyard mapping allows Domaine du Tunnel to vinify parcels separately, preserving the unique expression of each site before blending for balance and harmony.
Meanwhile, in Saint-Peray, Domaine du Tunnel cultivates Marsanne and Roussanne grapes rooted in limestone-rich soils with clay and granite components. These parcels are spread across both the lower slopes and higher elevations of the appellation, where cooler microclimates moderate ripening. The result is whites with a tension between freshness and texture, marked by citrus, stone fruit, and subtle floral notes. Vineyard work in Saint-Peray focuses on managing canopy for optimal sunlight exposure while preserving acidity, and yields are kept deliberately low to concentrate flavors.
In the vineyards
Throughout all vineyard sites, sustainable viticulture practices are the norm. Domaine du Tunnel avoids herbicides, favors manual harvesting, and employs grass cover crops to enhance soil structure and promote biodiversity. Terracing on steeper slopes prevents erosion, and integrated pest management strategies protect the vines without resorting to chemical treatments. This connection to place is more than philosophical; it is the foundation upon which every Domaine du Tunnel wine is built.
The wine portfolio at Domaine du Tunnel is both focused and expressive, reflecting the diversity of its terroirs. In Cornas, the flagship bottling simply labelled “Cornas” is revered for its power and purity, combining dark fruit, spices, and a signature granitic minerality. A special cuvée, “Pur Noir,” crafted from the estate’s oldest vines, represents the pinnacle of Robert’s winemaking, showing remarkable depth and structure. The Saint-Joseph Rouge offers a lighter, more floral interpretation of Syrah, while the Saint-Peray Blancs highlight the aromatic potential of Marsanne and Roussanne, fermented and aged partly in oak to enhance texture without masking varietal character. Fermentation typically occurs with indigenous yeasts, and gentle extraction methods preserve the integrity of the fruit. Ageing in a mix of stainless steel and carefully selected oak barrels allows each wine to develop complexity without losing its sense of place. The result is a portfolio that seamlessly marries precision with soul.
For readers planning a visit or simply curious to locate this emblematic estate,
Domaine du Tunnel exemplifies the finest traditions of the Northern Rhone while embracing modern techniques and sustainable practices. From the steep vineyards to the shadowy depths of its tunnel-cellar, every element of the winery’s story is one of dedication to authenticity and excellence. Whether you are a sommelier seeking benchmark Syrah, a wine lover eager to explore terroir-driven whites, or a producer interested in sustainable vineyard management, Domaine du Tunnel offers not just wines but an invitation into the heart of the Rhone itself.
