01Vineyard Legacy
At the lieu-dit Les Poupets — one of Juliénas’s principal named vineyard sites — about three hectares of Gamay encircle a grand house with roots in Lyon’s silk bourgeoisie, in the heart of Beaujolais.
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Juliénas · Beaujolais · France
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Château des Poupets
Elegance in every sip
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Les Poupets — Juliénas
Elegance in every sip
The Timeline
A story written in vintages
1847
A story the family traces to this year
The estate’s own tradition dates its origins to 1847 — though what precisely happened that year, and whether the present house was built then, remains part of family memory rather than documented record.
1933
The Jorcin family arrives
Nicole Jorcin’s father-in-law purchases the château, bringing Les Poupets into the Jorcin family. The house had previously belonged to a Lyon silk manufacturer — a grand country residence, not a simple winegrower’s farmhouse.
1959
Les Poupets in the wine trade
A surviving bottle labelled “Dr. Jorcin – Juliénas Les Poupets – 1959” links the Jorcin name, the lieu-dit and Juliénas wine by the late 1950s.
1975
Nicole takes the helm
After the death of Dominique Jorcin, his wife Nicole assumes responsibility for the estate, assisted by a father-and-son team of local winegrowers — the beginning of the era most visitors remember.
1980s
Grillage, barrels, and Duboeuf
Roughly one-third of production is vinified using grillage; wines mature in about forty barrels in the vaulted cellar. Georges Duboeuf purchases from the estate over many years.
2008
The next generation
Éric Jorcin’s professional activity as a vine grower in Juliénas is independently documented from this year.
2011
Doors open to guests
The château opens its bed and breakfast. Nicole and Brigitte Jorcin welcome visitors with tastings and wine sales — the house itself becomes part of the domaine’s identity.
2015
International recognition
The 2014 Château des Poupets Juliénas receives 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, published in 2015.
2021
In memory of Nicole
Nicole Jorcin, née Lacroix (1929–2021), dies on 4 November. Her funeral is held at Juliénas, closing a chapter she had carried since 1975.
Today
Éric continues the tradition
Éric Jorcin stewards the vineyard and family tradition at Les Poupets. The wines remain associated with Georges Duboeuf, and guests are still welcome among the Gamay vines above Juliénas.
Tranquil Retreat
Sleep among the vines of Juliénas
Immerse yourself in a world of serenity and history with the Château des Poupets bed and breakfast experience. Nestled within the timeless landscapes of Juliénas, our enchanting estate welcomes you to eight exquisitely appointed bedrooms that provide a tranquil haven.
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Juliénas
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Beaujolais
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Life at the château
Visit Château des Poupets today
Embark on an unforgettable experience. Taste Cru Juliénas, walk the vines, and stay in a nineteenth-century silk-manufacturer’s country house above Juliénas village.
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