Founded in 1945, the Néret-Vély domaine has seen constant change but stayed true to their local roots in their lesser-known corner of Champagne: Festigny, Châtillon-sur-Marne, Nesle-le-Repons and Comblizy. Carole Néret is the third generation vigneronne to steward the vines and continues to envision new paths forward.

Born to a dairy farmer father and an accountant mother who inherited a micro-plot of 20 ares in Festigny, Carole was shaped by the pivotal decisions taken by the family after withdrawing from the local cooperative to become independent producers in the mid 1980s. All was self-financed. Against the advice of banks to sell their vineyards at the start, the family remained steadfast in their vision, purchasing dense, qualitative woodlands and undertaking the labor-intensive process of clearing them. Certain parcels of land are remarkably steep, such as their aptly-named ‘Everest’ plot, requiring a near-constant grip on vine wires in order to be worked on.

In the early 2000s, Néret-Vély steadily grew, creatively seeking out direct sales, attending events ranging from Christmas markets in Alsace to wedding fairs in Burgundy. Despite an uncertain post-2008 economic landscape and rapidly evolving demand, the family remained on their feet and sought out various oenologues to adjust to the shifting tides. Carole returned to the domaine after her studies in Avize and took over in 2019.

In 2021 with the support of her husband Matthias and her cousins Yann and Eva, Carole sought to reconceptualize the core identity of Néret-Vély shortly thereafter. Everything tied back to the paysan pace of life: introducing cover crops and horse plowing in 2015; working with a local artist to bring images from her childhood to life, such as the emblematic red tractor passed down from her father featured on the label of ‘Ôde de la Vie’; and in 2022 and 2023, revitalizing ‘forgotten’ varieties of Champagne such as Arbanne and Pinot Gris in small plots.

The domaine holds the highest level of the Haut Valeur Environnementale (HVE) sustainability certification; at the cellar in Vauchamps, the family is continuing to experiment with their Champagne offerings, lowering dosage and increasing organic practices. We are beyond excited to be representing Carole and the family as they develop their limited-quantity exports!