Jean-Luc Mouillard’s winemaking journey began in 1991, the very year Macvin became an official appellation in the Jura. Raised in Nevy-sur-Seille, a village known for its historic stone bridge, Jean-Luc grew up on a dairy farm where his family also tended vineyards as cooperative growers. After completing formal studies in viticulture and oenology—including a year in Beaune, the heartland of Chardonnay—he set out to establish his own domaine.

Settling in the picturesque village of Mantry, Jean-Luc gradually expanded his vineyard holdings to 11 hectares, now managed alongside his wife Annie and son Mathieu. The estate is dedicated primarily to white wines, with Chardonnay and Savagnin making up about 80% of production, complemented by Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau, all grown at elevations around 1,000 feet.

Jean-Luc’s mastery of Chardonnay is evident in his acclaimed Côtes du Jura Bas de la Chaux 2022, a barrel-aged wine crafted in the vaulted cellars of his 16th-century home. His commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed: the Guide Hachette has awarded him three consecutive “Coup de Coeur” distinctions and three stars in recent editions, celebrating the expressive character of his Macvin and other cuvées. The estate’s cuvée Sélection 2020, a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Savagnin aged for 30 months sous voile, stands out for its complexity and length.

Beyond his technical skill, Jean-Luc’s philosophy centers on respect for tradition and terroir. The domaine’s vineyards include parcels in the L’Etoile appellation, famed for its star-shaped fossils and distinctive soils, which inspire the name and character of its wines. Originally farming with a lutte raisonnée approach, Jean-Luc transitioned to organic practices, achieving full organic certification in 2023—a testament to his commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Over the years, the estate has evolved, with new facilities for fermentation and bottling and the introduction of single-parcel wines like the Savagnin ouillé “Le Curieux.” As noted Jura wine writer Wink Lorch observes, Jean-Luc’s focus on remaining a small, family-run operation is a true reflection of the Jura’s spirit.

Today, Domaine Jean-Luc Mouillard is recognized as one of the Jura’s leading producers, celebrated for its expressive, terroir-driven wines and its unwavering dedication to quality.