Domaine Manoir du Carra is located in the small town of Denice, south of Burgundy and in the heart of the Beaujolais area. The property dates back to 1850 and has been bequeathed from father to son for several generations. It is now owned by Jean-Noël Sambardier and his wife.
In 1918, Jean-Marie Sambardier entered the Domaine as a winemaker and was an employee. Assisted by his son Jean, they worked together to develop the vineyard. In 1962, Jean Sambardier decided to buy the entire farm to start his own production and diversify the appellations, thus forming Manoir du Carra. In 1972, Jean-Noël Sambardier took over the Domaine. Jean-Frederic, his eldest son, joined him in 1999, after experiencing winemaking and distributing in the United States. His other son, Damien, joined them in 2000, after having made many great wines at Domaine Laroche in Chablis.
Damien, Jean-Noel & Frederic Sambardier
Frederic & Damien now manage day-to-day operations at the estate, with Damien as the winemaker and Frederic managing commercialization.
Manoir du Carra began as 4 hectares in 1962, but today covers over 34 hectares (84 acres) and several appellations: Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, Brouilly, Julienas, Moulin à Vent, Fleurie and Beaujolais Blanc. There are 50 vineyard plots that range from 50-100 years old.
