VGS Chateau Potelle was founded in 1984 by Frenchman Jean-Noel Fourmeaux. Originally sent to California by the French government to spy on local winemakers following the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, Jean-Noel was meant to observe their winemaking practices and take them home to share with his fellow winemaking Frenchmen. However, Jean-Noel was drawn to the creative freedom and pioneering spirit of California winemaking. Unlike the rigid traditions of his homeland, he found California winemaking practices inspiring, innovative, and full of untapped potential.
Embracing this newfound freedom, Jean-Noel sent a simple but decisive telegram back to France: “Looks good. I stay.” This bold declaration marked the beginning of VGS Chateau Potelle—a winery that has come to embody the innovative and irreverent spirit of California winemaking.
Jean-Noel’s passion for Zinfandel began in the late 1980s, when he first encountered the bold and expressive character of Napa Valley Zinfandels. While the region’s Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons didn’t quite rival the finesse of Burgundy or the power of Bordeaux in his eyes, Zinfandel stood out as something truly exceptional.
Captivated by its unique personality and character, Jean-Noel released his first vintage of VGS Zinfandel in 1990. Ever since, he has embraced the varietal with a distinctively French sensibility—crafting what he fondly calls “Zinfandel, with a French accent.” Today, the VGS Zinfandel comes from the Alta Vista Vineyard in Moon Mountain and is a beautiful symphony of dark red and black berry aromas combined with an elegant and lingering finish that stays with you forever.
Our vision at VGS Chateau Potelle is to produce wines of style and character that are representative of their birthplace. Like for each of us, our “roots” have a sense of place and exhibit a distinct personality. As a unique French and American winemaking team, we aim to consistently produce exceptional wines, celebrated for their unique quality and character.
Over the last 40 years, VGS Chateau Potelle has built a solid reputation for its commitment to quality. Selling exclusively and directly to consumers, we are privileged to have the trust of an outstandingly loyal clientele. We are committed to maintaining the high standards that our clients have come to expect. And we promise to keep our same irreverent and non-pretentious attitude toward wine. But in case you are having trouble deciding what your taste is…VGS keeps it simple: good things speak for themselves!
