“At 20, I had no interest in wine – now I can’t imagine doing anything else”
Geoffrey Tassinari never planned to become a winemaker. His early career took him far from the vines of Julienas to the skyscrapers of New York and the financial hubs of London and Africa. But the pull of his ancestral land, and the legacy it carried, proved too strong to ignore. Today, as Managing Owner of Domaine des Paquelets, Tassinari is channeling generations of tradition into a modern, globally ambitious wine brand rooted in France’s storied terroir.
Perched high on volcanic slopes above the quaint French village of Julienas, Domaine des Paquelets has been in the same family since the 18th century. Tassinari’s mission is clear: preserve the heritage, elevate the wine, and bring the Art de Vivre to the world.
“We make wines that reflect passion, place, and a lifestyle that celebrates nature”
The estate is renowned for producing premium wines that are fruity, fresh, and authentic – perfect companions for healthy food and outdoor living. Tassinari credits much of the quality to the vineyard’s location: the volcanic blue stone soils at high altitude give the grapes a natural elegance and allow the wines to retain their signature freshness after aging for 6 to 12 months in French oak barrels.
But what truly sets Domaine des Paquelets apart is its alignment with lifestyle trends. In a world moving toward lighter, fruit-forward, low-tannin wines, Tassinari’s portfolio resonates with modern palates while staying rooted in classic French know-how.
“After the Silk Road, the Wine Road – our family’s story comes full circle”
There’s poetry in the fact that Tassinari’s ancestors were world renowned silk fabrics manufacturers with strong ties to Asia. Now, centuries later, he is plotting a new trade route – this time with wine. The goal is to expand Domaine des Paquelets’ reach beyond France and Europe, where it already has a loyal customer base across Switzerland, the UK, Belgium, and Scandinavia.
Over the next three to five years, the estate is eyeing key Asian markets, starting with Vietnam and Singapore through a strategic partnership with Lalawine. Japan and a handful of additional countries are also in sight. For Tassinari and his friend from university and partner in this new initiative, Jean Paul Vallon, Asia represents more than just commercial opportunity. It’s a return to the spirit of cross-cultural exchange that defined his family’s past.
“The wine world is competitive, but we have what people are looking for”
Breaking into new markets isn’t easy. With wine production booming globally, the challenge lies in differentiation. But Tassinari believes Domaine des Paquelets offers something special: heritage, terroir, and a genuine French lifestyle brand. At a time when consumers are leaning into authenticity and experience, the estate’s story – and its wines – speak volumes.
From seasonal events to curated tastings, every part of the brand aims to communicate joy, balance, and a sense of place. “We’re not just selling bottles,” Tassinari notes. “We’re sharing a culture.”
“Preserving tradition doesn’t mean rejecting progress”
One of Tassinari’s boldest ambitions? Introducing robotic harvesting to his steep hillside vineyards, a first for the region. He sees enormous potential in agrotechnology to ease the labor-intensive work that currently challenges small producers.
It’s a surprising fusion of old and new, but for Tassinari, it fits perfectly. “Innovation and viticulture aren’t opposites. They’re both about observation, timing, and respect for the process,” he says.
He’s also exploring a more immediate project: opening a boutique shop at the estate and launching summer tasting experiences starting in 2026, designed to deepen the connection with the growing domestic audience while building infrastructure for international visitors.
“The greatest achievement is keeping this estate alive and evolving”
Ask Tassinari what he’s proudest of, and he won’t list awards or accolades. Instead, he points to something quieter but more meaningful, the act of preserving a living legacy. “To maintain and improve an estate that has been in the family for centuries, to transmit it to the next generation while making it relevant for today, that’s the real success.”
From restoring the land to refining the wine, his vision is one of respectful evolution. It’s not about scaling fast, but scaling smart, with intention, integrity, and an unwavering passion for the craft.
“If I could do just one thing, I’d spend every day in the cellar”
Despite his role as a business leader, Tassinari’s heart remains with the vines. He lights up when describing the stillness of the cellar, the scent of oak barrels, and the slow rhythm of wine taking shape. This hands-on connection to the product gives the Domaine des Paquelets its soul.
He’s not chasing trends or investors. He’s nurturing something deeper, a relationship with the land, the legacy, and the people who enjoy his wines. That human element, he says, is what truly brings the work to life.
