Château de La Chaize

Boris Gruy: A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Viticulture

Like Jean-François de la Chaize d’Aix, Boris Gruy was raised in the Loire region, where his lifelong passion for agriculture took root. His interests span a wide range of agricultural practices, from grain crops and market gardening to tree cultivation. His focus on viticulture emerged during his academic journey, which included studies in Beaune and at the University of Dijon. During his time in Dijon, Boris gained valuable hands-on experience working alongside Pierre-Jean Villa, a prominent Rhône Valley winemaker and advocate for natural farming practices.

In 2017, at the age of 30, Boris assumed the role of manager at Château de La Chaize, a historic wine estate acquired by his uncle, Christophe Gruy.
Boris’s management heralds a new era for the estate, as he embarks on a comprehensive project to obtain HVE (High Environmental Value) certification and convert the entire vineyard to organic viticulture. This transformation marks the first step in implementing a forward-looking agricultural strategy. Together with his team, Boris has initiated significant changes both in the vineyard and in the cellar, aimed at optimizing the winemaking process. These efforts include modernizing the estate’s facilities, upgrading equipment, and collaborating with master craftsmen, particularly coopers. As Boris succinctly states, “The cornerstone of our project is the people. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things.”