A native of the Languedoc region of France, Matanzas Creek winemaker François Cordesse’s love of wine developed as a natural part of growing up in a viticultural community. Further inspired by his parents, who instilled in him a deep appreciation of the arts and sciences, Cordesse went on to pursue a Master of Winemaking and Viticulture degree at the University of Montpellier, followed by a Post Degree in Marketing at the Burgundy Trade School.

Later, as a consultant within the Wine Department of the French Government’s Agricultural Chamber, François traveled throughout the countryside, advising wineries on all matters relating to viticulture and winemaking. This unique opportunity allowed him to experiment with a vast array of techniques, both traditional and modern, which would prove invaluable to him in the future.

François went on to take winery positions first at Chateau Cadillac en Fransadais in Bordeaux, followed by Moet Chandon in Australia, before becoming head winemaker at Domaine Saint Hilaire in his native Languedoc. At Saint Hiliare, he earned wide recognition for his work with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, both of which were awarded double gold at the Grand prix d’excellence des Vinalies, a renowned international wine competition sponsored by the French Oneologist Union. This accomplishment brought François to the attention of wine producers around the world, and in 2001, he joined the team at Matanzas Creek Winery and became Winemaker in 2005.

Describing his new home, François extols, “Matanzas Creek is truly a Grand Dame estate of California, and I am honored to be a part of this special place. In California, we are blessed by the wine gods with some of the world’s best conditions for distinctive grape growing, and we just try to preserve what Mother Nature provides us.”

"Matanzas Creek is truly a Grand Dame estate of California, and I am honored to be a part of this special place."