The Chablis woman is investing in a quarry to store her bottles

Since spring 2025, some six million bottles have been slumbering in a former underground quarry, rehabilitated by La Chablisienne. Located in Cravant, about thirty kilometers from Chablis This vast cavity of 15,000 m² is now becoming an ideal place for aging wine.

The idea took root in December 2023: rather than building a new storage warehouse, the cooperative seized the opportunity to acquire this quarry. Exploited since the 12th century for its stone blocks transported to Paris by rail... Yonne The quarry later housed a French army aircraft factory, then German facilities during the Second World War. It remained state property until the 1970s.

A project that is both heritage-focused and ecologically sound.

Rehabilitating this quarry was no small feat: a year of work was required to remove the rubble, redo the floors, and ensure the electrical connection. At the entrance, a sculpture of the cooperative's mascot was carved into the rock by a local artist.

But beyond its heritage value, it's the environmental aspect that truly captivates. Thanks to a stable temperature of 10.5°C and humidity hovering around 95%, the natural storage conditions are virtually ideal. The site can now accommodate up to 10 million bottles, supplemented by a tank room with some twenty vats for bulk storage during exceptional vintages.

The Chablis winery plans to connect its cellars to the quarry using electric or hydrogen-powered trucks. This is a coherent approach aimed at minimizing its environmental impact.

The acquisition of this quarry adds to the new La Chablisienne cellar in Paris , which continues to establish itself everywhere.

Morgane AIGU

Journalist (part-time)