History of the estate
The Domaine Johanna Cécillon has been situated in La Villime, in the commune of Sévignac, since 1870 and comprises 14 hectares of orchards between Sévignac and Trédias, in north-eastern Brittany.
The nine orchards were once inhabited by Gallic tribes known as the ‘Coriosolites’, part of the Armorician Confederation. They are set in rolling countryside, consisting of meadows and hedgerows. These plots are accessible via sunken lanes and old footpaths lined with granite stone walls. Around twenty different varieties of sweet, bittersweet, bitter and tart apples are harvested by hand each year. Plot-specific selections have brought these Celtic terroirs to the fore.
Careful plot selection has brought these forgotten Celtic terroirs to light, enabling the production of exceptional, rare ciders that are delightfully refined on the palate, perfect for sharing the pleasure.
Thanks to the Breizh Bocage association and the Brittany Region, an agroforestry programme has enabled more than 2,500 trees to be replanted in the new orchards. This hedgerow comprises several species, including oak, beech, wild cherry, chestnut, ash, elm, hazel and elder…
This diversity will help to promote greater biodiversity, such as pollinating insects and birds, and create a microclimate conducive to life.
– Johanna Cecillon –
Portrait of a woman
2009 Project launch
2011: Establishment of the estate and first apple harvest from the orchards in Trédias
2012: Planting of a 3-hectare cider orchard (with a 1-kilometre-long hedgerow)
2016: First pear harvest in Poirés
2017 Change of status, expansion of the wine-making facility
2019: Planting of vines of three grape varieties: Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Planting of hedgerows: 2 km
Purchase of a new 400-litre pot still with a re-distillation system and confirmation of our status as a distiller by French Customs
2020 Planting of hedgerows and micro-forests: 2 km
2022: Arrival of a flock of Shropshire sheep (to maintain the orchards)
2023: Planting of 3 hectares of pasture for sheep, including 3 kilometres of track
2024 Creation of a wine tasting cellar
2026 Installation of nesting boxes and wildlife shelters, and introduction of hens
Johanna’s grandparents produced and sold cider at ‘La Grange aux Moines’, where her father, Joël PERRIN, has carried on the tradition.
Louis comes from a long line of winegrowers in the Ardèche, in Tournon-sur-Rhône. His uncle, Jean-Louis GRIPPAT, gained a great reputation within the industry. He produced wines under the Hermitage and Saint-Joseph appellations.
In 1933, Léon GRIPPAT, Louis’s great-grandfather, purchased a wine press. After many years of pressing Syrah, Roussane and Marsanne at ‘La Sauva’, the wine press was moved to Sévignac.
Today, Julien and Nancy CECILLON are respectfully carrying on the winemaker’s legacy in the magnificent hillsides of the Ardèche.
Working the land as a family, ancestral traditions and respect for their lineage give them the determination and courage
Products
Certifications
The orchards have been certified to AB organic farming standards for over 10 years and hold Ecocert FR-bio-01 certification.
We have been using biodynamic methods for over 3 years to revitalise and restore the soil. The orchards currently in production are certified Demeter biodynamic FR-Bio-01-117741.
Customer reviews
Discover
Belenos
6 bottles cartboard box
Bélénos is the Celtic sun god.
Beautiful minerality, very refreshing, citrus fruit and a nice melon flavour.
Cartboard box with 6 bottles
News from the estate
Fauna survey on the Villime estate
This inventory is a summary of the wildlife observations carried out across the entire Villime estate in July 2026. It…
Sheep
Sheep in our orchards Orchards used for grazing A grazed orchard is a farming system that combines grazing with fruit…
We join the Collège Culinaire de France
Domaine Johanna Cécillon joins the Collège Culinaire de France : A commitment to artisanal excellence and the promotion of sustainable…