For Christophe Bonnefoy, wine is more than a business; it’s a living connection to his family, his heritage and a centuries-old French tradition.
Born into a lineage of winemakers in Burgundy, France, Bonnefoy has spent over 30 years cultivating his craft, now bridging the worlds of historic French vineyards and Northern California communities.
“My roots are in Burgundy,” Bonnefoy says. “The last name Bonnefoy, which translates to ‘good faith,’ is a very old French Christian name. My grandfather made wine, and many in my family did. For me, it’s a way to continue the culture and tradition.”
Bonnefoy is the owner and winemaker of Château du Martreta, a 200-year-old château once tied to the Duke of Burgundy.
The estate, rich with history, sits on the former border between occupied and free France during World War II.
German forces lived in the château for several years, but when Bonnefoy’s family returned after the war, they restored it with careful attention to its original layout, furnishings, gardens and the 200-year-old slate roof.
“Renovating the château wasn’t just about restoring a building, it was about putting back into place the French tradition, identity and roots,” Bonnefoy said. “Selling wine helps us maintain everything from the roof to the gardens. A 200-year-old building takes a lot of care.”
His commitment to tradition extends to the wine itself. Château du Martret sources grapes from the south of France, but the bottling happens in Citrus Heights, a combination that allows for environmental efficiency, cost savings and local job creation.
“Château du Martret is 100% French wine, but we bottle it here in the U.S.,” Bonnefoy says. “We keep the French expertise in winemaking but leverage American efficiency for bottling, warehousing, and logistics.”
Bonnefoy’s wines are made without added chemicals and rely on dry farming, reflecting his philosophy that wine is a living thing.
“We want it as close to nature as possible,” Bonnefoy says. “It’s healthier for your body and your stomach, and it brings joy to people without harming anyone.”
His best-selling 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth, velvety, and French oak-aged, while his Chardonnay, named after the tiny Burgundy village just 30 minutes from the château, offers delicate vanilla notes perfect for pairing with white meats, fish, or casual conversation with friends.
Both wines are available across Northern California from Roseville and Granite Bay to Folsom and Carmichael, as well as in Nevada.
Beyond wine, Bonnefoie and his family have created a local touchpoint for French culture. His wife, Catherine, runs a French creperie in Folsom, where the couple’s worlds intersect.
While licensing restrictions prevent Christophe from selling wine directly at the creperie, their partnership through Gather & Toast allows customers to enjoy Château du Martret wines alongside freshly made crepes.
“There is a natural connection,” Bonnefoie says. “A nice French crepe with a glass of our wine, that’s French culture on the table, right here in Northern California.”
Bonnefoy sees his work as a bridge between two worlds. He points to historical ties, from French immigrants during the Gold Rush to Lafayette’s aid in the U.S. War of Independence, as part of a longstanding French-American connection.
“When I first came to Napa Valley and saw all the French grape names, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and I realized France isn’t that far,” Bonnefoy said.
For him, Château du Martret is not just a vineyard; it’s a story of heritage, craft, and cultural exchange.
“Wine is about pleasure, health, and social connection,” Bonnefoy says. “We make it to bring joy, respect tradition, and share a piece of France with the communities here in Folsom, Citrus Heights, Roseville, and beyond.”
Through meticulous winemaking, a deep respect for history, and a commitment to community, Christophe Bonnefoy brings Burgundy’s vineyards and French tradition to life in Northern California, one bottle at a time.
Dining and Cooking