The Stenmaier family has its roots in Austria but they immigrated to France in the 1930s, settling first in Burgundy at Chalon-sur-Saône. In 1965 Guy Stenmaier decided to move south, purchasing a vineyard in the little hamlet of Les Celettes close to Saint-Gervais and thus established one of the most remarkable estates in the southern Rhône.
The domaine now embraces 35 hectares of grenache, syrah, mourvédre and viognier on the right bank of the Rhône. The acquisition of land over time brought with it cellars that were built in the 1660s, and the whole estate is now run by Guy's sons Alain and Jean. Jean works elsewhere while Alain takes care of the vineyards and the winemaking.
Vinification is traditional with wines spending time in cement tanks except for a 100% syrah which sees time in oak barriques. The domaine has pioneered the use of syrah, mourvédre and viognier in the area and Sainte Anne wines always need time to come round.