Our Story

Our Story

Domaine Messier is not only a part of our true namesake—“messier” means guardian of the harvest in old French—but it also bears the name of the astronomer, Charles Messier. It is from his catalogue of Messier Objects, 110 nebulae and star clusters, that we draw inspiration for our vineyard and winery.

Emblazoning each bottle of Domaine Messier wine, you will find artfully interpreted images of Messier Objects which correspond with each vintage produced. Our first vintage for 2022 begins with Messier 22, an elliptical globular cluster of stars located in the constellation of Sagittarius. Each vintage will be inspired by its corresponding Messier Object, and the labels will be inspired by NASA images for that Object. Soon we expect to enjoy astounding perspectives of Messier Objects from the James Webb Space Telescope. After 88 years of wine production (!), the cycle will reset to Messier 1.
Domaine Messier was born from Luc Messier, whose passion for farming came from his grandfather, Joseph, who was a farmer; and Julie Fette, whose love for California took the project to Carmel. Together, they acquired the property in 2018 with nothing on it but a vision for the future. The Domaine Messier vineyard is entirely off-grid and operates on solar power and well water. 20.5 acres of Pinot noir and Chardonnay vines were planted. Additionally, 500 olive trees now grow on the property in Ascolana, Aglandau, Picholine, Itrana, and Bouteillan varieties. Olive oil production will begin in 2026.

AN ANCIENT ART FOR
THE MODERN WORLD.

We are delighted to announce the unveiling of our 2024 wines that represent the future promise of our coastal terroir. Like Messier Object 24, our wines this year provide a unique lens into the depths of possibility.

NEWS & EVENTS

Domaine Messier featured in Jancis Robinson.com’s West of the West Series

In writer Patrick Comiskey’s latest series post, highlighting coastal Monterey, Domaine Messier is spotlighted as a promising project and select wines are reviewed.
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Edible Monterey Bay Highlights Sparkling Wine Launch

Wine Writer Laura Ness writes of her recent visit to the estate to taste our debut Sparkling wine and recent 2024 vintage releases.
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Wine Enthusiast 2024 Vintage Reviews

The new releases from our 2024 vintage are highlighted in the July issue of Wine Enthusiast including a Cellar Selection.
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Decanter Reviews Are In

We are humbled to receive high praise from Decanter for new releases from our 2024 vintage.
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Edible Monterey Bay: Spring in the Vineyard at Domaine Messier with Laura Ness

Wine writer Laura Ness recently joined us at the vineyard to taste through our latest offerings and revisit some wines for Edible Monterey Bay.
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Domaine Messier at 2025 Pebble Beach Food & Wine

We are excited to be among the best in food, wine and hospitality at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival at Pebble Beach Resorts.
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Domaine Messier wine, Carmel California

Unveiling our 2022 rosé de pinot noir and 2022 chardonnay

SHOP