The western bank of the Rhône boasts a fascinating history steeped in grape growing and winemaking. The wine from Mauves, known as "le vin de Mauves," was a favorite at fine dining establishments in France and is even mentioned in Victor Hugo's novel, 'Les Misérables'. When Saint-Joseph was officially designated as a wine region in 1956, it encompassed a small area around the villages of Mauves, Tournon, and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols. The region's steep east- and southeast-facing slopes closely resemble those of the esteemed Hermitage hill on the opposite bank of the Rhône, as both share the same remarkable granite bedrock, divided solely by the river.

Pierre Gonon cultivated some of the finest slopes in Mauves, where the Saint-Joseph wine region begins. In 1988, he passed the property on to his sons, Jean and Pierre.

The Gonon brothers cultivate their vineyards and produce wine using traditional methods. They work ten hectares of land entirely by hand, as the steep slopes make the use of machines difficult. They train their vines using the old échalas method, one stake per vine, and refrain from trimming the shoots. Since 2004, they have farmed organically, avoiding chemical fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides while utilising all-natural compost. They received organic certification in 2013. Their low-yielding vineyards grow across three original Saint-Joseph communes on poor, well-draining granite and gneiss soils.

In the cellar, they ferment the wines in open oak vats, performing regular foot punch-downs. They include a high proportion of stems in their red wines, adhering to traditional practices of the region. The wines display classic aromas of black olive, violets, and game, showcasing a remarkable ability to age well. The Gonon brothers' wines are bold and wild yet still maintain a fresh and delicate character, reflecting the essence of the appellation.