50 years ago there were just 400ha of vineyards in Chablis, but today there are 4,900ha. Both the generic and premier cru vineyards have doubled since the early 1970s and now includes areas of Portlandian as well as traditional Kimmeridgian clay.

The future is looking brighter than ever for lovers of quality Chablis. France's viticultural governing body, the INAO, is set to enforce the yields laid down in the appellation controlée regulations. Meanwhile, more and more producers are becoming interested in bio-dynamic and organic practices. Jean-Claude Martin takes a bio-dynamic and non-interventionist approach, Billaud-Simon has a more modern style, Jean-Paul Droin produces a broad range of oaked wines, whilst Daniel-Etienne Defaix favours a more traditional approach with extended lees ageing.