index

Our Story: The Journey of French Vodka

Pierre Solignac holding a bottle of Solignac initiale vodka in front of distillation
Our founder

PIERRE SOLIGNAC

CREATOR OF THE BEST PREMIUM FRENCH VODKA

Pierre Solignac's journey with vodka began in the 1990s, when he spent a decade in Russia working for a French spirits group. There he discovered the rich culture and history of vodka and developed a deep interest in its origin and ancient recipes.

Originally crafted in the regions between Russia and Poland, vodka was traditionally made from rye, wheat, or potatoes—far removed from the neutral, industrial styles common today. At Maison Solignac, we use the finest French rye to produce a premium vodka distinguished by depth and character. Most modern vodkas use continuous column distillation, a method prioritizing volume over flavour, but we follow traditional practices that keep the spirit’s flavour more intact.

Pierre's curiosity was piqued by forgotten 18th-century Russian recipes, an era widely regarded as vodka's golden age. These methods revealed a spirit full of nuance, rich in flavour, character, and depth.

Driven by a desire to revive these authentic traditions, Pierre embarked on a ten-year quest to recreate the full-bodied vodkas of a bygone era. After years of research, testing, and meticulous craftsmanship, he founded Maison Solignac in 2022, in Brie-sous-Archiac, the heart of Charente-Maritime.

Today, his rye vodkas stand as a testament to that passion, combining French craft with ancient Russian vodka traditions. Each bottle is carefully distilled to the highest standard, perfect for enjoying neat or in cocktails that highlight its citrus and floral notes.

Awards and Recognition for Extraordinary Vodka

Maison Solignac has achieved outstanding recognition at two of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions.

At the 2024 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), our vodka received a Gold Medal, the Trophy, and an exceptional 99 points—a record-breaking score never before awarded in the competition’s history since its founding in 1969.

At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025, we were awarded a Double Gold Medal and an impressive 96 points.

These honours recognise the exceptional quality and craftsmanship behind our vodkas. They confirm our position as a premium choice for discerning consumers, distributors, and hospitality professionals seeking the finest Vodka you can buy.

maison solignac, the best vodka in the world, Maison Solignac vodka bottle with IWSC 2024 and San Francisco Spirit Competition 2025 awards on a white background