How Sébastien and Céline's Story Began
So, if it weren’t for our shared passion for wine, we never would have crossed paths in 2009 while working at Clos Henri Vineyard in the Marlborough wine region of New Zealand. There, we handcrafted Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir together. After spending two years in New Zealand, we set off to explore wine regions around the world. In 2011, we worked at DeBartoli in the Yarra Valley of Australia, making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Around this time, we both had separate opportunities to travel to the United States. Sébastien became a winemaker for Dr. Konstantin Frank in New York’s Finger Lakes region, while Céline took on the role of U.S. brand ambassador for the prestigious French winemaker Michel Chapoutier. Not long after arriving, we decided to build our dream right here in the Finger Lakes, inspired by the exceptional wine quality we were discovering.
Between us, we’ve worked 23 vintages across France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Our approach to winemaking blends old-world traditions with new-world techniques to bring out the fullest expression of the Finger Lakes terroir. We believe good wine starts in the vineyard, so we travel extensively around the Finger Lakes seeking out the best terroirs and grapes, staying close to the vineyard during the growing season. As harvest approaches, we taste regularly—every two or three days. Unlike most winemakers, we don’t measure Brix or acidity levels; we rely solely on taste to inform our picking decisions.