Behind the scenes at Vintrepid
French Wine Is Harvesting Earlier Than Ever
When we were in France, one of the things that came up in almost every conversation with a winemaker was the weather. We expected that, particularly given how hot it was while we were there, but what I didn't expect...
Why We Chose Our First Champagne Producer
One question people often ask is how we choose producers. The answer surprises them as it's rarely just about the wine. Of course, the wines have to be exceptional, but we're also looking for people. People whose philosophy matches ours and can...
Searching for our first Champagne Producer
Finding a Champagne producer sounds simple but in reality, it took six months of planning and three very full days on the road. We visited seven producers across Champagne, travelling from the Marne Valley to the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de...
What Is Grower Champagne? Why It's Changing Champagne Forever
Nearly four weeks have passed since we first landed in Champagne, and I still can't stop thinking about it. When we arrived, we had one clear goal: find our first Champagne producer. Champagne has been one of the biggest gaps...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 14 – How We Build the Vintrepid French Wine Portfolio
Yesterday was our final day in France. After two weeks travelling through Champagne, the Loire Valley, Chablis, Burgundy, Beaujolais and the Northern Rhône, we made one final stop before heading home: Saint-Joseph. In many ways, it was the perfect place...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 13 – The Future of French Wine
When most people think about French wine, they picture grand châteaux, old cellars and centuries of tradition. After nearly two weeks travelling across France, that's not what I'll remember. What I'll remember are the young families. Yesterday was our second-last...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 12 – Back Where It All Began
One of the most meaningful days of the trip. After nearly two weeks travelling through Champagne, the Loire Valley, Chablis and Burgundy, we found ourselves back in Beaujolais with the producer who helped start it all. Yohan Lardy. Long before...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 11 – The Best Discoveries Aren't Always Planned
Today reminded me why we come to France in the first place. The first day of the trip without a tasting appointment, without a schedule and without a winery to visit. In fact, we'd planned the entire itinerary around spending...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 10 – The Future of Burgundy
Our final day in Burgundy and it felt like a fitting way to end the week. After a few days spent visiting producers across the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, we headed south to the Côte Chalonnaise to...
