Our ambassadors
In the natural wine world, winemakers, cellar or restaurant owners, sommeliers, journalists, bloggers, and artists all form an unusual, solid and singular ecosystem. Each in their own way, they embody a living, evolving movement.
MEET RAISIN’S AMBASSADORS, WHO SUPPORT OUR COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE AND SHOWCASE NATURAL WINES:
Patrick Böttcher
Author, blogger, wine fair organiser
Patrick is a key player in the natural wine scene in Belgium and is well known in France too. He organizes the Vini, Birre, Ribelli fair and is an active member of the Slow Food movement.
Ito Yoshio
Exporter to Japan
His smile is his visiting card. Mr Ito is a 5th dan of karate and of natural wine exporting too; his company Oeno Connexion has been quashing the thirst of thousands of Japanese afficionados for decades now. Arigatō!
Sylvie Augereau
Author, winemaker, journalist, wine fair organiser, etc.
It is almost impossible to resue Sylvie’s amazing implication in the natural wine world in the last 20 years. Amongst others she organises France’s biggest natural wine fair, La Dive Bouteille.
Laurence Manya Krief – Domaine Yoyo
Artisan winemaker in Banyuls
Laurence produces highly drinkable, festive wines which are delicate, subtle and wildly generous, all obviously made without chemicals or additives, of course!
Christian Binner – Domaine Binner
Artisan winemaker in Alsacephoto : Pauline Seckel
Christian Binner is a major (and almost historical) player in the natural wine scene and his exceptional wines have contributed to bringing Alsace wines to the forefront. Don’t miss the Les Vins Libres fair in Strasbourg, it’s buzzing!
Ivo Ferreira – Domaine l’Escarpolette
Artisan winemaker in the Languedoc-Roussillon
Ivo’s wines are illustrated with Japanese calligraphy and he is adulated in the land of the rising sun. His wines are lush, generous and full of pleasure.
Michel Tolmer
Artist – photo : Les éditions de l’Épure
It is hard to imagine the natural wine scene without Michel Tolmer’s fantastic illustrations. His graphic codes are instantly recognisable and much loved. This extremely talented artist also created our logo.
France Gonzalvez
Artisan winemaker in the Beaujolais
When France started making wine on her own in 2008 she only had half a hectare of vines; today, she works six and a half hectares as well as raising her family. Her wines age beautifully and are savoured with pleasure.
Émeline Calvez
Artisan winemaker in the Loire Valley
Whether as a dancer, a sommelier or a winemaker you need willpower and motivation. Émeline became a winemaker after meeting Sébastien in 2011 and the first wine they made together was Ruben. There have been many more since!
Jean-Marie et Thierry Puzelat
Artisans vignerons dans la vallée de la Loire
Jean-Marie and Thierry have been creating exceptional terroir wines since 1999, uniquely recognisable thanks to the Puzelat signature.
Antonin Iommi-Amunategui
Author, editor, journalist, etc.
We don’t know which title best fits Antonin but what is certain is that he is extremely active in creating and animating discussions and exchanges on and around natural wines!
Jean-François Nicq – Foulards rouges
Artisan winemaker in Banyuls – photo : Aaron Ayscough
It takes humility to tame the Roussillon sunshine and bring out the freshness in its unique terroir. Jean-François discretely succeeds this with all his wines, which explains their international acclaim.
Jean Maupertuis
Artisan winemaker in Banyuls – photo : Bertrand Celce
Life would be so beautiful if it was like a glass of Pink Bulles: light, ethereal, casual and refined, under the mastery of Jean’s velvet touch. The embodiment of la vie en rose!
Wine cellar owner – La Cave d’Ivry
Caviste
Paco Mora could be described as a vocational catalyst: after meeting him many people decide to become cellar owners too. He has an incredible network of natural winemakers and does a great job of showcasing them.
Marie Carmarens – Le Rubis
Café & restaurant – photo : Bertrand Celce
Marie doesn’t mess with taste! At Le Rubis, the vegetables are seasonal, the fish is fresh daily, the meats are matured and the cheeses are ripened. And the wines are made from grape juice and nothing else!
Alexandre Bain – Domaine Alexandre Bain
Artisan winemaker in the Loire Valley
Far from the noise and chaos generated when his wine’s appellation was taken away, Alexandre pursues his passion for his vines with determination. This member of the board of the AVN is a passionnate hardliner, in love with his terroir and for whom the only ingredient needed to make wine is grapes
Marcel De Cocq
Natural Wine Advocate
As one of the leading natural wine advocates on Instagram, Marcel shares his passion for natural wine on his blog @marcel.de.cocq. In a continuous journey he takes his audience on an adventurous trip of discovery through focussed informative wine reviews, cellar visits and highlights wine bar and restaurant hotspots.