Bonjour,

Welcome to Vins-Clairs!

The producers that form part of this portfolio do share the same philosophy, deeply rooted in family traditions and respectful of their land. The idea of creating such a portfolio did not happen overnight, it is the reflection of many years in the wine industry. Having made my first harvest in the Beaujolais to earn decent pocket money aged 16, I fell into the rabbit hole and never looked back.

My career took shape here in the UK, joining the famous Hotel du Vin in Brighton in October 2002 and becoming the protégé of Gerard Basset OBE MS MW MBA OIV MSc . Under his guidance I became UK Sommelier of the year in 2006 and became the first French female MS the same year, aged 27.  I was determined to be the best sommelier I could from the start but also wanted to get closer to the producers themselves, connected to my roots.

I grew up on a farm in a rural part of Franche-Comté, France. The attachment to the land, environment, and protection of it is in my DNA. After years of working in the wine trade, setting up a portfolio with likeminded producers feels purely natural.

The best part of this journey so far, has been the people I have met along the way. The enthusiasm of the producers and their trust is invigorating. Some I have met years ago and have now become friends. Most I only met for this new adventure. Like Vins-Clairs, a good proportion of our growers are at the start of their wine adventure, releasing their first or second vintages. All are learning from the elements, practicing a regenerative viticulture and embracing the local biodiversity is at the centre of what they do.

Thank you for tasting their story, our story, hoping that you will find the same connections and share our passion.

Best Wishes.

Claire Thevenot MS