Originally from Angers, Thomas Batardière does not hail from a long line of winemakers. His pathway to wine is somewhat unusual. After studying at the Ecole du Louvre in 2001, and then obtaining a degree in Anthropology in 2005 in Aix-en-Provence, Batardière worked in film and video until he discovered his love for wine. He started working for a small domaine in Tours during 2007, and then in 2008 he obtained his sommelier certificate, all while working with winemakers, natural wine distributors and sales representatives, and of course in hospitality with restaurants and wine bars. He undertook his first real apprenticeship with Mathieu Vallée at Chateau Yvonne while undergoing further wine education in Beaune between 2009 and 2011. After his studies and three years working at Chateau Yvonne, Thomas found himself two hectares of old vines in the small village of Rablay sur Layon during 2012. Today, the vines are managed under a strict biodynamic practice and he has been certified under DEMETER since 2015. The domaine currently sits at 3.5 hectares, mostly in Chenin Blanc (2.5 hectares), as well as 0.85ha of Grolleau and 0.15 ha of cabernet franc.

• More pictures