Justine & Patrick Bouju

Patrick started drinking wine when he was still studying chemistry in Clermont-Ferrand. But it soon turned out that his body was intolerant to sulphites. When he met the wines of low-intervention winegrowers during his military service in 1994, he was hooked and inspired by the charm and liveliness of natural wines and began his viticulture studies in Beaune. In 2004, Patrick founded Domaine la Bohemè in the quiet village of Saint-Georges-sur-Allier, close to the Massif Central. Together with his partner Justine Loiseau, the two are among the most exciting natural wine producers today, known far beyond the borders of Auvergne and also collaborating with Action Bronson, Ochin Clovis and the Greek Jason Ligas in various projects.

The Domaine de la Bohemè was founded by Patrick in 2004, he is now considered a legend in the French natural wine scene. Starting with just 1.5 ha, his vineyards now cover 7 ha on volcanic soils rich in basalt. Patrick seeks out the most famous and forgotten soils of the Puy-de-Dôme, so his vineyards have a lot of old, densely planted vines - the oldest vine is at least 116 years old.

For Patrick, biodiversity in the vineyard is extremely important, and his plots have a great deal of biodiversity, ensuring healthy vines and soils that produce fresh, vibrant natural wines. Limberger, Mirefleurien, Gamay Fréau, Gamay de Bouze can be found as grape varieties.

Most of the work in the vineyard is still done by hand, and of course no pesticides or herbicides are used. Instead, Patrick Bouju uses fermented plant extracts or herbal teas such as nettle to strengthen the natural defences of the grapes and vines. All wines from Domaine la Bóheme are unfiltered and without sulphites. "There are grapes and sweat in my wines," says Patrick Bouju.

In addition to producing in their own vineyards, Patrick and Justine also buy grapes from neighbouring regions and create exciting natural wines that are now almost cult in the scene and always bear the Bouju signature. Free of conventions and always highly committed, he is considered a great trailblazer with an endless appetite for experimentation; you can taste this energy and effortless creativity with every sip.