Sommelier? A vocation

Born in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise between Mercurey and Givry, a magnificent cradle of appellations… My studies led me to the agricultural high school of Mâcon-Davayé to discover wine : a revelation ! But “penniless”, it is difficult to become a winegrower in Burgundy…

So I specialised in sommellerie at the school of Tain l’Hermitage: walking through the vineyards, meeting the winegrowers, learning about the terroirs, “reading” the wine in the barrels, patiently ageing the “great” vintages, looking for pairing, passing on this passion to the customers… A great mission!

And working with the great Chef Bernard Loiseau at the restaurant La Côte d’Or in Saulieu (3 stars in Michelin Guide): A unique opportunity! I started with a 2-month internship in July 1987… and I stayed for ten years to “look after” my 25,000 bottles… A great adventure! And a priceless experience for the rest of my career.

Cellarman? To pass on my passion

1996, to live my passion independently, I dared to leave my “gastronomic” comfort by creating my consulting company: A new challenge!

1998, my brother Hervé joined me to manage the sales agency specialised in working with wine shops and fine restaurants: A new challenge!

2002, “my small business” expanded with the opening of the “TERROIRS & MILLESIMES” cellar to share my discoveries and my tasty emotions with the general public: For the pleasure!

And in 2020, a “New” store with a beautiful extension in order to welcome you with the wise advices of Steven, our sommelier-cellar-man who has just joined our team: The adventure continues!

Lyonel Leconte

Best Young Sommelier of France (since 1991)
Best Sommelier of France (since 1994)