When you buy wine directly from the winemaker, you're not just getting a great wine, you're also supporting a small business and getting to know the people who put so much care into making it. You're not just buying a bottle of wine, you're buying a piece of the winemaker's story.

Like all winemakers, Bastien is passionate about his craft, and takes great pride in creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. When you buy direct from us, you know you're getting a wine that's been made with love and attention to detail.

You're also supporting a family business. When you buy wine from a large retailer, a lot of the money goes to the distributor and the retailer. When you buy direct, you're putting more money back into the hands of the winemaker, who can use it to continue making great wine and, in our case, to do more things on the Domaine - being able to offer food at the cellar door is first on the list, followed by some camping yurts for visitors to the vineyard!

Buying direct from the winemaker also gives you access to wines that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Winemakers often have limited production runs of their wines, and they may not sell them to retailers. When you buy direct from us, you're more likely to find these limited-release wines, such as the Te Koko inspired Sauvignon Blanc we bottled in 2023.

You're also more likely to get the best price on wine when you buy direct. Winemakers don't have to pay the high markups that retailers do, so they can pass on those savings to you, especially if you are a member of our Wine Club.

Finally, buying direct from the winemaker is a great way to learn more about wine. When not doing the harvest or pruning the vines, Bastien loves talking about the wines and sharing his knowledge with you. This can give you a deeper appreciation for the wine and help you make more informed decisions about what to drink (and hopefully to buy).