Bonyvresse: A Journey Towards Independent Natural Winemaking
Since 2020, Bonyvresse has been crafting unique vintages, shaped by an extensive winemaking journey across France, Italy, and Australia. What began as an experimental venture has evolved into a fully independent project, with a steadfast commitment to natural winemaking.
The Beginnings: A Vision Born in the Pyrénées-Orientales
The story of Bonyvresse began in 2020 in the Pyrénées-Orientales, where the project took root thanks to the invaluable support of Loïc Roure (Domaine du Possible) and access to organic grapes. This period marked the transition from an aspiring winemaker to a full-fledged producer, embracing the philosophy of minimal intervention wines.
This passion for natural winemaking had already taken shape in Australia at the Momento Mori estate (2019-2020), where the first personal winemaking experiments took place. However, it was upon returning to France that Bonyvresse truly found its identity, starting as a négociant-winemaker.
2023: A Milestone Year for Independence
By 2023, Bonyvresse had reached a significant turning point. For the first time, production was carried out entirely independently in Alsace, with complete control over the winemaking process and equipment. This newfound freedom allowed for the creation of up to twelve distinct cuvées, expanding from the initial two-wine portfolio of 2020.
The grapes, sourced mainly from organic and biodynamic vineyards, continued to come from trusted partnerships in Roussillon, while new collaborations emerged in Alsace and across the border in Germany. The commitment to working with hand-harvested fruit remained unwavering, ensuring the highest quality and integrity of the wines.
Towards the Future: Owning the Process from Vineyard to Bottle
The next chapter of Bonyvresse’s evolution began in the winter of 2024 with the rental of 0.5 hectares of Pinot Gris vines in the Haut-Rhin region. This step marks the beginning of a long-term vision—gaining full control over the grape-growing process. Looking ahead to 2025, the goal is to expand further, solidifying Bonyvresse's presence as a fully independent winery.
The winemaking philosophy remains rooted in natural methods: spontaneous fermentations, no filtration or fining, and minimal sulfur use (between 0 and 20 mg/L total SO2). In addition to producing wines, Bonyvresse also offers winemaking consultancy services in Alsace, reinforcing a commitment to people-focused, sustainable practices.
With each passing year, Bonyvresse continues to push the boundaries of natural winemaking, driven by passion, experience, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. The journey towards complete independence is well underway—stay tuned for what comes next!