Eric Germain is the winemaker at Maison Vincent Girardin in the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France. He began his career with seasonal work at his family’s estate, Domaine Henri Germain et Fils in Meursault, where he worked from 1981 to 1999 and developed a deep foundation in traditional Burgundian viticulture and winemaking.
From 1999 to 2002, he worked as an oenologist with renowned Burgundy consultant Kyriakos Kynigopoulos, advising more than 40 estates, including Domaine Roumier, Roulot, and David Duband. In 2002, Germain joined Vincent Girardin’s estate as winemaker, a role he held until 2012. Since then, he has served as CEO and winemaker, leading the estate with a focus on precision, site expression, and the continued evolution of its wines. Media Inquiries: eric.germain@vincentgirardin.com | https://www.vincentgirardin.com/en/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
The one thing most unique of our estate is the reconstruction. Indeed, with Vincent Girardin’s departure, the House found itself without vineyards, despite its reputation as a Domaine. Marco Caschera and I, then in charge of managing the House, reflected on what we wanted to achieve. The idea quickly became to rebuild solid foundations based on a vineyard, to ensure its long-term viability, and then to be able to pass it on to the next generation. Today, we are proud to have succeeded in the first step: the reconstruction of a 33-hectare estate, which is no easy feat in Burgundy.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I’m refocusing my range on Grand Cru white Burgundies and building a winery where I can work entirely by gravity. Besides, happiness isn’t solely measured by financial means. I’m very happy with my current situation, and my family means everything to me. Personally, my family’s well-being is enough for me.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
The most iconic wine from our estate is the 2022 Volnay Vieilles Vignes. Indeed, it’s a wine that marks the reconstruction of our estate and, more specifically, its philosophy. The moral investment in the Côte de Beaune is very important to us, in both red and white wines. Vincent Girardin, renowned for his whites, is becoming emblematic for his reds as well, and this cuvée, made entirely from the estate’s own vines, fills me with immense pride. Read my review of this “old vines” Pinot Noir.
Bonus Question: If you could create your own superpower, what would it be?
I wish to live forever because it makes me so happy to be on earth and to be able to discover territories, civilizations, and others.