our people

marcel bühler

Marcel Buhler's professional journey is a tale of transformation, driven by a deep-seated passion for nature, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Originally trained as a Swiss banker, Marcel found himself yearning for a more tactile and meaningful vocation, one that allowed him to reconnect with the land and create something of lasting value. L’Enfant Perdu. Inspired by his love for the outdoors and a lifelong fascination with gardens, Marcel made the bold decision to embark on a new career path as a wine grower in the rugged beauty of the Roussillon region of France.Embracing the challenges and uncertainties that accompany such a significant career change, he threw himself wholeheartedly into his new endeavor, and enrolled in enology school at Geisenheim in Germany.

In the sun-drenched vineyards of Roussillon, Marcel found his calling, cultivating a connection to the land and a profound respect for the natural rhythms that govern the growth of the vines. Tabula Rasa. Guided by principles of sustainability, organic farming, and the lunar calendar he embraced traditional methods passed down through generations, while also embracing modern techniques and innovations to elevate the quality of his wines.

Faced with the challenge of managing 26 hectares of old vines, a decision was made to hone a traditional approach to viticulture: working the vineyards by horse. Recognizing the importance of preserving the health of the soil and vines while minimizing environmental impact, this choice was a natural fit for transitioning to organic farming practices. Through trial and error, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks, he seized his craft, refining his techniques and always seeking to deepen his understanding of the unique terroir of Roussillon.

Today, Marcel Buhler stands as a testament to the transformative power of following one's heart and facing the unknown. Suis l’Étoile. In the vine-covered hills of Roussillon, amidst the swirling winds and golden sunlight, Marcel has found his true calling, crafting wines that reflect not only the richness of the land but also the depth of his own soul. La Larme de l’Âme

carrie sumner 

Driven by her passion for the culinary arts, Oregon-born Carrie Sumner inevitably was brought to the bustling food scene of New York City. Initially aspiring to become a chef, Carrie cooked her way through school earning a degree in culinary arts and restaurant management. Finding herself navigating the dynamic world of restaurant hospitality, she quickly discovered a fascination with wine and it’s natural connection to food.

With a youthful sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace new challenges, Carrie transitioned to the front of the house, assuming roles as dining room manager, maitre d'hotel, and eventually, sommelier. Her time in the restaurant business enriched her skills and broadened her knowledge of wine, setting the stage for a pivotal opportunity in California's Napa Valley working alongside winemaker Abe Schoener of the Scholium Project, and experiencing her first harvest in 2007.

After a decade immersed in the world of New York City's fine dining scene, Carrie embarked on a remarkable journey spanning the globe in pursuit of winemaking experience. Over the course of three years, she traversed between the northern and southern hemispheres, eager to expose herself to the vast world of different techniques and theories in wine.

This is where Carrie began a new chapter in her career, eventually finding her way to the vineyards of the Roussillon region. Captivated by the allure of the Roussillon's landscape, its intricate geological history, and guided by her passion for soil, Carrie began her research to understand the expression of terroir in the glass with the creation of her soil study projects Chroma Soma and Vivienne Catherine.

photo by ron scherl
photo by ron scherl

bernard bascou

farming- bio in progress