This time, we’ll introduce the episode of Vincent MARIE, who transitioned from being a natural wine geek to a vigneron (producer). The word “geek” often carries a negative connotation, doesn’t it?With a tough, imposing figure,Impressive tattoos on his arms, and a taste in music ranging from punk rock to fusion metal…Vincent MARIE is a geeky guy in a way that defies the typical image associated with the term. The name of his winery is “No Control.” Vincent, making wine in the Auvergne region of France (think of it as being known for Volvic water), is known for placing “No Control” stickers on his bottles. Whenever you ask about various fam […]

Natural wine has a connection with bicycles. In the second installment of the series, we’ll hear from Takuya Itagaki, a cellar worker and owner of ‘LoveSong by BATONS’ in Sendai City, Tohoku, who has been pursuing natural wine for about 20 years. Twenty years since encountering natural wine. I’ve visited many producers mainly in France. For my first column, I’d like to introduce a wine along with a memorable cycling episode from one of the visits. In 2011, at the peak of the harvest season, I was barely given permission to visit “Dard et Ribo” in the Rhône region of France. It’s a winery run by François Ribo and René-Jean Dard. Being able to sp […]

Recently, there’s been an interest in natural wine*. It surprisingly shares a connection with bicycles, which is often noticeable on its labels. This column will delve into the world of natural wine related to cycling, featuring insights from various buyers and importers. Starting off, Mizue Kawamura from ‘WINES&THINGS’ in Naka-Meguro, Tokyo, will share their expertise. Stay tuned for irregular installments that coincide with new arrivals!