The Winemaker, Reimagined
For many people, the possibility of becoming a winemaker is just a fantasy. No longer. At VINIV, we believe that the art of Bordeaux winemaking should be accessible to individuals who want to take their passion for wine to a new level. For more than a decade we’ve seen first-hand how winemaking is the perfect outlet for creative expression. Our raison d’être is to empower wine lovers to chart their own winemaking pursuit. VINIV offers what no one else does: the opportunity for wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a Bordeaux winemaking experience and create their own limited-edition fine wine. We provide an environment that gives VINIV members direct access to vineyards from Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations, guidance from the winemaking experts of Château Lynch-Bages and advisors to the region’s most famous properties, and an award-winning design team to create a personal brand and label to tell their story.
“Located in Pauillac, a famous Cabernet Sauvignon centric appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, VINIV is owned and operated by the Cazes family, which owns Chateau Lynch-Bages. The DIY aspect allows well-heeled Bordeaux lovers to create their own blends from grapes grown in vineyards throughout Bordeaux’s storied appellations. The sweat equity is done by professional vintners and winemakers.
VINIV’s clients enjoy the more glamorous side of winemaking: barrel tastings in the cellar, blending sessions to find the best formula for the wine, and, of course, the experience of visiting wine country and creating their own wines. There’s an element of star quality as well: Each team works closely with Daniel LLose, Lynch-Bages’ chief winemaker, on their blends. The cost starts at about €16,000 per barrel, depending on the vineyard sources of the grapes.” — Dave McIntyre, The Washington Post
The 2019 Vintage as seen by our Winemakers
Bordeaux’s 2019 vintage continues a string of six vintages of excellent quality wines. This vintage reveals very aromatic and fruit-driven wines, with alcohol contents that are consistent with a ripe, concentrated Bordeaux vintage. The high acidities provide ample freshness and the tannin structure is both deep and fine, though slightly less powerful than the 2018 vintage. If it’s the first time that you are considering making a wine with VINIV it’s an excellent vintage to start because of its elegance.
“2019 is an interesting vintage because of its elegance. It is full of tannins, yet it’s not overly powering thanks to its freshness and fruit. VINIV’s parcels demonstrate this across the appellations.” — Daniel LLose, Technical Director, Château Lynch-Bages and Château Ormes de Pez
“2019 is another vintage that hits a high mark of quality. Just like the 2018 vintage, each vineyard shows its true character, making it easy for VINIV members to understand the distinctions between them and isolate the preferences for their own wine. It makes blending with clients a real pleasure and even we discover something new every time.” — Nicolas Labenne, Head Winemaker, Château Lynch-Bages and Château Ormes de Pez
“2019 was a solar vintage, with the added twist of combining rich, opulent Merlot and Cabernet Franc with more classic, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage most resembles 2016 and is worthy of the best vintages of the 2000s.” — Eric Boissenot, Consultant, LafiteRothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, Margaux, Latour, Palmer, Pichon Comtesse, Pichon Baron, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Leoville Barton and Leoville Las Cases
Your Experience
Your Vineyards
As a VINIV winemaker, you can choose from a selection of exceptional vineyards to produce your bespoke wine.
With the guidance of our winemaking team, you will quickly discover the alchemy of blending and decide which combination of plots and grape varieties best match your objectives.
Our grapes are sourced from the finest old-vine vineyards in Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations. Some of our vineyards are owned by recognised ‘classified-growths’, while others belong to passionate, boutique growers whose properties adjoin the best properties in Margaux, Pauillac, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien.
Unlike any other Bordeaux winery, VINIV gives you the opportunity to go beyond the boundaries of appellation by blending wine from vineyards within the best sectors on both the Left and Right Banks. This is an essential part of your singular winemaking story
Your Brand
A brand is more than the name you give your wine. It includes all the elements that tell your story and capture your wine’s personality. On your label you may choose to share a personal anecdote, a life philosophy or achievement. VINIV provides you a ‘white canvas’ to share your journey with others. You will be guided by our design team to create your brand and label. For packaging, your barrel price includes a choice of high quality 0.75L or 1.5L magnum bottles, corks, capsules and unbranded wooden cases. Further options are available to customise your packaging to differentiate your wine brand.