“When the wine is great, there’s no need to disrupt its natural balance.”

Mano began his wine career 25 years ago by accident, traveling the world to promote a renowned Burgundy cooperage. He spent his time meeting winemakers and tasting wines globally, contributing to explorations in lees contacts and wood protocols. This exposure led him to recognize the great potential of wood maturation. Mano also designed new barrel-making techniques with Dijon Wine University to improve barrel aging management, which are still used by two major local cooperages that he consulted with for many years.

His eclectic journey, driven by natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, involved multiple ventures where he accumulated varied experience in the wine trade. Created new projects is in his DNA, undoubtedly influenced by the meaning of his first name, “the one who accompanies you.” Growing up in this entrepreneurial “terroir” led Mano to invest in a négociant and Domaine venture in Beaune for 12 years; a traditional Japanese Sake project for seven years; a consulting company majoring in strategy, marketing, and communication for 20 years; and several other projects beyond wine.

Inspired by mentors and stimulating personalities such as Jacques Lardière, Brice Jones, Terry Adams, and Martin Williams MW, Mano has explored new models and techniques, enjoying creative endeavors.

Mano has been deeply involved in local Burgundy syndicates and organizations such as the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), where he sere as Co-Chairman of the Strategy and Prospective Department, the Fédération des Négociants Éleveurs de Bourgogne (FNEB) as a member and contributor, and the Institut Jules Gayot at Dijon Wine University as Chairman.