Domaine La Boheme

After a lifetime before, Patrick Bouju settled in the Auvergne, where he released his first commercial vintage in 2002 and left his job as an engineer in 2008 to make wine full time.
Patrick tends to several small plots of vines around his village, with some vines aging back 120 years. He runs every aspect of the winery, from working in the vineyards by horse, to bottling, labeling, and bookkeeping. - Zev Rovine

About the Winemaker

Domaine La Boheme

After a lifetime of experiences, Patrick Bouju settled in the Auvergne, releasing his first commercial vintage in 2002 and leaving his engineering job in 2008 to pursue winemaking full time.

Patrick's journey with wine began while he was a chemistry student in Clermont-Ferrand, where he discovered his aversion to classical wine due to his body's intolerance to sulfur. Inspired by low-intervention winemakers he met while in the military in Chalon-sur-Saône in 1994 and 1995, Patrick went on to study viticulture in Beaune.

After completing his studies, Patrick moved to the village of Glaine-Montaigut in the Auvergne, where he gradually started cultivating a small number of vines.

Domaine La Boheme Winemaker

The Region

Auvergne, France

Auvergne, situated in the heart of France, is an up-and-coming region for natural winemaking. Nestled amidst the volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central, Auvergne offers a unique terroir characterized by its rich soils and cool climate. Natural winemakers in Auvergne prioritize organic and biodynamic farming practices, cultivating native grape varieties such as Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay with minimal intervention. By eschewing chemical additives and focusing on natural fermentation, they produce wines that reflect the region's rugged beauty and distinct volcanic character. Auvergne's natural wines are known for their purity, freshness, and lively acidity, with reds showcasing vibrant fruit flavors and earthy undertones, while whites exhibit crispness and minerality. As the demand for authentic and terroir-driven wines continues to grow, Auvergne remains at the forefront of France's natural wine movement, offering a taste of its unique terroir and artisanal winemaking traditions with each bottle.