Sylvie Augereau

Sylvie Augereau

Loire Valley, France

At a Glance

• A writer and strong advocate of the natural wine movement, she is the founder of the world’s most popular wine fair: La Dive.

• In 2014, she took over 1.5 hectares of century-old vines in the village of Le Thoureil, part of the Anjou region. This single parcel, gently sloping toward the Loire River, is co-planted with Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis, and Grolleau.

• She is the smallest producer in our portfolio, and we are fortunate to secure just 30 cases per vintage.

• No machines are used in the vineyard—everything is done by hand and horsepower, with music playing year-round in this secret garden.

• Her wines are unique, vibrant, and full of energy. A minimum of 18 months of aging ensures stability, as no sulfites are added—only pure grapes fill these soulful bottles.

About Sylvie Augereau

Sylvie Augereau, the dynamic caretaker and leader of all things 'Dive,' oversees a secret garden spanning 1.4 hectares where machines are not allowed. Her passion for good food and wine traces back to her early experiences in her grandparent's restaurant, shaping her values and education. With a background in literature and experience in communication, Sylvie delved back into gastronomy, combining her writing skills with her culinary interests.

Having traveled across France, collaborating with growers and winemakers, Sylvie Augereau has become a prominent figure in the natural wine movement. She has authored various publications like "mon carnet de vigne," "soif d’Aujourd’hui," and "collaborations," shedding light on small producers and their wines. In 2000, she founded La Dive, a festival celebrating natural wine, uniting 250 producers to showcase their wines in a cave overlooking the Loire.

In 2014, Sylvie realized her dream of owning a vineyard near Le Dive, acquiring 1.4 hectares of land with Chenin, Cabernet, Grolleau, and Pineau d’Aunis vines. Embracing biodynamic practices, she ensures that all work on the vineyard is done manually or with the help of horses, avoiding the use of machines. Augereau believes in the energy exchange between humans and vines, fostering a deep connection by talking to the vines and playing music in the vineyard.

Working alongside her husband Nicolas Reau and friends like Thierry German in the cellar, Sylvie Augereau champions authenticity by allowing the wine to evolve naturally without interference. Her commitment to expressing the purest reflection of her vineyard's essence shines through in her winemaking approach.