In addition to our offices in Paris, Bordeaux and Hong Kong, we now also have our foot in Burgundy. At our new location in the heart of the Côte d’Or region, in Beaune, we are committed to not only strengthening our relationships with our existing 185 partner domains in Burgundy, but also to establishing connections with other domains that we would love to work with. Amicie Debavelaere has joined the team to lead this expansion and she will be managing our office in Beaune! So, let’s tell you a little more about it…
Amicie, please could you introduce yourself?
I am 32 years old, married with two children and I am originally from Burgundy. After completing my school years in Dijon, I moved to Paris to complete my first BTS (equivalent of a UK level 5 diploma), before moving to Lille where I joined the SKEMA BS. My desire to work in the world of wine first came about at school, particularly because I joined the oenology club and was able to participate in several blind tasting competitions.
After several experiences in the sale and marketing of wine, I realised that a more “technical” element to my training was missing. So, I decided to head back to Beaune to study at the Lycée Viticole to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of the job. I completed my BTS in Viticulture/Oenology there before spending six months in the vineyard and four months in the cellar to produce the 2015 vintage at the prestigious Louis Jadot winery. Then, I went over to Australia to produce the 2016 vintage, before working at Château de Pommard for six years as the sales manager for private customers in Europe.
You have been away for several years and have now come back to your roots…
Yes, exactly that! Since being back in Burgundy, I have experienced one of Burgundy’s emblematic domains, Château de Pommard, change hands. This led to an overhaul of the sales strategy and rebranding since Michael BAUM wanted to shake up the traditional conventions. This was a very enriching experience, which involved working on many different projects, as well as the integration of modern tools, particularly in the area of data, to serve the wine industry.
Last but not least, being tied to Burgundy and returning to my roots led me to meet a winemaker, Felix (her husband), who works at the Rois Mages family domain in Rully.
Now I have the new challenge of opening the new iDealwine office in Burgundy, in the heart of Beaune!
What is your role exactly?
My role is to strengthen the existing relationships we have with our partner domains, which will be facilitated by our closer proximity to them. It is also to establish new connections with other symbolic and historic winemakers from Burgundy, as well as with up and coming young winemakers.
Why have you decided to work in a coworking space?
I am setting up an office in Beaune and I believe that a coworking space is a good way of establishing a good atmosphere among colleagues while taking advantage of an incredible location, which also enables me to develop my wine network on site.
Also, we have high ambitions and the flexibility of this model will allow us to expand our team in Burgundy in the long run.
The coworking space in Beaune: La Réussite est dans le Pré
What is your dream?
To succeed in promoting Burgundy, its winemakers, and their work as best I can. I really want to showcase what this region has to offer because I love it!
What is your best wine tasting memory?
The Echezeaux 2010 by Domaine Gros F&S is absolutely unforgettable!
Which wine do you have the most bottles of in your cellar?
Morgon de Foillard! I don’t just have wines from Burgundy, I also have a lot of wines from abroad and from regions which suit my tastes, such as Beaujolais or Jura …
Your recent discovery?
The Chablis vent-d’anges 2019 by Domaine Pattes Loup! It’s sharp and delicate, just an absolute delight and recently, I got the chance to taste it directly from the domain during a tour of the Chablis region.
