A Burgundian Craft,
An Eastern Soul
The Story of KOJI NAKADA FROM Lou Dumont
What happens when a Tokyo sommelier’s audacious dream takes root in the sacred soils of Burgundy? For Koji Nakada and his wife Jae Hwa Park, it meant leaving everything behind to create Lou Dumont, a winery that marries ancient French tradition with a distinctly Eastern soul. This is the story of how an outsider’s passion, precision, and deep respect for nature forged a new and celebrated legacy in the world’s most revered wine region.
Audacious dream and a love
In the world of fine wine, tradition is a powerful current. It runs deep in the hallowed vineyards of Burgundy, where generations have tended to the same vines, their names etched into the very terroir. Yet, every so often, a new story emerges, a tale of passion and perseverance that enriches the region's storied history. This is the story of Lou Dumont, a winery born from a Japanese sommelier's audacious dream and a love that blossomed in the heart of France.
Was it a Calling?
Koji Nakada, a native of Tokyo, was already a respected sommelier when he felt the pull of Burgundy. It was a calling he could not ignore, a desire to not just serve wine, but to create it. In 1996, he made the life-changing decision to move to Beaune, the heart of Burgundy, to study oenology. The language barrier was the first of many hurdles, but it was in a French class in Dijon that fate intervened. There, he met Jae Hwa Park, a Korean woman who would become his wife and partner in a remarkable journey.
Together, they embarked on a path that was anything but ordinary. In 2000, they established Maison Lou Dumont, a micro-negociant domaine in the prestigious village of Gevrey-Chambertin. The name itself is a beautiful fusion of their lives: "Lou" for their goddaughter, a symbol of charm and character, and "Dumont," French for "mountains," a nod to the landscapes of their respective homelands.
Sky, Earth, and a Human Touch
From the beginning, Koji’s approach was clear: to create wines of "Burgundy excellence with an Eastern soul." This philosophy is not just a marketing slogan; it is the very essence of Lou Dumont. It is a commitment to minimal intervention, to allowing the unique terroir of each parcel to express itself. Koji works with organically farmed grapes, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, and adds only minimal sulfites. This gentle, respectful approach is a hallmark of his winemaking, a reflection of a deeply ingrained Japanese sensibility. The three Japanese characters on the label – sky, earth, and man – are a constant reminder of the delicate balance that creates a truly great wine.
"Our legacy is here, in Burgundy. The dream is to pass this land to our children."
— Koji Nakada
The Impossible Dream of Owning Burgundy
For years, Lou Dumont operated as a négociant, sourcing grapes from trusted growers who shared their commitment to quality. But Koji’s dream was to own his own piece of Burgundy, a notoriously difficult feat for an outsider. In 2012, that dream became a reality. The couple purchased their first vineyards, including a parcel of Bourgogne Aligoté with vines over a century old. This was more than just a transaction; it was a statement. It was the moment Lou Dumont truly put down roots in the sacred soil of Burgundy.
A beautiful paradox!
The wines of Lou Dumont are a testament to this incredible journey. They are a reflection of Koji and Jae Hwa's passion, their meticulous attention to detail, and their unique cultural perspective. They are wines that speak of a place, but also of a person. They are a beautiful paradox: classic Burgundy with a Japanese heart.
Take Your Pick of Lou Dumont wines
The wines of Lou Dumont are the living expression of the story you've just read. Guided by a Japanese sensibility for precision and purity, the classic terroir of Burgundy shines through with remarkable clarity and elegance. We invite you to experience this beautiful harmony of two worlds in every glass.
AT A GLANCE
Founded in 2000 by Japanese sommelier Koji Nakada and his Korean wife, Jae Hwa Park.
A fusion of cultures, bringing a unique "Eastern soul" to traditional Burgundy winemaking.
A minimal intervention approach, with a focus on organic farming and natural processes.
In 2012, they achieved the rare feat of purchasing their own vineyards in Burgundy.
The name "Lou Dumont" honors their goddaughter and their mountainous home regions.
Their wines are celebrated for their purity, elegance, and profound sense of place.
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