Lou Dumont – Burgundy with an Eastern Soul
In the heart of Burgundy, surrounded by some of the world’s most prized vineyards, Lou Dumont stands out—not just for its elegant wines, but for the remarkable story behind them. Founded in 2000 by Koji Nakata, a former sommelier from Tokyo, Lou Dumont is a rare example of cultural fusion in French winemaking. Nakata’s journey began not in a vineyard, but in a French restaurant in Japan, where he fell deeply in love with Burgundy wines. That passion led him to move to France, study winemaking, and eventually settle in Gevrey-Chambertin, after first setting up in Nuits-Saint-Georges.
The name Lou Dumont is itself a tribute—Lou after Koji’s French goddaughter and Dumont in honour of his adoptive French grandparents—symbolising his deep connection to both cultures. His winemaking philosophy is all about purity and restraint: minimal intervention, natural yeast, aging in French oak barrels (some handcrafted in Japan using mizunara wood), and a strong respect for terroir.
Lou Dumont’s wines, especially the Bourgogne Pinot Noir and Gevrey-Chambertin, are known for their elegance, structure, and subtle complexity. Koji often describes his goal as creating “harmony in a bottle”—a perfect balance of fruit, minerality, and soul. Adding to his signature touch, many bottles are hand-labelled using Japanese calligraphy.
For wine lovers, Lou Dumont offers more than just outstanding Burgundy—it offers a story of determination, humility, and cross-cultural inspiration. In a region steeped in tradition, Koji Nakata’s journey is a reminder that great wine isn’t about where you’re from, but how deeply you understand the land and honour the craft.
