About the French wine guy
It all started in Europe…
A native of Besançon, France, Eric studied architecture as a young man — but when he toured his first cellar in the region of Bourgogne he became fascinated by the complexity of wine, winemaking, and the differences of character from one vineyard to the next. At twenty-one he became assistant sommelier at London’s InterContinental Hotel and quickly worked his way up to sommelier. Later he became Cellar Master at a prestigious three-star restaurant and inn in Belgium. Eric was then sought out by the legendary Paul Bocuse to become maître d’ at his famous restaurant outside of Lyon.
Photo caption – Induction ceremony of me becoming a “Compagnon du Beaujolais” in 2018 at restaurant Jeanne d’Arc in San Francisco
Coming to America…
Eric went on to represent the French Champagne House of Jacquart in the U.S. for four years. He fell in love with California and founded his own import company, Vigneron Imports, focusing on small to medium-sized French family wineries whose excellent, well-balanced, affordable wines are rarely found on the shelves of American supermarkets. He has since sold to and enhanced the selection of French wines in countless restaurants and prestigious retailers like Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants, Wine Impression, D&M Liquor…in San Francisco, and at Whole Foods Market throughout Northern California.
And now…
When Erics walks into a room, people often call out: “Here comes the French Wine Guy!” Eric happily accepts the title. He shares his love of wine and French culture, his experience in the restaurant business, and his regional and vineyard contacts with individuals and businesses alike.