Dear customers,
2025 is ending, leaving behind many doubts about our profession. Nevertheless, we continue to work with the same passion every day. In the vineyards, at the distillery, in the shop. Also at wine fairs and professional meetings.
Because being independent winemakers is not just about ‘producing wine’. For us, it is much more than that. It is a daily learning process, a know-how to be shared and discovered by the people we meet throughout the year.
Like the generations before us, this profession shows us how to live with resilience and excellence. With discipline, humility and simplicity. These are the values that drive us and that we are committed to putting into our beautiful bottles. We hope your taste buds will enjoy them!
In the vineyards of Conte & Filles
The leaves are swirling at the foot of the grape vines, the wind is turning chilly: it’s time for pruning. Blandine supervises the teams throughout the winter during this crucial stage: it determines the 2026 harvest. And it’s already anticipating the 2027 harvest!
Here, we prune both young and old vines exclusively by hand.
For experts: our vines are mainly pruned using the double Guyot method, with two shoots. For everyone else: this is the type of cut that will shape the vine in spring.
The aim is to find the fine balance between quality and quantity for the grapes, depending on the varieties and the ground.
In the distillery
On 7 December, we held our annual open day. It was an opportunity to change the formula and offer an ‘Après-midi Alambiqué’: a musical tales show, followed by a goûter with traditional wooden games and tasting in our shop.
The large still did not fail to sing along during the storytelling. Indeed, we are in the midst of distilling our harvest for the year. It is a warm atmosphere that we are keen to share.
In the cellar
Once distilled, the eaux-de-vie will join their big sisters in the cellar. But before that, the annual inventory must be done! The volume and alcohol content of each barrel are meticulously recorded, noted in the Eaux-de-vie Stock Register and sent to Customs.
This is an important moment that allows Anne-Laure, our cellar master, to plan the future blends and single casks that will be offered to you.
In the shop
The Fins Bois 2010 has joined our range with a certain pride. You gave it an excellent reception during pre-orders, as well as at trade fairs and open days. We are delighted with this great start! Thank you!
Another new development this year is that we have joined the Vivre Ici association for the promotion of local products. Our shop has become one of four collection points in the South Charente every Friday evening. It is an opportunity for wonderful encounters, rich in meaning and values.
Winter is coming …
And already the festive season is upon us. We wish you a joyful time spent with your loved ones, surrounded by happiness and sharing.
If you haven’t already done so, now is the last chance to place your orders so that they arrive under the tree before Father Christmas comes.
The advantage of the elixirs contained in our bottles is that, compared to chocolate, at least they don’t make you fat! They can be savoured and always bring a smile to your face 😉
We look forward to seeing you again in 2026!
Where to find us in 2026 ? 😀
📍 Saturday, 24 January: Film Festival in Barbezieux – 16300
📍 Friday, 6 to Sunday, 8 March: Club des Vignerons Lauréats at Château de la Poterie in Nantes – 44240
📍 Friday 13 to Sunday 15 March: Club des Vignerons Lauréats at the Purpan engineering school in Toulouse – 31076
📍 End of March 2026 (dates to be confirmed): Basse-Meuse Wine Fair in Hermalle-sous-Argenteau – Belgium
📍 End of June 2026 (dates to be confirmed): Marville opens its cellars in Marville – 55600
📍 Weekend of 11 November: Oyster Fair in Sardent – 23250
📍 End of November: Club des Vignerons Lauréats, Quai Javel, Paris – 75015
To your health,
Blandine & Anne-Laure
