Wine lovers, mark your calendars for a special event happening this March in San Francisco. Andrew and Emma Nielsen, the talented duo behind Le Grappin, will be crossing the Atlantic to showcase their exceptional Burgundy wines at the 25th annual La Paulée celebration. If you appreciate the beauty of Burgundy, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
La Paulée: A Burgundy Lover’s Dream
La Paulée is one of the most prestigious Burgundy wine events outside of France, bringing together winemakers, collectors, and sommeliers for a week of tastings, dinners, and master classes. Founded by renowned sommelier Daniel Johnnes, the event pays modern homage to the traditional end-of-harvest feast celebrated in Burgundy. Now in its 25th year, the San Francisco edition promises to be a grand occasion, and Le Grappin’s first time presence adds to the excitement.
Le Grappin: A Modern Burgundy Story
Founded in 2011 by Andrew and Emma Nielsen, Le Grappin focuses on crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines from lesser-known sites in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Their hands-on, artisanal approach involves small-batch, hand-harvested wines that reflect the individual character of each vineyard. By collaborating with passionate growers and emphasizing sustainable, low-intervention winemaking, Le Grappin has cultivated a loyal following among Burgundy enthusiasts seeking wines marked by purity, energy, and a strong sense of place.
In addition to their reds and whites from the heart of Burgundy, the Nielsens produce the playful and approachable Du Grappin wines. These offerings include fresh, vibrant expressions from specific vineyards in Beaujolais, Vezelay and the Mâconnais. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them stand out in the new wave of Burgundy producers.
A Rare Opportunity to Meet and Taste with Le Grappin in the U.S.
While Le Grappin wines are available on select wine lists and at a few fine wine shops in the U.S., La Paulée San Francisco presents a rare chance to taste them alongside some of Burgundy’s most esteemed domaines. Andrew and Emma’s passion for their craft is evident in every bottle, and attendees will enjoy the precision and distinctive character that define their wines.
For those attending La Paulée’s Grand Tasting or Gala Dinner, this is a unique opportunity to engage with the Nielsens, hear their winemaking stories, and explore the specific parcels they work with in Burgundy. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to Le Grappin, their participation at La Paulée is an exciting moment for California’s Burgundy-loving community.
Join the Celebration
La Paulée’s 25th anniversary in San Francisco promises to be a memorable gathering of Burgundy’s finest producers. Le Grappin’s involvement is a testament to their growing influence in the world of fine wine. If you are attending, be sure to seek out Andrew and Emma Nielsen of Le Grappin!
About Le Grappin
Le Grappin make authentic wines from under-appreciated parcels in Burgundy and Beaujolais. They source fruit from the same single parcels of organically farmed vines each year. From their winery, in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, they combine modern winemaking with traditional methods, eschewing additives and interventions.
The Nielsen’s started Le Grappin in 2011 following Andrew’s five-year journey working for some of the world’s great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay artisans in California, Central Otago, Burgundy, and the Yarra Valley and studying wine science. Emma joined in 2015 bringing her experience of marketing, events, and project management.
Their fruit is from vineyards farmed organically, working with the same growers each year, with some partnerships now lasting for more than 10 years. Fermentation is done with no additions, using strict sorting and hygiene to combat wine defaults, and serious vineyard work to avoid the need for sugar, acid or nutrient additions.
Whites are whole bunch pressed in hydraulic basket presses and fermented in a range of formats depending on the fruit – old oak barrels, concrete egg, wooden foudres and glass. Reds are fermented whole cluster in wood or concrete large tanks with ageing taking place in large-format old oak barrels, for up to two years depending on the vintage and the wine’s development.
Their Le Grappin labels showcase fine wines from the Côte de Beaune and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, and Du Grappin, the more relaxed and restaurant-focused wines from Beaujolais, Mâconnais and Vézelay.
