Our Story
Michel Labardin
The story of FRENCH WINES AND CO began in the 1970s, when Michel Labardin entered the world of Bordeaux wine, working with acclaimed wine writer and entrepreneur Alexis Lichine to develop and expand on a new concept: ESTATE BOTTLING.
Michel spent a number of years visiting the main importers in Europe, in Africa, and in South America; then began working with the USA market in the 1980s.
In the meantime, he was studying oenology at the Faculty of Sciences of Bordeaux with the renowned Professor Emile Peynaud.
During his long career, he has traveled to the majority of the world’s vineyards.
Towards the end of his career, he decided to focus more specifically on the vineyards of France. This has led him quite naturally to become the commercial link between the local estate owners and the importers he has gotten to know well throughout his career. Bordeaux may be a little less in the limelight these days, but it is well known for containing all the greatest wealth of the famed French vineyards.
Karin Labardin
Michel’s daughter Karin Labardin joined him in 2018. As a native of Bordeaux, she of course grew up throughout her childhood and adolescence in the wine world but decided to choose the path of tourism and communication rather than immediately following in her father’s footsteps. It was only in 2012 that, looking to give a new direction to her career, she joined the prestigious Bordeaux Vine and Wine Institute in order to deepen her knowledge of wines and tasting. She succeeded in earning the prized D.U.A.D (University Degree of Aptitude in Tasting) diploma, and then became an independent guide specializing in wine tourism in order to share her passion for Bordeaux wines with wine lovers and connoisseurs from around the world – or simply those who are curious to discover this fascinating realm. In addition, in order to familiarize herself better with the vineyards of the rest of the world, she is currently studying for the WSET3 certification in English.
Today, through their company FRENCH WINES & CO, Karin and Michel Labardin work together to find the ideal importer or distributor for their producers.
They are both wholly attuned to the needs of their clients, and are always closely attentive to their partners, their producers and their importers.
Please note: For your convenience, wines are shipped and invoiced directly by the property.
Our Philosophy
FIND superior wines in both well-known and lesser-known appellations that are focused on respect for the environment and for Nature; primarily family-owned properties with high added value.
BUILD relationships of trust with the owners who have cultivated their vines for several generations and who are constantly improving the quality of their wines.
OFFER these wines to passionate importers wishing to develop a long-term relationship for distribution in their countries.
Our Selection
