Burgundy producer Domaine Derain is a leading name in biodynamic and natural winemaking, with vineyards centred around Saint-Aubin, France.

Founded in 1988 by Dominique and Catherine Derain, the estate has been farmed according to biodynamic principles since inception, with certification from Ecocert dating back to 1989. Dominique’s background in cooperage and winemaking shaped a hands-on, minimal-intervention approach, both in the vineyard and cellar, that has become a hallmark of the domaine.

Today, Domaine Derain is run by winemaker Julien Altaber and Carole Schwab, who represent the next generation of Burgundy producers. Julien trained under Dominique for many years and also founded his own label, Sextant, making the transition of ownership a natural evolution rather than a shift in direction. Carole brings formal wine training and plays a key role across both operations and cellar work.

Although retired from ownership, Dominique Derain remains closely involved as a mentor and guiding presence, regularly contributing to vineyard decisions and cellar tastings. Under this new stewardship, Domaine Derain continues to produce pure, terroir-driven Burgundy wines, with a strong emphasis on site expression, balance, and authenticity.