Bernard Zito

Bernard Zito has a long history in the French wine industry, but not primarily as a winemaker. He’s worked for a number of prominent Burgundy Domaines, but always on the viticulture side.* Specifically, he is best known for his work transforming vineyards by implementing organic and biodynamic viticulture practices. When wine producers want to move to more sustainable growing practices, they call Bernard. 
 
But about a decade ago, Bernard decided to try his hand at winemaking. We’re happy he did. Winemaking is still his side hustle, and his annual production remains small, but the results have been amazing. 
 
Bernard makes his wines at Château de Bligny-les-Beaune, a well-known Chateau whose owners decided to create a custom crush facility and wine studio, where new winemakers share equipment, knowledge, and space to learn their craft. Bernard is among a dozen winemakers who use the facility. 
 
Bernard’s wines are hard to find and we’re proud to be one of the only stores in the US to carry them.

*Viticulture is the science and practice of growing grapes. Viniculture is similar but specifically related to growing grapes to make wine.