Thomas BUISSON
After a childhood in Provence, the land of perfumes, and music studies (First Prize at the Conservatoires of Nice and Paris), Thomas began his professional life as a musician (flute), performing in various orchestras and chamber ensembles.
At the same time, he discovered a passion for wine, which he gradually developed.
In 1993, he joined the "Centre des Vins de Propriété" in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, where he stayed for seven years; observing, learning the craft patiently, making his first connections, and absorbing both the details and the essentials.
Regular visits to vineyards in Bordeaux, Champagne, the Loire and Burgundy, all the way to the Jura and Northern RhĂ´ne, shaped his palate; with a strong fondness for Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Pomerol.
He later ran the Cave du Panthéon in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, already focused on a selection of genuine winemakers who respected their terroir. This experience led him to pursue formal studies, earning a Brevet Professionnel de Viticulteur-Œnologue from the University of Montpellier’s Agropolis campus in 2002.
During his studies, he produced his own wine in Murviel-lès-Montpellier in 2002 and 2003 on rented plots.
He broadened his hands-on experience in Languedoc-Roussillon at Domaine La Marfée and Domaine Belles Pierres, and also in Burgundy at Domaine Roulot in Meursault.
He remained in the region and managed a wine-book-news shop in Lyon called Vins Quotidiens.
Thomas then worked as a sommelier in several Côte d’Azur restaurants, including Les Vieux Murs on the ramparts of old Antibes and La Palme d’Or at the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes (two Michelin stars).
He arrived in the Jurançon hills in 2007, invited by a renowned female winemaker to serve as estate manager.
Today, with over 17 years of experience in various aspects of the wine world, he has opened his own space in Pau: La Cave du Palais.
Over the years, he has built close relationships with many winemakers across France, always seeking out discovery, originality, and a deep respect for the land and nature.
