Nicolas Potel came from a winemaking family who produced renowned Burgundy wines. He also gained invaluable experience at wineries both in France and abroad before starting his own venture. After his father’s death in 1997, Nicolas created his own wine trading company, La Maison Nicolas Potel. For financial reasons, the company was sold in the 2000s but this did not stop Nicolas. He turned his efforts to concentrate on his own domaine, Domaine de Bellene, and the creation of his négociant business, Maison Roche de Bellene. Both have succeeded in their own right. His domaine consists of 18 hectares of vineyards, which follow organic practices and with an emphasis on individual terroirs, he produces expressive, terroir-driven wines.