Imanol Garay

Initially a sales representative for the Adour cooperage, Imanol explored the world of natural wines thanks to enriching encounters, notably with Richard Leroy. This experience awakened in him a deep passion for the Earth, life and the creation of authentic wines.
Originally from San Sebastian, in the Spanish Basque Country, Imanol finally settled in the lands of Madiran, in Orthez. He launched his trading business in the Sud-Ouest, sourcing grapes from both the Spanish and French sides, refusing to choose between his two countries of origin. Among his suppliers, he established a particularly close relationship with Jean from Domaine Pichard, sharing a different vision of wine, but mutual respect.
Imanol decided to vinify Jean's grapes in his own way, favoring natural and environmentally friendly methods. Throughout his encounters in the Pyrenees, Imanol not only bought grapes, he also planted his own vines (2 ha) in Irouléguy and Orthez, cultivating Tannat and Raffiat de Moncade, a rare native grape variety.
Deeply respectful of nature, Imanol lets his vines express themselves freely. His cellar in Orthez is the place where he experiences each vintage with passion. The degrees of maturity of the grapes vary, the blends evolve, and the aging is carried out in various containers, from stainless steel vats to stoneware jars, including barrels and amphoras. Imanol Garay, in addition to taking care of his vines, even rocks them to the sound of the notes of his piano, creating a unique environment in his cellar.
To summarize, Imanol Garay embodies the story of a man who chose to follow his passion for natural wine, letting the earth and living things guide his creativity. His quest led him through the terroirs of the Pyrenees, giving birth to unique, vibrant wines brimming with personality, testifying to his commitment to authenticity and respect for nature.