Romain Taupenot: A steadfast commitment to the 3rd BSB Foundation Auction
For the 3rd BSB Foundation Charity Auction, taking place from November 28 to December 11, 2025, we had the pleasure of speaking with Romain Taupenot, co-owner and winemaker at the family-run Domaine Taupenot-Merme in Morey-Saint-Denis.
A loyal in-kind sponsor of the BSB Foundation, he shares his perspective on philanthropy, legacy, and the meaning behind his commitment to students in this interview.
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
"I am Romain Taupenot, winemaker at Domaine Taupenot-Merme, a family estate located in Morey-Saint-Denis. I represent the ninth generation, leading the estate alongside my sister, Virginie, where I work passionately to produce wines that are true to their terroir and respectful of our heritage. We are currently actively working on passing the estate on to the 10th generation: Louis, Antoine, Maxime, and Manon."
What inspired you to participate once again in the 3rd BSB Foundation Charity Auction?
"I wanted to renew my participation because the BSB Foundation supports projects that are useful, concrete, and inspiring. Contributing to this auction is a simple and natural way for me to support the school, its ambitions, and the students who represent the future of the wine and spirits industry. It is a way for our family estate to embody our values of passing knowledge to new generations by helping to provide scholarships to deserving students who lack the financial means to pursue their higher education."
Can you tell us about the bottles you have chosen to donate?
These donations include a 2023 Mazoyères Magnum, a 2023 Charmes-Chambertin Magnum, and a 2023 Corton Rognet Magnum.
I chose to offer bottles that represent the estate’s identity: a wine from a terroir our family has cultivated for several generations. They illustrate both the continuity of our expertise and our commitment to preserving the pure expression of our Burgundian climats. These wines tell the story of our family, our deep connection to Morey-Saint-Denis, and our daily dedication to quality.
What does it mean to you to use wine to support a charitable cause?
It’s a way to give our work additional meaning. Wine is a product meant for sharing, and using it to support a charitable cause amplifies that dimension. Contributing to the education of future generations, particularly through scholarships, is a responsibility we all share as members of this industry.
Why is this support for the BSB Foundation so important to you?
" I have known the BSB Foundation for several years, thanks to Sophie Pouchet-Pellerin and the close ties she maintains with many wine professionals. I particularly appreciate their vision: supporting students, encouraging academic excellence, and increasing access to education. Supporting the Foundation means investing in the talent that will sustain and evolve our profession in the future."
What would you say to someone who is hesitant about donating wine?
" Donating to our youth is an investment in the future of our region thanks to the BSB Foundation team and their tangible initiatives supporting our students. For a winegrower or merchant, this can take the form of financial patronage or a gift-in-kind by donating our finest bottles, as Domaine Taupenot-Merme has been doing for several years. "
Join us from November 28 to December 11, 2025, to support our students!
The 3rd BSB Foundation Charity Auction will be held on the iDealwine platform from November 28 to December 11. Thanks to the generosity of estates like Taupenot-Merme, the funds raised will support scholarships and educational projects for students at the School of Wine & Spirits Business.
Participate, bid, and share: every bottle supports a student.
👉 Click here to access the sale: https://www.idealwine.com/fr/acheter-du-vin/ref-11397
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