notre histoire

Embark on a Journey with Frederick Boelen and Charles Duval at La Cave

In the heart of the picturesque Pays d'Auge, where the charming town of Honfleur graces the shores and the art of winemaking intertwines with tradition, you'll find La Cave – The Cellar, a testament to the vision of two passionate founders, Frederick Boelen and Charles Duval. These names are synonymous with a commitment to exceptional wine and a rich heritage in the world of viticulture.

Frederick Boelen, one of the visionaries behind our journey, established La Cave in France and oversees its thriving US operations today. With a legacy dating back seven generations, Frederick hails from a British family deeply rooted in the wine merchant tradition in the UK. His profound understanding of wine craftsmanship and his unyielding dedication have been pivotal in shaping La Cave into what it is today.

On the other side of the vineyard, Charles Duval, equally visionary, brings his own century-old family heritage in the wine industry to the forefront. Charles plays a pivotal role in overseeing our operations in France, ensuring that each bottle that graces La Cave's shelves reflects the depth of his family's longstanding commitment to winemaking excellence.

Our journey began with a simple belief shared by Frederick and Charles: everyone should have access to outstanding wines without the exorbitant price tag. Drawing on their extensive hospitality backgrounds, they understood the value of understanding the story behind each bottle and its destined recipient. That philosophy resonated with our patrons, and La Cave quickly became a local treasure.

Embracing the spirit of expansion, Frederick and Charles extended their passion for wine to Pont L'Évêque in 2017, further solidifying their commitment to providing exceptional wines to both locals and some of the finest restaurants in Normandy and Paris. Their carefully curated selection spans a range of price points, ensuring there's something for every palate.

In 2022, their dedication to sharing exceptional wine with the world led to the opening of a third shop in the historic city of Rouen, adding another jewel to the La Cave family.

In 2016, they embarked on a new adventure across the Atlantic, bringing the essence of La Cave to Napa Valley and beyond. Today, they proudly serve small producer French wines to California and the rest of the United States.

At La Cave, we pride ourselves on offering a unique and exclusive selection of wines imported into the US. These wines cannot be found anywhere else but at La Cave. Our philosophy is rooted in supporting small, boutique producers who value quality over quantity. We believe that passion from the producer can be felt in every bottle, and that's what sets our wines apart.

Though alcohol laws have evolved since the days of prohibition, the nature of importation still prevents us from establishing a traditional brick-and-mortar store. However, we've crafted a unique solution that embodies the spirit of La Cave: our flexible wine club. Membership is free, and it's designed to replicate the experience of visiting their store every other month. You'll receive a carefully curated seasonal selection that you can modify to suit your preferences, or simply skip a month – it's that effortless.

We invite you to delve into the world of our wonderful producers, ask us your questions, enjoy a leisurely conversation over lunch, savor their exquisite wines, and share in their captivating stories. At La Cave, under the guidance of both Frederick Boelen and Charles Duval, we believe that life is meant to be celebrated with passion and a glass of exceptional French wine.

Santé!

Cheers to the joy of life, the essence of French wine, and the artistry of our exclusive selections!