The face behind Copains du Vin is Nicolas Buchberger, owner and managing director of the wine trade based in Cologne.
Born in Munich and raised in Lyon and Paris, he discovered his love for cuisine and good wine at an early age. Nicolas studied international wine industry in Geisenheim and gained valuable work experience in production and trade in Barbaresco, Saint Joseph, Gigondas, Berlin and Hamburg. He also continued his education in London with Wine and Spirits Education Level 3. Through countless wine trips and local tastings, Nicolas has established a remarkable network over the years with many top producers throughout Europe, with whom he maintains a close friendly relationship.
Back in Germany, he worked as a sommelier alongside Jan Hoffmann in Frankfurt am Main and then became head sommelier in Peter Hesseler's Michelin-starred restaurant group in Cologne. There he supervised the wine lists of Gut Lärchenhof, La Société and Ito.
With the founding of Copains du Vin, his own wine shop and wine import, Nicolas fulfilled a long-cherished dream in 2022.
Vive les Copains!
