Le Domaine

A lifelong passion.

Maison Shaps’ story began in 1990 when Michael Shaps moved to France, where he enrolled in the Lycée Viticole de Beaune in Burgundy to study oenology and viticulture. During his time as a student, he worked two vintages at the esteemed Maison Chartron et Trebuchet in Puligny Montrachet.

Michael was drawn back to the United States after the culmination of his studies to make his mark in the “New World”. In 1995 he moved to Virginia to work at Jefferson Vineyards as head winemaker and general manager, where he quickly accumulated numerous awards and acquired a reputation as one of Virginia’s up-and-coming winemakers. He currently owns and operates Virginia Wineworks- a multi-faceted operation that is both the home of the Michael Shaps brand and Virginia’s first and largest contract winemaking operation, more commonly known as custom crush. 

In 2004 he partnered with his old mentor and head winemaker at Maison Chartron et Trebuchet and together they opened a winery and rental house in Meursault, France, one of Burgundy’s most renowned winemaking villages. In 2012 Michael took ownership of the business and renamed it Maison Shaps.

Initially uniquely a négociant, Maison Shaps was able to buy vineyards in 2016 and now owns 4 hectares in the prestigious Cote de Beaune and complements its holdings with long-term négociant contracts.

In 2021 Michael’s daughter Hanna came on board to create a tasting program and since early 2022 has been managing the day-to-day operations of the business.

We are pleased to now carry a selection of Michael Shaps Winery wines from our estate in Virginia.