With the end of the Roman Empire came the Barbarian invasions and with them, the end of a great wine culture. Barbarians were not, after all, wine geeks.

An interesting question might be: Are we living in a highly civilized world or in an age of darkness? I am speaking strictly about wine, of course. The answer may lie in the definition. Barbarianism could be defined as society at its simplest, with no rules beyond the rule of strength.

The world of wine is changing very quickly: consumption is on the rise, and the race for global wine brands has begun. It is an era of standardization, simplification and marketing. The Barbarians are not far off.

At AOC we have taken a radically different approach; one of "terroir", tradition, and respect. Great wine is the product of a communion between a land, a climate, and a human being. It is also a work of love and patience.

For us, this path is the only possible one; the quality of our wine selection and our knowledge of the wine makers enlightens every aspect of our business, from purchasing right through to our respect for our customers, their tastes and their desire to learn.

Another basic principle for us at AOC is that great wine is a labor of love and generosity. At AOC we have put together a solid program aimed at helping non-profit organizations raise money for the causes we and our community care about. If you would like to learn more about these programs, please ask us.

Our task is to bring these wines to you; we will tell you the story of their origins and upbringing. Follow us on this magic journey. No ratings, no brands, just convictions and pleasure.

Yes, wine is really one of the most civilized things in the world because the hallmark of a great wine is its complexity. Let's cultivate a culture of this complexity.

Emmanuel DUPUY D'ANGEAC (Owner, AOC Fine Wines)