Oelysium is much more than just a luxury wine company—it’s a gateway to the finest wine experiences that blend personal taste with exclusivity. Founded with a passion for connecting wine lovers to rare and exceptional bottles, Oelysium has swiftly become a trusted guide in premium wine collections and bespoke wine journeys. What sets Oelysium apart is its profoundly personalised approach to every client. The company’s unique system of ‘oenological families’ allows them to tailor each wine selection to perfectly match a client’s tastes, creating a personal and unique experience, not just transactional.
Oelysium offers access to the world’s most prestigious and rare wines, including gems from iconic estates like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Château Margaux, and Petrus. But it’s not just about the wine—it’s about the journey. Through the Gold Leaf Network, clients can experience exclusive vineyard visits, private tastings, and behind-the-scenes access to wine estates normally closed to the public. Oelysium takes care of every detail, ensuring that each visit is immersive, luxurious, and unique to the individual.
What also makes Oelysium stand out is its commitment to sustainability. The company partners with wineries that practice organic and biodynamic viticulture, ensuring that the wines clients enjoy are exceptional and produced with respect for the environment. Whether helping collectors build their perfect cellar or curate an unforgettable wine experience, Oelysium blends tradition, innovation, and personal attention to deliver something extraordinary. For those passionate about wine, Oelysium is not just a service—it’s a journey into the heart of what makes wine magical.
For those passionate about wine, Oelysium is not just a service—it’s a journey into the heart of what makes wine magical. We sat down with them for an interview to explore their approach to luxury wine tourism, rare wine collections, and the challenges facing the wine industry today.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in the winemaking industry today? Have there been changes in winemaking due to climate change (yield, regions, taste, etc.)?
The wine industry today truly feels the impact of climate change, and it’s a game-changer in many ways. We’re seeing more extreme weather events—heatwaves, droughts, unexpected late frosts, and intense rainfall—things that used to be rare but are now becoming the new norm. These shifts significantly affect the vines as they disrupt their growth cycle.
In turn, this directly impacts how much we can harvest and the quality of the grapes, which are the foundation of any good vintage. It’s not just about quantity; it’s about maintaining the character and balance that people expect from a specific region or estate. The winemaker’s job is becoming more unpredictable because these conditions can change from one season to the next. Winemakers are adapting their techniques and timing to these new realities while striving to preserve the quality and identity of their wines. It’s a challenge but also provides an opportunity for innovation and resilience in the industry.
What are the key characteristics you aim to achieve in your signature wines?
When selecting wines for our Oelysium clients to build their wine collections, we tailor our choices to each individual’s unique taste and preferences. We’ve developed ‘oenological families’—seven distinct profiles representing how people connect with and appreciate wine. It’s like matching a wine to someone’s personality. When choosing wines, we ensure they align with the client’s specific oenological family, providing bottles that resonate with their individual style. It’s all about ensuring each selection feels personal and perfectly suited to their taste.
Did the 2020 pandemic have an impact on producers?
Nobody could have anticipated a crisis like the one in 2020, and it hit the wine industry hard. The entire sector was disrupted, revealing both vulnerabilities and opportunities. With restaurants, bars, and tourism grinding to a halt, wine sales—especially those aimed at the hospitality sector—took a significant hit. Many producers pivoted to online sales and focused more on local markets to stay afloat. Travel restrictions also created logistical challenges, particularly during harvest, when there was a labour shortage. To tackle these issues, we developed the Oenosystem—a resilient system designed to streamline direct sales and adapt flexibly to changing consumer demands. The idea was to create a ‘phygital’ experience that blends physical and digital touchpoints to keep wine lovers engaged, even during tough times.
What is the current state of the market? Market dynamics and structure (red, white)? Main countries of consumption?
The wine market is evolving, with a strong trend towards premiumisation—consumers are opting for “less but better.” Red wines remain the most popular, but there has been a noticeable increase in the consumption of white and rosé wines, especially in countries like the United States, Germany, and the U.K. Consumers are seeking authenticity and quality, with a growing interest in wines that express their terroir, particularly organic and natural varieties. The U.S. remains the largest market in volume and value, while China remains a key player despite some slowing in growth. In Europe, reds are still dominant in places like France and Italy, but whites and rosés are gaining ground, particularly during the warmer months. Online wine sales have also surged, giving producers access to a more diverse and eco-conscious audience.
What are the taste preferences of consumers? Have they changed over the last 5-10 years?
There has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences, aligning with the global trend towards premiumisation. People are willing to spend more on high-quality wines, even if it means drinking less. They seek wines that offer a richer, more complex experience, emphasising authenticity, a sense of place, and environmental sustainability. Organic and natural wines have gained significant attention due to this shift. Consumers are also exploring new wine regions and unconventional grape varieties, reflecting a desire for rare and unique experiences.
Do you produce any limited-edition or experimental wines? If so, what makes them unique?
While we don’t produce wines ourselves, we do offer limited edition selections for specific oenological profiles. These are handpicked to match our client’s unique tastes, focusing on rare or unusual wines from small producers. It’s about creating an exclusive, tailored experience—allowing our clients to discover unique cuvées unavailable on the mainstream market.
Can you tell me about your most expensive wine? What contributes to its value, and how do collectors receive it?
We curate a selection of high-end wines, each with unique traits that contribute to their value. Names like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Petrus, and Château Margaux are synonymous with the ultra-premium sector. Their value is derived from several factors: the rarity of the cuvées, the exceptional terroir, the craftsmanship of the winemakers, and their ageing potential. These wines come from iconic vineyards and top vintages, making them highly sought after by collectors. Beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy, regions like the Rhône Valley and Champagne also produce luxury wines that capture the hearts of serious collectors.
What role do vintage years play in your wines, and do you have any particularly notable vintages in your portfolio?
Vintages are essential to understanding the character of a wine. Each vintage reflects the climatic conditions of the year, shaping the quality of the grapes and the wine’s complexity. Standout vintages, such as 1989, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, and 2016 in Bordeaux, or 2005, 2015, and 2018 in Burgundy, offer extraordinary complexity and ageing potential. We take great care in selecting these standout vintages for our clients, as they are highly prized by connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Can you share more about the “infinite circle” concept and how it enhances customer experience?
The “infinite circle” concept is built on three principles: ultra-personalisation, ongoing support, and comprehensive service. We develop a deep understanding of each client’s tastes to recommend wines tailored to their preferences. We provide continuing support as clients’ tastes evolve, ensuring their collections align with their preferences. Finally, we manage all aspects of the wine collection, allowing clients to focus on enjoyment while we handle logistics, offering a truly bespoke experience.
How does Oelysium select the estates and cellars that are included in your Gold Leaf Network?
Our Gold Leaf Network is the foundation of Oelysium’s exclusive wine tourism experience. We carefully select estates based on their commitment to quality and ability to offer unique, tailor-made experiences. We partner with specialised concierges and travel experts who are authorised to provide the Oelysium experience. We also work with our regional Wine Ambassadors, who ensure that each experience upholds the highest standards, no matter where our clients are in France.
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An Insignia membership means holding an iconic, high-status premium payment card—a passport to a world of refined living. As a member, you’ll enjoy many benefits, including exceptional financial services and award-winning lifestyle management. These exclusive clubs provide a rarefied world of indulgence and opportunity, whether seeking serenity in the countryside, access to fine dining, or a dynamic social scene.
This level of exclusivity extends to Oelysium, where luxury wine experiences are redefined. Offering access to the finest wines and personalised, comprehensive services, Oelysium allows clients to embark on a unique wine journey like no other. Whether you’re looking to build a rare wine collection or indulge in curated wine tourism, Oelysium ensures that every detail is expertly managed. As an Insignia member, you’ll enjoy access to these bespoke experiences—from exclusive vineyard visits to a perfectly tailored wine collection—allowing you to savour the finest that the world of wine offers.