The idea for the Bouchonnet was born during a gastronomic journey through France and Spain that I took with Michael in September 2023. From the Gironde, with its world-famous wines, delicious oysters, and, not least, the highest shifting sand dune in Europe, we followed the coast to rugged northern Spain, where we soon found ourselves living exclusively on Iberico ham and Rioja.

We noticed that the Spanish waiters usually left the wine cork on the table after opening the wine so we could enjoy it during our meal. We did this extensively: For the first time, we truly perceived the cork, immersed ourselves in its stories – of magnificent wineries, their special production and storage methods, their very own designs. But also of centuries-old tradition and craftsmanship, of nature and its fine products.

This ritual became so evident, so natural to us, that we immediately missed it in Burgundy, the final leg of our journey. With every glass of Pinot Noir, the realization grew stronger that the cork, as the guardian of the wine, as its own little work of art, absolutely deserved a place on the table. And even more than that: it deserved a dedicated container that would showcase its beauty and uniqueness! A completely new table accessory. A design object that would further enhance a festively set table without stealing the cork's attention. In other words: a Bouchonnet!

And since there was no such thing before, we had no choice but to invent it ourselves.