Decanter magazine has been honoring outstanding individuals in the world of wine since 1984, awarding the title of "Man of the Year."

This year, the highest honor, a place in the Decanter Hall of Fame, was deservedly bestowed upon Nicolas Joly – a pioneer and inspiration in biodynamic winemaking!

This award recognizes the groundbreaking work of the 80-year-old Nicolas Joly, who for decades has been at the forefront of the biodynamic movement and is a staunch advocate of the terroir approach in winemaking. Through his example, he has inspired many winemakers around the world to pay special attention to the health of vineyards, sustainable development, and the creation of wines that reflect the unique character of the land.

Joly was ahead of his time. In an era when organic viticulture was barely discussed and biodynamics seemed like something out of science fiction, he chose an alternative path.

Having started his career in finance, Joly returned to the family estate in the 1970s and, after earning an enology degree from the University of Bordeaux, devoted himself entirely to winemaking. His parents acquired the La Coulée de Serrant estate in Savennières in the early 1960s. This prestigious appellation with a single vineyard has been producing wine continuously since the 12th century.

Inspired by the principles of biodynamics outlined by Rudolf Steiner, Joly was one of the first to abandon the use of fertilizers and synthetic products in the vineyards. "We were treated like a sect," he recalls. But soon Joly's innovative approach attracted the attention of leading winemakers, including Lalou Bize-Leroy of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

In addition to reviving the former glory of La Coulée de Serrant, Joly founded the "Renaissance des Appellations" organization, which unites more than 230 wineries worldwide. Although the operational management of the organization is now carried out by his daughter Virginie, Nicolas Joly remains its ideological inspiration and leader.