nicolas quiles named among the world’s top 100 winemakers by the drinks business

26 February 2026

A recognition that celebrates vision, precision, and the Provençal soul behind every bottle of AIX.

a prestigious international recognition

When The Drinks Business unveils its annual selection of the world’s Top 100 Winemakers, it shines a spotlight on individuals who shape the global wine landscape through talent, consistency, and innovation. This year, our winemaker, Nicolas Quiles, joins this distinguished list — a well-deserved acknowledgment of his expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. More than an award, this recognition affirms a philosophy: crafting wines that are precise, expressive, and deeply rooted in their origin.

aix: a reflection of provence

For Nicolas, every bottle of AIX is a translation of Provence. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence to the marl-limestone soils that shape the wine’s structure and freshness, his approach begins in the vineyard. His philosophy is built on three pillars:

• Respect for terroir — allowing the soils, altitude, and climate to speak with clarity.

• Precision in viticulture and vinification — meticulous work at every stage, from harvest timing to temperature-controlled fermentation.

• Creative intuition — the subtle decisions that transform technical mastery into emotional resonance.

The result is a rosé that balances freshness, structure, and elegance — a wine that captures the rhythm of Provençal life in every vintage.

Provence Rose wine vs Other Regions a Comprehensive Comparison maison saint aix aix rosé

craft, consistency & character

What distinguishes Nicolas is not only his technical expertise, but his long-term vision. Vintage after vintage, he pursues consistency without sacrificing character. Each year brings its nuances — climate variations, subtle shifts in balance — and each year he refines, adjusts, and elevates.
This disciplined creativity is what allows AIX to remain both instantly recognizable and beautifully expressive. Recognition from The Drinks Business highlights not just a single vintage, but a body of work: years of dedication to precision, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

inside the mind of a winemaker

In his exclusive interview with The Drinks Business, Nicolas shares the inspirations behind his craft — from early morning walks through the vineyards to the quiet intensity of harvest season. He speaks about the importance of patience, the dialogue between nature and technique, and the pursuit of purity in rosé winemaking. It is a reminder that behind every bottle lies not only expertise, but human passion.

a moment of pride for maison saint aix

At Maison Saint Aix, this distinction is both a personal achievement for Nicolas and a collective milestone for our entire team. It reflects years of shared commitment to quality and to elevating Provence on the international stage. As the global rosé category continues to evolve, this recognition reinforces our mission: to craft wines that embody elegance, authenticity, and a sense of place.

To Nicolas: congratulations on this extraordinary honor. And to our partners and community around the world — thank you for being part of this journey.