Long before Lalou-Bize Leroy started up her eponymous domaine in 1988, Maison Leroy had built itself a reputation as the finest negociant house in Burgundy. 

Originally founded by Francois Leroy in 1868, the house became famous for its collection of old vintages as much as being a key shareholder in and global distributor of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti until 1992 (except for the United States and the UK.) Francois' great grand-daughter, Lalou-Bize, joined the family firm in 1955 and then became Directeur General in 1971.  With the help of investment from a Japanese distributor, Lalou purchased vineyards and created Domaine Leroy.  Setting about a relentless search for quality and embarking on a pioneering bio-dynamic revolution, she soon became one of Burgundy's icons.