Vin et Hop Hop: Where Burgundy’s Finest Wines Meet Hip-Hop Beats and Artistic Expression

Milena Berman, a name whispered with reverence in the exclusive circles of fine wine, music, and art, possesses a Rolodex that many would covet. This California-born entrepreneur has masterfully carved a niche for herself, orchestrating sophisticated events that seamlessly blend the world’s most esteemed vintages with cutting-edge cultural experiences. Her Beaune-based event agency, Hautes Côtes, has become synonymous with exclusive parties, captivating exhibitions, and gastronomic affairs that fuse the rich heritage of Burgundy with global artistic movements, extending its influence far beyond the famed French wine region.

At the heart of Berman’s innovative approach lies Vin et Hop Hop, an audacious annual gathering that transforms Burgundy’s hallowed Clos de Vougeot into a veritable vinous rave. This year marked the fifth iteration of the event, a testament to its growing acclaim. The festival offers an unparalleled sensory journey, where legendary DJ sets from icons like Mike D of the Beastie Boys and Gilles Peterson intertwine with the exquisite offerings of Burgundy’s most celebrated producers, including Domaine Dujac, Charles Lachaux, and Domaine Comte Liger Belaire. The success of Vin et Hop Hop has not been confined to Burgundy; it has inspired vibrant spin-offs in Champagne and the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. The recent LA edition, held at the iconic Larrabee recording studios, provided an intimate private listening session, pairing rare vintages of Château d’Yquem with the very years of seminal records being played, a masterclass in the symbiotic relationship between sound and spirit. Beyond Vin et Hop Hop, Hautes Côtes has also co-founded the Montrachet Jazz festival in Burgundy in collaboration with the esteemed COMO hotel group, further solidifying its commitment to cross-cultural artistic fusions.

"I see it as inviting people into the wine world via a different door," explains Berman, articulating her philosophy. "It’s like: come to see some hip hop, or some jazz, in a private château, and yes, wine is the beverage of choice – but it’s not all that it’s about. There are many stops on the route to getting into wine – or there were for me, anyway." This inclusive perspective is deeply rooted in Berman’s own journey. Nearly fifteen years ago, she traded the discerning art world of San Francisco, where she worked at a prominent gallery, for the bucolic charm of Beaune. Her initial move was to work for a company that curated art tours for elite patrons, including trustees of the Guggenheim and friends of the Serpentine. It was in this French terroir that her passion for wine ignited, a passion that was further nurtured by her life and business partner, Loïc Lamy, co-founder of Hautes Côtes and a distinguished sommelier and winemaker.

Berman recalls the genesis of their collaborative vision: "He was working at Domaine de Montille and by this point, I was working at Domaine Dujac – and every day, we were receiving requests for tastings and visits from the general public. We had to be like: no, no, no. And he and I began talking about how we could help people access Burgundy; what works and what doesn’t." This shared frustration with the perceived inaccessibility of Burgundy’s esteemed wine estates fueled their determination to bridge the gap. "People think of Burgundy as unfriendly or difficult, but it’s actually the warmest, friendliest region," she asserts. "It’s just that the door is heavier. Once it’s open, it’s open – it’s just a case of knowing which door to push. And we can help with that." Hautes Côtes, therefore, acts as a key, unlocking the often-intimidating gates of Burgundy’s wine culture for a broader, more curious audience.

This vibrant engagement with culture extends beyond wine, with Hautes Côtes also orchestrating Terra, a comprehensive three-week visual arts event that unfolds across Burgundy. Co-created with Jenn Ellis of Apsara Studio, an international curatorial studio and art advisory renowned for its work with prestigious institutions like the Michelangelo Foundation, Tate, and Frieze, Terra transforms the region into an open-air gallery. "Terra is about responding to space [and] heritage sites," says Ellis. "And Burgundy is full of incredible architectural places that have not necessarily been seen by the public." This year’s Terra program features a breathtaking array of installations and talks strategically placed in sites throughout Burgundy, inviting visitors to engage with art in unexpected and historically significant settings.

Highlights of the current Terra exhibition include an ephemeral ice-based installation by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng at the historic Hospices de Beaune, a stark yet beautiful commentary on time and preservation. In a more contemplative vein, a profound sculpture by South Korean artist Lee Ufan is artfully secreted amongst the vine-covered slopes of Clos de Vougeot, offering a moment of artistic introspection amidst the viticultural landscape. Some of these remarkable works are accessible to the public through self-guided walking tours, while others require advance arrangement by appointment, underscoring the exclusive nature of the experience. The timing of Terra is no accident; it is deliberately synchronized with the prestigious Frieze London and Art Basel Paris art fairs, ensuring a significant influx of an international audience comprised of discerning art collectors and gallerists. The event also garners support from prominent figures in the wine world, with cult winemakers Jean-Marc Roulot and Prieure Roch lending their names and influence to Terra’s endeavors.

Berman keenly observes the powerful synergy that emerges from these cross-cultural collaborations. "What makes it interesting is the crossover you get between two worlds," she explains. "We get people who might be buying art at a six-figure level who are still quite intimidated by wine and not sure how to approach a winery for a visit – because especially in a place like Burgundy, where you can’t just call up a place like Domaine Dujac and get an appointment. So, we can help them navigate that and introduce them to people and help make them feel more comfortable." This facilitation extends equally to the wine aficionados who find themselves drawn into the art world. "And on the flip side, we also get wine people who are very comfortable buying bottles, say, at the four-figure level, but who would never usually set foot in an art gallery. So, it goes both ways, which is very rewarding for us, and nice to see."

Looking ahead, Hautes Côtes is set to expand its international footprint with a series of events planned for the United States. The inaugural Vin et Hip Hop in Brooklyn is slated for March 10-12, a collaboration with long-standing sponsors, the Brooklyn Mets. Further events are already in development for Los Angeles, Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Piedmont, with projections for 2027 and beyond, signaling a sustained commitment to broadening the appeal and accessibility of fine wine and art on a global scale. Milena Berman and her team are not just organizing events; they are cultivating a new paradigm, one where wine is not an exclusive preserve but a vibrant, accessible cultural experience, ready to be discovered and enjoyed. So, it’s time to prepare your senses and perhaps your dancing shoes, as Milena Berman and Hautes Côtes are undoubtedly making wine a whole lot more exciting.

The wine professionals Milena Berman holds in high regard offer a glimpse into her discerning palate and her appreciation for those who embody innovation and passion in the industry. Chiara Pepe, the head winemaker at Domaine de la Chapelle in Burgundy, is lauded not only for her winemaking prowess but also for her forward-thinking approach to viticulture and her dedication to preserving heritage. At just 32, Pepe’s ecological work, conceptualizing vineyard land in terms of volume rather than surface area, has profoundly influenced Berman’s perspective on vineyard management. Her dual role, heading Emidio Pepe in Abruzzo while also joining Domaine de la Chapelle, marks a significant moment, and Berman eagerly anticipates her future contributions.

Jeremy Seysses, owner and manager of Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, holds a special place in Berman’s professional history. Describing him as her "former boss and a serial collaborator and partner in our Vin et Hop Hop initiative," Berman credits him with a pivotal realization: "It was while I worked for him, during what I thought was time taking a break from working in culture, that I realized wine is culture and I was just in another discipline." She praises not only his exceptional wines and terroirs but also his profound commitment to his role as a leader in wine culture.

Catharina Sadde, co-founder of Les Horées in Burgundy, is recognized as one of Berman’s earliest friends in the region. Berman has long admired Sadde’s vision, even before she launched her own winery. Sadde honed her craft at some of Burgundy’s most esteemed estates, learning from regional leaders while consistently maintaining her unique perspective. Despite the burgeoning market success of her wines, Sadde remains grounded, focused, and deeply curious, embodying a spirit of continuous learning and dedication.

In Napa Valley, Julia van der Vink, winemaker at Aerika Estate, represents a fresh discovery for Berman. A visit to Aerika, perched atop Mount Veeder, left a profound impression. With impressive résumés from Harlan and Screaming Eagle, Julia and her partner Rob are building a project poised to make a significant impact on the region. After five years with these vineyards, they have forged a deep connection to the land, resulting in the creation of stunning wines.

Finally, Cory Empting, managing director of Harlan Estate in Napa, also garners Berman’s admiration. Her visit to Harlan with Loïc revealed an estate characterized by meticulous attention to detail, purpose, care, and thoughtfulness. Like the Harlan family, Empting demonstrates a long-term vision that is clearly reflected in both the wines and the stewardship of the land. Berman was particularly impressed by the Vine Master program, highlighting the value placed on cultivating true experts and custodians of the estate’s cherished land. These individuals, through their unique contributions and unwavering dedication, exemplify the vibrant and evolving landscape of the wine world, a landscape that Milena Berman is actively shaping and celebrating.