We are Cognac lovers and Cognac makers
Sabrina Duong and Julie Dupouy are dedicated lovers of Cognac and are breaking boundaries to redefine the 400-year tradition of Cognac making.
When Sabrina imagined a Cognac for the world’s evolving palate, she knew she needed to partner with one of the world’s best sommeliers to create it. Sabrina and Julie bridged their skills with the technical know-how of renowned master blender Géraud Vallantin-Dulac to create a pure, precious and vibrant product: Exsto Cognac
Sabrina, the visionary behind the Cognac
Before establishing Exsto, Sabrina Duong worked for 15 years at L’Oreal. She has extensive experience both in managing and developing local markets, and launching new cosmetic and fragrance brands in China, Japan, and Hong Kong.
Sabrina has a passion for high-end gastronomy, and in her previous career regularly brought chefs from restaurants rated by the French Michelin Guide to collaborate on luxury culinary experiences in Asia.
Julie, one of the world’s Best Sommeliers
Originally from the southwest of France, Julie Dupouy has been living in Dublin since 2004.
She started her career in one of Ireland’s most acclaimed restaurants, Patrick Guilbaud, which has two Michelin stars, and worked at Greenhouse and Chapter One, both of which have one star. Julie founded her consultancy company Down2Wine in 2014. Julie has won the title of Best Sommelier in Ireland every year since 2009.
In 2016, Julie placed third at the ASI World’s Best Sommelier Championship. She was one of just four women in the competition and the second female sommelier ever to reach the final of the world championships.
GÉraud, master blender of Exsto Cognac
The Vallantin-Dulac family has been making Cognac since the 18th century. Every generation has passed down its knowledge, experience and talent to the next, carefully grooming their children to take over the family business.
As Exsto’s master blender, Géraud Vallantin-Dulac is responsible for sourcing the best, rarest Cognac in the region.
As a millennial, he aspires to create a contemporary style of Cognac true to modern tastes and which sets a new bar for fine Cognac for generations to come.