Thienpont Wine is a well-established wine importer and wine merchant based at Hof te Cattebeke, Etikhove since 1842, 12 years after Belgium became an independent country. For years, it was well-known for the quality of its own bottlings; the cellar still houses some of the old barrels from this time. Building on the Thienpont family roots in Bordeaux (family members own such well-known estates as L’IF, Le Pin, Vieux Château Certan, L’Hêtre, Puygueraud and Pellebouc), the Thienpont Wine selection’s main strengths lie in Bordeaux. The Thienponts have a treasured position on the “Place” de Bordeaux (where all classified Bordeaux is traded) as well as great contacts with small growers throughout the region. 

Over the last decade, we have been privileged to build on our great portfolio of Burgundy domains such as Domaine Raveneau, Clos de Tart, Marquis d’Angerville, Domaine Grivot Domaine des Lambrays and Domaine Duroché, many of which are sold exclusively in Belgium through us. Thanks to the reputation of our own estates, we have gathered an enviable portfolio of other great wines including Domaine Jean-Louis Chave and Domaine Vernay in the Rhône, Palacios from Spain, Billecart Salmon from Champagne, Trimbach from Alsace, and Egon Muller from the Moselle as well as personal favourites from throughout Europe.

A Royal Warrant Holder to the Belgian court for the past two monarchs, King Albert and King Philippe, Thienpont Wine is also Belgian ambassador for two prized Pomerol estates, Lafleur and Petrus.

Thienpont Wine is a family business run by a small but dedicated group of employees based in the Flemish Ardennes near Oudenaarde. Each one shares an interest in wine, and all speak three languages: Flemish, French and English. Many of them have WSET or sommelier qualifications and make up the Thienpont tasting panel which samples new wines every two weeks or so, to update our wine selection. They are all happy to give you help and guidance about our wines. Thienpont Wine prides itself on its family values, on its international reputation and the quality of its wine selection.

Meet the Thienpont team

Jacques Thienpont

Jacques probably needs no introduction, so well known is he for the incredible rise of his tiny estate, Le Pin in Pomerol. He spent most of his career working with his uncle Gérard in the family wine business and took over the company on Gérard’s death in 1995. Apart from his three Bordeaux estates, Jacques other passion is architecture and restoration, which takes up much of his time.

Fiona Morrison M.W.

As Master of Wine, Fiona ‘s career in wine has spanned 40 years on both sides of the Atlantic. She loves travelling, tasting wines and meeting with wine producers throughout the world. When she is back at her desk in Etikhove she still finds time to write tasting notes, wine articles and books, and be involved with the family’s Bordeaux estates. She met Jacques in Bordeaux 28 years ago and together they have built up Thienpont Wine to be the respected wine merchant that it is today.

Jacques Appelmans

Since January 2026, Jacques has joined the team as Managing Director. A passionate wine lover, he began his career as a sommelier. With growing experience, he went on to become Sales Manager and subsequently Commercial Director at a leading Belgian wine wholesaler. With a strong love for gastronomy and the restaurant world, Jacques will guide Thienpont Wine into an inspiring new chapter, driven by a clear vision and a passion for quality wines.

Katrien Goeminne

Katrien is our longest serving employee, (since 1998) who plays the invaluable role as our accountant and bookkeeper, as well as HR manager.  (We have even given Katrien her own office; so important is it that she has the calm necessary to keep our clients’ accounts and ours in order). Katrien is based in our Bruwaan office in Oudenaarde and helps out in a myriad of other ways in the office. Her great efficiency is an example to us all.

Cindy Meulyser

Cindy grew up in the Flemish Ardennes in a family of entrepreneurs, where she learnt that independent thinking, diplomacy, efficiency and courtesy are important keys to success. Having worked for a family brewery for 14 years, Cindy knows the importance of family values and has adopted us all here at Thienpont, where she runs the busy lives of Jacques and Fiona and helps the team out wherever she can.

Jens Smekens

Jens is responsible for both our warehouses and their precious inventories and many of you will hear from Jens when he contacts you to organise the delivery of your wine orders. Jens studied at the Hotel Management School Ter Groene Poorte and then worked as a butler. He has very good wine knowledge and is always ready to offer advice to our clients. He loves wine, cooking, cycling and enjoys travelling to different wineries. 

Kristof Naessens

Kristof joined us in early 2022 you will meet him either in our warehouse in Bruwaan, Oudenaarde or driving around in our delivery van. After a few years as an administrative assistant, Kristof realised he would rather roll up his sleeves. 12 years as a warehouse worker and chauffeur later, he found his way to Thienpont Wine, where he hopes to stay until his retirement. Today he ensures, that you receive your precious wines on time and always with a smile. Apart from work, Kristof is a bon vivant who loves to cook, enjoys barbecuing with his Green Egg and occasionally spoils himself with a culinary getaway.

Charles van Havre

Charles’ career started in the navy and merchant navy until he caught the wine bug, thanks to his great friend and Thienpont cousin, Paul de Moor. He was international export director of Kreglinger Wines, for several years before he joined the Thienpont Wine team as an independent consultant handling sales to private customers and several key accounts. When not marketing wine, Charles can be found in fine restaurants, good shooting estates and top golf courses.

Luc Thienpont

Luc Thienpont joined Thienpont Wine in August 2024 as a sales manager. He is a great-great-grandson of Camille Thienpont and a second cousin to Jacques. He studied marketing, public relations and advertising in Brussels before gaining a second bachelor’s degree in architectural draftsmanship. He spent 20 years in retail management for Gucci followed by 5 years at Vlassak Verhulst. Joining Thienpont Wine, Luc wants to have a direct contact with wine lovers and fulfill the pride and respect he has for his family history. When he is not busy indulging his passion for photography, travel, gastronomy, art, architecture, and friendship, he is studying for his WSET exams.

Kyan De Colfmaeker

You’ll find Kyan, just like Kristof, in our warehouse in Oudenaarde or behind the wheel of our delivery van, delivering your order with a smile. As the youngest member of the team, he's always ready to help where needed. In his free time, he enjoys sports - from football to fitness - and loves to travel. He's also perfectly bilingual!

Roxy

After a long line of German short haired pointers, we have downsized to having one dog as our Thienpont Wine mascot:  Roxy is a black Spanador (half Springer Spaniel, half Labrador) and is in charge of our welcoming committee. She lives on the premises and is sure to give you a warm greeting (as long as you are not a cat) and be careful not to leave your car boot open as she will jump inside.