The story of Rue Pinard begins with a journey that reads like a novel. It is the story of Bart Laming, founder and owner of Rue Pinard, whose life took an unexpected turn at the age of 18. The setting: the Hennessy cellars, in the heart of the French cognac region. The young Bart, then traveling with his girlfriend – now his wife of 29 years – tasted his first sip of what would later become his greatest passion. A single moment, in a dim cellar full of barrels, was enough to transform his life.

Back in the Netherlands, Bart studied business administration, laying the foundations for a career in entrepreneurship. But what he learned there paled in comparison to his love of Cognac, Armagnac and other French distillates. That love grew over the years, expanding to include exceptional wines from France and the United States. Napa Valley in particular – specifically the Rutherford and Oakville regions – made a deep impression on him, with wines of a complexity that continued to inspire him.

It wasn’t until later that Bart discovered the world of Scotch whisky and Bourbon. When Rue Pinard began sourcing exclusive bottles from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan and Bowmore, he became fascinated by these fine spirits. It was the rare whiskies and limited editions of Bourbon, often referred to as ‘unicorns’, that sparked his curiosity. Bart is now considered an authority in this niche, helping collectors worldwide to acquire and sell these sought-after bottles. He now brings the same dedication and expertise he once devoted to fine wines to the world of whisky.

Hakan Karaca, co-owner and logistical linchpin of Rue Pinard, also has a fascinating story. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Hakan studied law at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. During his student days, he was introduced to Scotch whisky. It wasn’t love at first sight, but a love that grew slowly, fueled by the complexity and rich history of the drink. Years later, while he manages the global logistics for Rue Pinard, that fascination remains undiminished.

Together, Bart and Hakan have established Rue Pinard as an international destination for collectors and connoisseurs. More than just a place to buy wines and spirits, it is an experience rooted in authenticity, quality and undeniable passion. Their network of winemakers, distillers and fellow collectors opens the door to bottles that remain out of reach for others. From limited edition Armagnacs to exclusive barrel-aged whiskies and the finest wines from both sides of the Atlantic.

At Rue Pinard, every bottle is a story. A vintage Bordeaux, a rare Napa Valley cabernet or a limited edition single malt, each carries a legacy of craftsmanship, provenance and a timeless quest for perfection. It’s a story that resonates – in the glass and beyond.

At Rue Pinard, we work closely with wine collectors from around the world to offer a carefully curated selection of exceptional wines to the most discerning palates. Our expertise spans a wide range of specialties, including the iconic cult wines of Napa Valley, the prestigious first through fifth growths of Bordeaux, refined Burgundies, rare bottles from various renowned regions and limited releases. Our mission is to help you find the perfect addition to your collection or provide a special bottle for an unforgettable occasion.

With over 30 years of combined experience, partners Bart Laming and Hakan Karaca have built strong relationships, giving them access to some of the world’s most exclusive and coveted wine collections. Every bottle we offer is carefully scrutinized, with provenance and storage conditions verified to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. Our dedication goes beyond simply offering exceptional products; we strive to provide a personal and rewarding experience.

At Rue Pinard, wine is more than a business—it’s a way of life. We are a company that embraces modern technology while remaining deeply connected to local and global wine communities. By attending wine fairs and events worldwide, we have built strong relationships with private collectors, retailers, and international traders. These relationships allow us to source rare and hard-to-find wines. We don’t just sell wines; we share a passion for collecting, just like you.

Every wine we sell comes from trusted sources that have strict standards for cellaring and handling. We care for each bottle with the same dedication until it reaches you. To ensure your wine arrives in perfect condition, we offer FedEx overnight delivery or refrigerated transport, depending on weather conditions.

We are excited to share our love of wine with you and look forward to being part of your next unforgettable wine experience!