It is a term used to describe a winemaker that buys grapes or juice (fermented or unfermented) and then completes the winemaking process. The wine will then be bottled under their own label, but may sometimes have references of other source of the grapes. Many négociants also own some vineyards as another source of grapes. Although the system does not sound as though it will result in great wine, many négociants – who operate extensively in Burgundy – produce benchmark examples and perform a very important role.