What could be more fulfilling than a career in wine? For many it would be a dream career. Today is International Women’s Day so let these women show you how.
Vitalie Taittinger – Champagne Taittinger
1) What advice would you give to women considering or beginning a career in wine?
I would tell them to consider this choice as a life choice! The way of getting into wine is very long. You have many things to learn and to understand. It really has to be a passion! It is a fabulous world, working with nature, time and people, it is very exciting!
2) What is your ultimate wine and food pairing? My ultimate food pairing would maybe be a flute of Prélude Grands Crus with oysters…the minerality of this Champagne, its pureness and its energy really does match the saltiness and texture of oysters. I love the simplicity!
Taittinger Prélude Grand Crus NV, RRP £54.35, Stockists: Majestic Wine, JohnLewis.com Frost recommended.
Laure Colombo – Winemaker at Colombo et Fille
1) What has been a key/memorable moment in your career so far?
The first time someone said “Jean-Luc Colombo is the father of Laure Colombo” and not being recognized as the “daughter of”, but for myself!
2) Who has inspired you in your career?
Jean-Michel Comme from Pontet-Canet! He taught me the fact that the vines are living beings. It needs to breathe, to feed from the earth, in order to open up.
Jean-Luc Colombo Saint Péray Belle de Mai 2016, RRP £23.25, Stockists: Pennistone Court Wine Cellars, Hedonism Drinks Frost Recommended.
Eva de Benito – Winemaker at Viña Real
1) What has been a key/memorable moment in your career so far?
The moment that I started working for CVNE and managing Viña Real, one of the emblematic brands of Rioja.
2) If you could live in another woman’s shoes for a day, whose would you choose?
In general, I admire women who, with their passion and willingness to improve, have been able to break myths and barriers – not only in the wine trade but also in any profession or aspect in life.
Viña Real Gran Reserva 2011, RRP £27.70, Stockists: Hailsham Cellars, D.Byrne & Co, Planet of the Grapes, The Whalley Wine Shop, Luvians Bottleshop, Wimbledon Wine C llears, The Solent Cellar, Old Chapel Cellars, Taurus Wines
Maria Larrea – Chief Winemaker at C.V.N.E
1) What advice would you give to women considering or beginning a career in wine?
It is important to surround yourself with a good work team, observe the vineyard, study about other viticultural areas of the world. In short, always learn, enjoy work and always try to make the best wine.
2) What has been a key/memorable moment in your career so far?
Undoubtedly the best moment was the award we received with Imperial Gran Reserva vintage 2004 as the best wine in the world for the Wine Spectator. It really was a prize for the long history of Imperial, more than 100 years as a wine of great quality.
Imperial Reserva 2012, RRP £26.00, Stockists: Majestic Wine, Wine Rack, Coop, Waitrose.com, Tesco.com
Helen Morrison – Chief Marlborough Winemaker at Villa Maria
1) What has been a key/memorable moment in your career so far?
As a winemaker 2017 was the hardest vintage I have ever experienced, so the reward of seeing the quality of the wines we managed to craft from this challenging season is truly memorable.
2) If you could live in another woman’s shoes for a day, whose would you choose?
Right now in New Zealand it would be fascinating to be Jacinda Adern for a day, as our recently elected Prime Minister, the youngest prime minister in 150 years, un-married, and a strong supporter of women’s rights and now she has recently announced her first pregnancy. What a great series of firsts to be experiencing, but also some very interesting challenges and adversaries she must be facing (even in this modern era).
Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling 2017, RRP £10.95, Stockists: Majestic Wine, Wine Rack
Catherine Corbeau Mellot – President of Joseph Mellot
1) What advice would you give to women considering or beginning a career in wine?
You will need to be very strong and be able to face lots of challenges. Passion and the wish to be successful are key. Go for it!
2) What is your ultimate wine and food pairing?
A two-month Crottin de Chavignol (our local goat cheese, which is AOP.) with a glass of Sancerre la Chatellenie!
Sancerre La Rabault Rosé 2015, RRP £22.60, Stockists: The Shenfield Wine Company, Refreshers, Park Lane Wine and Deli Frost Recommended.
Audrey Braccini – Winemaker at Domaine Ferret
1) What has been a key/memorable moment in your career so far?
It was two or three years back. When I started working in Fuissé ten years ago, the welcome from the other producers was a little bit cold… and this continued for some years after. You can imagine my joy when some of them came to me and said, with kindness in their eyes, ‘good job, great wines, it is a good thing you came!’
2) If you could live in another woman’s shoes for a day, whose would you choose?
Marlène Soria – a pioneering organic winemaker from Languedoc.
Domaine Ferret Pouilly Fuissé 2016, RRP £33.40, Stockists: North and South Wines, Taurus Wines, Penistone Court Wine Cellars, Luvians Bottleshop, Planet of the Grapes, Handford Wines, Eagle Wines, Partridges of Sloane St, Loki Wines