What inspired you to pursue a career in the wine industry? Was there a defining moment that led you to this path?

I grew up on a vineyard, immersed in this world from a very young age. I then followed a fairly traditional academic path, starting with an introductory internship in an oenology laboratory, which marked my first real immersion in the field. After that, I pursued studies in chemistry, convinced that mastering the chemical aspects was essential before delving deeper into oenology.

I initially applied to an oenology school but was unsuccessful and as a result, I continued with a chemistry degree, considering a career in teaching. However, my passion for wine never faded, and I reapplied the following year. This time, I was accepted and fully dedicated myself to my oenology studies which is a decision I have never regretted.

During my training, I completed several internships in different wine regions to explore the diversity of French wines. My first internship was in Cahors, where I discovered powerful, age-worthy wines. I then did a second internship in the Loire Valley, a region that particularly attracted me due to its wide variety of wines - dry, sweet, liquorous, rosé, and red.

Once I graduated, I secured my first job in the Limoux region, where I was able to explore other methods of winemaking. However, as a young graduate, finding a full-time position was not easy, so I seized the opportunity to gain experience in Australia. This was a highly rewarding professional experience that allowed me to improve my English and discover different winemaking techniques - often more industrialized than the artisanal approach typical of French viticulture.

Upon returning to France, I joined an oenology consulting firm in Provence. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to work with numerous wineries, each with its own unique characteristics and terroirs. I learned a great deal by observing different winemaking practices and supporting vineyard owners in improving their processes.

In 2021, I joined La Mascaronne, a vineyard I had already been working with as a consultant. When the estate was acquired, an opportunity arose for me to become a full-time member of the team. After years of advising multiple wineries, I wanted to focus on a single estate. What makes it even more exciting is the rapid growth of La Mascaronne, including the acquisition of Château La Lauzade, which brings new challenges and opportunities.

Your journey is fascinating, especially your experience in consulting,
which must have given you a broader perspective on the industry. Returning to a
single estate and helping it evolve must be an incredible adventure.

Your journey is fascinating, especially your experience in consulting, which must have given you a broader perspective on the industry. Returning to a single estate and helping it evolve must be an incredible adventure?

Absolutely, it’s been a natural progression for me. I haven’t held many different positions, which is quite rare nowadays. However, thanks to my consulting experience and the various development projects at La Mascaronne, I’ve been able to gain a diverse range of skills without changing companies.

Having worked with so many vineyards in your consulting role, why did you choose to join La Mascaronne over any other estate?

For me, La Mascaronne is a unique and highly distinctive terroir. What attracted me was the quality of the land, with plots capable of producing outstanding wines in all three colors. I was also drawn to the estate’s commitment to organic farming and biodiversity, values that are very important to me.

La Mascaronne isn’t just about wine. It also produces olive oil, and I am certified to evaluate it, which adds to the estate’s appeal. Lastly, I really appreciate that everything is harvested by hand, which is rare in Provence. This allows us to be more precise in our selections and maintain consistent quality, even in challenging weather conditions.

The wine industry is still very male-dominated. Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this field? What message would you like to share with women interested in pursuing a career in wine?

Yes, the wine industry is still very much male-dominated. However, I’ve been fortunate to work in supportive environments, even though it hasn’t always been easy. In school, gender balance was present, but once I entered the workforce, I noticed there were very few women in leadership positions. In the beginning, it was difficult to be taken seriously. I had to work even harder, be extremely meticulous, and consistently prove myself to earn trust. Fortunately, things are changing, and more women are now stepping into key roles.

One thing I find touching about the wine industry is that, despite being male-dominated, it remains a genuine and authentic world that must continuously adapt to changes, whether human or environmental. When people collaborate effectively in times of uncertainty, they reveal their true character, which helps improve human relationships. It’s a very supportive industry where challenges are faced together, and honesty is highly valued.

My advice to women who want to enter this field: don’t be intimidated, stay dedicated and passionate, and most importantly, persevere. The world of wine is fascinating - it requires time and patience, but with determination, you can truly thrive and make a meaningful impact in the industry.

Finally, if you had to recommend one La Mascaronne wine, which would you choose and why?

For me, it would be the Grande Réserve Rosé 2022! It represents the essence of La Mascaronne’s terroir and was crafted with the emblematic grape varieties that tell the story of the estate. It also showcases that rosé wines can be age-worthy and truly express a terroir. It’s a rare and refined wine that highlights the vineyard’s parcel-based approach. I would recommend enjoying it with a scallop carpaccio with pink peppercorns or pairing it with a red fruit-based dessert.