SoCultures wishes to learn more about these like-minded exemplary women leaders of
wine industry. in conversation with
Charlotte de Sousa who also runs a wine company, Chanpagne de souza,
specializing in creating Organic wines made Oak barrels and old vines and a
member of “Fabulleusesdechampagne”.
Many people think running a vineyard is a romantic trade. In practice though,
winemaking is one of the hardest, most arduous jobs one could undertake – more of
devotion, than a job. As it’s rightly put, it’s a real school of life!
The story of sheer hard work, dedication and passion for wines, and wine-making…
How did you reach so far?
I follow my heart, and I learn until today I learn a lot. Every harvest is different so we
learn all our life.
It’s said that in each bottle of wine, there is a soul of winemaker?
Yes a little bit, because we create something new each year with the power of the year
and our soul. We put passion into our wines. So, I can say, YES!
The world has some of the most ideal winemakers, wines and winemaking conditions
in the world.. For me, wines are literally in my genes. My father, mother sister and
brother, we all work in our company.
Now, the world over, women are involved in everything. They go to the vines for
disbudding, harvest the grapes, take care of the winemaking and, above all, take care of
marketing, communication and sales to professionals. Can you share more stories
about how women are doing so well being in this business?
In Champagne, we women were always there but earlier they were hiding in the
shadows of their husband, father, and son. But usually it is a family affair, family
business. A good winemaker is never alone, his wife or sister or mother are always
working with him, supporting him. During the war in France, all the men went to the
battle, so the women had to take care of the vineyards during this time and
unfortunately sometime they stayed on because the husbands never returned back. And
when the y took over the charge, they excelled became famous in Wine/ Champagne
(Veuve Clicquot, Veuve Pommery…). One can find lot examples like that. Now the
world has changed and be a winemaker is a choice and not an obligement.
Thank to the new technologies, women can drive a tractor, can used press etc… the job
is more recognized.
65 SOCULTURES JAN-FEB2019