Portraits of winemakers

CHÂTEAU ROUBINE : VALÉRIE ROUSSELLE VOIT LA VIE EN ROSE

Meeting an Extraordinary Woman of Wine

A strong business acumen and a steely determination. These qualities perfectly encapsulate the personality of Valérie Rousselle, a self-taught winemaker from Saint-Tropez who has been leading Château Roubine for over 20 years.

"My childhood was spent between the hills of Provence and the Mediterranean Sea," recounts Valérie.

Although Valérie describes herself as "a child of wine," she is more familiar with the tourism industry. Her father was the founder and manager of a large campsite in the region. Although Valérie grew up close to vineyards, she initially chose to steer her career toward the hospitality and tourism sectors.

"LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT"

Valérie’s professional journey is as remarkable as her education. After studying at the prestigious universities of Oxford and the Hotel School of Lausanne, she joined the Barrière Group in Deauville and Cannes. She stumbled into the world of wine in 1994, almost by chance, when she discovered a property in Provence: Château Roubine.

"It was love at first sight. So, when I learned it was for sale, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It wasn’t easy, but I succeeded, notably thanks to the support of my parents," the winemaker remembers.

HER CUVÉE "LA VIE EN ROSE" CHARMED EMMANUEL MACRON

When Valérie acquired Château Roubine, the vineyard covered 70 hectares. Today, it spans 140 hectares, with 90 hectares classified. A remarkable ascent for the winemaker, who learned her trade on the ground but also received training at the Suze-la-Rousse school and obtained a degree in oenology and Viticulture from the University of Wine.

Château Roubine produces 150,000 bottles annually. Valérie emphasizes quality crus, made from 13 native Provençal grape varieties. The range is broad, but the pursuit of quality remains constant, whether in whites, reds, or rosés.

Her greatest success? The "La Vie en Rose" cuvée, a gourmet rosé with aromas of vine flowers and English candy. As a fun fact, this wine celebrated Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the 2017 presidential election!

CHÂTEAU SAINTE-BÉATRICE: A NEW STRING TO VALÉRIE'S BOW

For over 20 years, Valérie has chaired Les Éléonores de Provence, a charitable organization bringing together over "30 women of wine." Never short of ambition, the winemaker purchased Château Saint-Béatrice in 2016, a domain located in the commune of Lorgues, just a few kilometers from Château Roubine.

"This acquisition will allow us to develop our export sales and expand our wine range," explains the winemaker.

An active feminist, Valérie is also deeply involved in organizations supporting women, including Octobre Rose, a global communication campaign aimed at supporting women with breast cancer.