What is the role of women in the Roussillon vineyards?

Diary #6 of Elise Gaillard, winemaker at Domaine Madeloc : A female winemaker and daughter of Pierre Gaillard, Elise Gaillard is a determined woman who doesn't let herself be pushed around. Gender stereotypes don't affect her. For her, a woman in the world of wine is perfectly normal. She shares her thoughts on the role of female winemakers in Roussillon.

The place of women in the Roussillon vineyards

I'm often asked about the role of women in the world of wine , and more specifically in the Roussillon vineyards. I don't really have much to say on the subject! There have been many women winemakers before me, and there are many in Roussillon . There's even an association for women winemakers, but I'm not a member. Without wanting to sound feminist, this goes beyond the simple difference between men and women!

Elise Gaillard, pragmatic winemaker of Domaine Madeloc

Of course, there's a difference between each person. At the estate, we adapt to all body types: I can't fit through narrow gaps, while my partner, who's the vineyard manager, needs doorways at least 2 meters high! As a result, he can't go down to the white wine cellar because the ceiling is too low!

We also have one employee who speaks half Catalan, half French. So we've developed our own language and we understand each other very well. Another employee is very strong. He breaks any equipment that's even slightly fragile. As a result, he doesn't touch it…

Our daily work involves adapting to each person and understanding their limitations. I know my physical limits and I rely on the skills of others when I'm unable to do something myself. So, for me, there's no difference between men and women, but rather a need to adapt to each person's individual differences. In any case, it allows us to go further and faster, together!

Find Domaine Madeloc on Les Grappes

Elise Gaillard (Domaine Madeloc)

Pourquoi nous faire confiance ?

Depuis 2014, chez Les Grappes, nous partons à la rencontre de vignerons passionnés partout en France pour dénicher des vins authentiques, vivants et pleins d'histoire. En travaillant directement avec plus de 500 vignerons, nous sélectionnons des cuvées que nous aimons vraiment et que nous avons envie de vous faire découvrir.

Ce blog est le prolongement de cette aventure. On y partage nos découvertes, nos conseils, nos coups de cœur, nos meilleurs accords mets-vins, des idées de dégustation et tout ce qui nous anime au quotidien autour du vin.

L'objectif est simple : vous aider à choisir des bouteilles qui vous ressemblent et à prendre encore plus de plaisir à les déguster.