Lise Baron

"My family has owned vineyards since the 16th century and while our memories do not stretch back that far, my sisters Aline, Claire and I were always surrounded by the culture of making Champagne.

That's not to say that I don't like the job... far from it. I call it a 'multi-job'... One morning I might be working in the mud in the vineyard in my wellingtons, and then in the afternoon I maybe in the cellar cleaning out a tank in my trainers, and then again in the evening I may be at a presentation with some smart shoes on. Shoes are very important for a winemaker in Champagne!

But really the wide range of tasks and experiences that we witness makes being a winemaker in your own family business a totally exciting job. Just think of the variety of conditions the weather challenges us with – we have to think on our feet (again) everyday.

There are of course certain things that frustrate me about the job... having to buy so many pairs of shoes, the paperwork, The AOC, the tax authorities... but I honestly cannot imagine doing anything else as it is something I feel passionate about.

Some of the things I've done for the love of wine:

• Marching against the government when they proposed running a train line through our friends vineyard!
• Lighting bonfires in the vineyards to keep the frost away
• Taking the seats out of the back of my Citroën 2CV to take to the vineyard during harvest
• Constantly cleaning my shoes!

One factor we consider very important is respect for the environment. We have a programme of 'integrated viticulture' at our winery. It requires us to work everyday with the environment in mind, and to preserve and maintain the quality of the land, the air and the waters for us and for our children. And a few other philosophies we follow...

• Picking the fruit at the optimum moment (very important!)
• Cleanliness in the cellar
• Do not be intimidated by the unpredictable
• Be passionate about what you do

I am very grateful to my father and mother (who not only created my wonderful sisters who I could not work without), but also developed our Champagne business that now keep us all busy and fed."

A few Naked Truths about Lise:

• She compares herself to a bottle of Didier Dagueneau Pouilly Fume Silex, racy, powerful and a little bit wild!
• The best bottle of wine she's ever tasted is a Mont Redon from Châteauneuf du Pape, and her favourite sparkling wine is Ruinart Rosé Millésimé
• And to accompany her favourite wine, she would always order some smoked salmon and a glass of champagne!