Pierre Latard

"Winemaking is a family passion for me, and a business through generations. I have travelled all over the world for the love of wine – including Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand, where I have worked on several estates.

I love working closely with nature, and it's a delight to create a product which gives people such pleasure. The variety of the job is also very appealing – each vintage we produce is different and new.

There are certain unfortunate things that come with being a winemaker, including wine-stained hands, lips and teeth (and having to wear plastic boots all the time), but they're worth putting up with!

If I were to offer advice for what makes a good winemaker, there are several things I would say -

• Be passionate about what you do
• Take great care of the vineyard
• Have an environmental conscience
• Regularly taste the wines

But out of all of these points, the first is the most important – you must love the job you do!"

A few Naked Extras about Pierre -

• He's once worked in 45 degree heat to nurture his vines
• His vineyard is environmentally friendly and they employ sustainable and organic practices
• Pierre's favourite wines are Châteauneuf de Pape, Henri Bonneau and Hermitage 1983, La Chapelle
• His favourite wine region second to France is South Africa
• He compares himself to a bottle of Gigondas – robust and a long-time living!