A few weeks back, I read an article on Dr. Vino about a wine importer, Martine Saunier. Something about Martine or the article stuck with me and I couldn’t shake it. The article, Martine’s Wine, an importer, changes hands, discussed Martine Saunier, a woman wine importer who started her import business in 1979. She is now turning her business over to Gregory Castells and Kate Laughlin, and while it appears she will still have a hand in the business for awhile, she is basically retiring.
The blog post led me to an article about Martine in 7x7SF, Martine Saunier: Rock Star of the Wine World. Martine not only knew her wines, but she also knew how to take any wines she imported to the next level. I was in awe as I read about Martine, imaging her sitting on the terrace, sipping wines every day or like one of those fashion designers in Vogue, amazing and untouchable.
But I would have to imagine that being a wine importer is not an easy task, especially not as a woman starting out in the 1970s. Not only do you have to know your wine, but you have to get a winery to trust that you will not only sell their wine, but start to establish a following. Hmm…not an easy task.
As I continue my journey to learning about wine, I am going to use Martine Saunier as inspiration – someone to look to and to try a few of her selections. There is always something to learn.
The Splendid Grape 