The Faces of Bordeaux - Laetitia Ouspointour
The Faces of Bordeaux
At The Bordeaux Concierge, our aim is to introduce our clients to the real Bordeaux. This includes meeting the people that make Bordeaux what it is today. As part of this effort, we will bring these vibrant personalities to our audience at home through our new series, The Faces of Bordeaux.
Laetitia Ouspointour
Co-Owner Château Vieux Mougnac
Founder L.O Wine
How long have you been in your role?
I co-own Château Vieux Mougnac with my mother and brother. It is a family-run vineyard on the right bank close to Saint-Emilion. We have worked organically for the last 5 generations, with myself being the 5th generation. My ancestors are from a wine producing region in northern Italy, Emilie Romagne, and the first job they could do when arrived in France was to make wine. Et voila…that’s how I ended up in wine production! In addition to running the château with my family, I decided to set-up my company, L.O Wine, to promote my family wine and also to educate people about wine in a different way with original workshops like painting with wine, creating your own cuvée, and even understanding how our sense of smell works as it relates to wine. I specialize in tailor-made offerings. Most of of the wine workshops take place in relatively unknown places that even the « bordelaise » don’t typically have access to, such as a private apartment in the old town or in the private setting of one of Bordeaux’s historical monuments, outside of opening hours.
What has been your career path to date?
I studied History of Art at university in La Rochelle, a charming 17th century sailing town about 90 minutes from Bordeaux. After that, I moved to London where I worked for Harveys and Sons, a sherry producer, and became a sommelier in Piccadilly Circus. I started studying wine in the UK and completed my diploma, a 2 year program with WSET, in London. When I came back to France, I worked in communications for Eurocave in Lyon, then moved to Provence where I worked as the head of direct sales for the largest wine cooperative in Languedoc. After having kids, I finally moved back to my native land, Bordeaux and started working on the family vineyard. I passed the DUAD in 2015 from l’Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin at l'Université de Bordeaux. It was challenging to study, manage a vineyard, and raise kids all at the same time. After the DUAD, I decided to set up my company as I now had the knowledge and expertise to share with my customers. As a wine educator, I work with professionals and journalists and often spend time promoting the wines of Bordeaux to wine lovers at events such as the Cannes Film Festival.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I feel proud to work in the vineyard that I inherited from my ancestors and continue this heritage. I’m always grateful for what they have given me. Continuing this tradition means making high quality wine using traditional methods and protecting the environment by only using organic techniques. At the same time, we must adapt to what consumers are looking for. I also love making sure that our customers leave Bordeaux with great memories.
“I feel proud to work in the vineyard that I inherited from my ancestors and continue this heritage. I’m always grateful for what they have given me.”
In your view, what makes Bordeaux so special?
To answer to this question, I have a glass of wine in my hand, take a sip of it and close my eyes. And what do I see? I see a beautiful sunset on wild, endless beaches. I am running with my kids in the sand dunes, smelling the scent of the pine forest and hearing the wind in the trees. I go for a drink in the atmospheric streets of Bordeaux. Everyone is happy, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. In the square, there are people sitting around the fountain. I start driving along La Route des Vins in the land of Merlot where it all started, and then I find myself eating a delicious regional dish at one of my favorite restaurants.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I enjoy combing wine with other activities. I love when my customers are surprised about the different ways in which they can discover wine. But I keep my secret with me, if you want to know more, just ask me!
What profession other than your own would you love to attempt?
I would have probably been a journalist. It’s so important to understand the world we’re living in, keep our eyes open and have a critical mind. As a wine grower we have to deal with regulations regarding our land and international rules for exports, so I could say that my job is kind of feeding this desire for information and details from this point of view.
“When you walk the streets of Bordeaux, you are transported to the 18th century. Very little has changed, from the paving stones to the intricate sculptures around the entrance of each building.”
What is your favorite thing about Bordeaux?
The architecture. When you walk the streets of Bordeaux, you are transported to the 18th century. Very little has changed, from the paving stones to the intricate sculptures around the entrance of each building. You should also take a moment to remember that every shop, restaurant and hairdresser has a cave beneath it because that’s where a lot of wine used to be stored before being shipped to the rest of Europe.
What is the number one thing visitors to Bordeaux should do/see while they are here?
Rent a bike, ride along the docks and go the local market to have oysters with a glass of Château Vieux Mougnac, 100% sémillon white wine. And of course, ask me about the workshops I offer to understand and discover Bordeaux, and above all, drink differently!
Château Vieux Mougnac is a 10-hectare property located between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The estate, with a limestone and clay soil and ocean climate, is comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Semilion. Since 2012, the Château has devoted itself to the requirements of organic production as well as keeping the traditional methods passed down the family.
L.O Wine is a provider of unique wine experiences including events, guided tours and of course wine tastings.
Let us introduce you to the most unique experiences in Bordeaux, Cognac, and Paris