Barton & Guestier

Petra Frebault, Barton & Guestier – Bordeaux’s Oldest Winehouse

What do you do and how did you get into the industry? 

I am Trade Marketing & Communication Manager at Barton & Guestier, Bordeaux’s oldest wine house. My arrival in the wine business was pure coincidence. Speaking a few languages was of great help to get my first job in Bordeaux, when I moved to France from Holland (where I worked for a shipyard).

Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.

Just before joining B&G, I was in charge of importing Californian wines (Sterling Vineyards, Cuvée Napa by Mumm) in Europe. Can you imagine: a Dutch lady, based in Bordeaux and in charge of Californian wine? That was a lot to explain!

What’s the best/ worst part of your job? 

The best part of my job is meeting people from all over the world, of course when they come to Château Magnol, but also when traveling. Meeting people in their own country, in their own environment is even better, because it helps to understand the difficulties or ease they may encounter in selling a wine.

The worst part is sticking to the budget. I am far too generous and want too much at the same time.

What’s your favourite meal/ drink?

At Château Magnol Food & Wine Academy we experience a lot with Food & Wine pairing, and I must say I have a lot of favourite meals and drinks. If I have to chose one, I would say: Tournedos Rossini (you know with the foie gras) accompanied by a glass of Château Magnol, AOC Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois, or Thomas Barton Réserve Médoc.

What’s one of the scariest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?

Actually it was not behind but on the scene: A few years ago (10 or 12) on the occasion of Vinexpo, I organized a show with a tightrope walker (funambulist). During the performance, the MD of our group  stood next to me and questioned me about insurance and the risk management. I then realized that my artist was acting without any additional ties or safety material. I was unable to speak for several minutes and felt like frozen! Luckily everything went well, but it was the most scary moment of my life.

The perfect day off would be… 

A sunny and windy day, sailing on the Atlantic Ocean (which is right next door) while enjoying a cool glass of B&G Côtes de Provence Rosé.

What do you do for fun? 

Cooking! Sailing! Reading! Traveling!

What’s something you’d like guests to know about Barton & Guestier and Château Magnol?

In 2016 all readers or consumers can win a trip to Château Magnol by participating in our photo competition – the terms and conditions are on our website www.barton-guestier.com.

What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?

August is holiday month and I think I’ll have some too. September is already the preparation for 2017 – gathering new ideas, budget them and get the budget approved (!)

Check out Barton & Guestier’s Wine Academy here.

And more on Chateau Magnol here.

7 Comments

  1. Great interview. The job sounds interesting and challenging. Have a wonderful weekend!

  2. cooking, sailing, reading and travelling do sound like the ingredients for happiness! 🙂

  3. Wow! September and preparing for 2017 already, that sure is looking forward, always good to have such planning and foresight in whatever one does.

  4. It is obvious she enjoys her job. Very nice interview! Hope your weekend has been great. 🙂

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.