Catherine Bernard
Languedoc

Catherine Bernard was a journalist with ‘Libération’ Newspaper, first in Paris and then Montpellier. In 2003, newly divorced with two young children and having just turned 40, she embarked on a change of direction.

Originally from Brittany, Catherine grew up on a farm, her father a grain dealer, and she longed to be back in touch with the land. She obtained her certificate in agriculture, specialising in viticulture and oenology and began searching for a small vineyard, initially around Corbières where her friend Maxime Magnon was located. But it was to be the commune of Saint Drézéry in Languedoc that Catherine settled, purchasing 3 hectares of land in 2005, 1 hectare under vine to Grenache and Mourvedre. 

In 2006 during her first harvest, she was to discover part of what was sold to her as Grenache on the bill of sale, was actually Marselan, a hybrid grape of Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon created in the 1960’s. An unforeseen challenge that Catherine embraced. This original parcel is what makes the cuvee, ‘La Carbonelle’. 

Over the years she purchased more plots and now has 4 hectares of vineyards, with the addition of Cinsault, Alicante Bouchet and Terret under vine. The soils are a composition of limestone and clay with large pebbles; the vineyards are all organic and farmed in a biodynamic spirit.

In the early stages she vinified in friends’ wineries, until 2015 when she completed the building of her small 'chai'. A thoughtfully laid out building with cellar work done by gravity, its design inspired by Australian architect, Glenn Murcutt.

Her production is small with 16,000 to 20,000 bottles per annum.

For 15 years, Catherine had worked alone, doing all the vineyard and cellar work herself. In 2020 she was joined by her son Nicolas, and they began working on an agroforestry project of vines and fruit trees coexisting.

Now in her early 60’s, retirement for Catherine has finally arrived, vinifying her last harvest in 2024.

Life on the land is tough, viticulture in Languedoc is proving harder than ever with climate change, and the vines suffer, especially with summer temperatures sitting in the low 40’s each year. Add to this many years of drought and it takes a lot of conviction to choose this life. Unfortunately, Catherine’s son Nicolas finally decided to follow another path.

Late 2025 the baton is being passed to a young winemaker who will take over the vineyards and create something of their own. It is an emotional time for Catherine as she reflects on 20 years of her life and how much she has invested, body and soul.

A woman of character and strength, it is impossible not to be inspired by Catherine. Her deft hand and feminine touch produced wines of incredible elegance. I’m privileged to have worked with her.