Memories of my first harvest season took place in my grandfather’s vineyard in Burgundy, France when I was only 4 years of age. By my 12th year, I made a personal decision to become a Maitre de Chai. At the age of 13, I was sent to The Lycée Viticole et Oenologue de Beaune in Burgundy. It was within the walls of this boarding school that I successfully obtain my knowledge and diplomas. It was during this time of study and hands on experience that my love and appreciation for the earth, and its gifts were established.

In 1989, I realized my first wines. The experience was my confirmation that I had taken the right path, and quite frankly, the passion I felt then still exists in me today. From 1989 to 1992 I created wines from prestigious villages in Burgundy such as Pommard, Volnay, Beaune, Meursault, and Monthelie. This Pinot Noir and Chardonnay experience brought me a rich and complete understanding of these fabulous grape varietals.

From 1993 to 1996, I managed vineyards and produced wine in Languedoc-Rousillon in South France where I experienced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Carignan, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, to name a few...Expanding my Burgundy roots to the southern France regions elevated my knowledge and provided me the opportunity to combine my Burgundy techniques to the Bordeaux and Cotes du Rhones varietals under different weather conditions. Blending my knowledge, various techniques and instinctual savoir faire proved to be successful with the outcome of many awards I received during this period.

My adventurous spirit led me to launch the first Caribbean vineyard, in tropical weather conditions in 1996. I was looking for a challenge, and that is exactly what I got! There I was confronted with technical and scientific problems associated with humid weather conditions, and the political issues starting such an endeavor entailed. I successfully produced the first Caribbean wine and table grapes. Production reached 2.5 harvests per year per vine, which allowed me the luxury of experimenting different wine making techniques every single month. Such an ability dramatically increased my skill and further my knowledge and understanding for creating the perfect wine.

In 2003, my connection to Canadian Professor Dr. D’Arcy Dornan, opened the door to my California experience. Through D’Arcy I became employed in many wineries of Sonoma and Napa Valley. The dynamic industry revolving in the wine world in California opened my eyes to the possibilities made available in the industry which was a world away from what I had been accustomed to with the regulations and political issues I had been subjected to previously in the European continent. In addition, I took consciousness that throughout different parts of the world, societies exemplified a diversified palate. Taking this into account I proceeded to tailor my wines accordingly.

Today I find myself in the beautiful land of Virginia. I am presently general manager, winemaker and vineyard manager of Doukénie Winery in Loudoun County. I am living a new challenge by producing wine in the east coast under humid and difficult climate conditions. Yet, after two harvests here, and a better understanding of the challenges faced by such weather, I feel I have proved that I can produce world class wine anywhere. My new challenge is to produce a consistency of highest quality, vintage after vintage.

Sébastien Marquet

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