Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Wynn Macau Croiffle and Cruffin afternoon tea outdoors2
    Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada
    Giveaways
    Macau Lifestyle Media - The St. Regis Macao - The St. Regis Bar - Jack's Club poster
    The Macallan Jack’s Club Jazz Experience at The St. Regis Bar
    Events & Promotions
    MGM Food Chinese New Year 2022
    Weekender: Welcome the Year of the Tiger, Visit Exhibitions & Much More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
    Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss
    Dining
    cafe esplanada wynn macau croiffle
    The Variations Of French Croissant At Wynn Macau
    Dining
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau Lifestyle Macallan 12 MAC_2018_DC12_NEAT_Lifestyle_Photo_RGB
    Whisky Review: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
    steve-mccurry
    The Best of Two Worlds: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
    Old Postcard circa 1900 from Macau Antique Postcards by Joao Loureiro
    Bela Vista Hotel: From Lavish Hotel to Wartime Refuge
    Culture
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Wayuu Bag Macau
    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level
    Culture
    Longines Master Collection Now Shines in Macau
    Longines Master Moonphase Now Shines in Macau
    Jewelry & Watches
    Clara Brito on a Fashion Shoot
    Clara Brito: Taking Action Through Fashion
    Fashion
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau city
    A Stopover Guide: 24 Hours in Macau
    Travel
    Kenji Rukkit Gus graffiti street art outloud festival praca ponte e horta art one day macau
    One Day in Macau: Art Itinerary
    Arts
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Grand Hyatt HK_French GourMay Staycation (3)
    French GourMay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Offers a Bespoke Culinary Trip to France
    Dining
    The Upper House Salisterra Main Dining Room
    Salisterra Showcases Exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine at The Upper House Hong Kong
    Dining
    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
People
by Sally Victoria Benson

Gaelle Goossens Talks About Women in the World of Wine

Gaëlle Goossens Macau Lifestyle 5

Gaelle Goossens is not just a gorgeous woman but a passionate and talented winemaker who is changing the perception of all females in a male-dominated industry. Having been at the core of industry for many years, her accomplishments are a product of hard work and perseverance. Believing that science and art are the two major ingredients to a successful creation of wine, the inspirational Gaelle is set to appear as a guest at the Women of Wine Festival in Hong Kong.

How did you get started in wine?

Unconsciously, from the very beginning of my life! I was born and raised in the Champagne region and I have always been surrounded by vineyards as my Grandmother was a grape grower. But, I purely got started in wine when I quit my first job and degree in politics to entirely live my passion for wine in 2007.

Do you have a degree in winemaking?

Yes. It is actually very difficult in France to work in this industry without any degree. I started with an undergraduate of Biochemistry and Biology and then enrolled in a School of Oenology (Diplome National D’Oenologue) to achieve a postgraduate. To be a winemaker in France, you need a five-year degree in sciences specializing in Oenology.

What is your winemaking style?

It’s either I need the wine I drink or I create to express something! Wine is all about emotions. Life is too short to drink boring wines anyway. But, being precise, distinguishable and expressive is really challenging for a winemaker. Today, too many wines are expressive but also very messy.

What has surprised you most about being a winemaker?

We have been working for centuries with empiricism. Every single day is a new opportunity to learn something different. The science of oenology is a broad and wide territory with many undiscovered pieces of land. That’s fascinating to me.

What do you find to be the hardest part of the harvest?

The unpredictability of mother nature. All your efforts can be ruined in a single day or night because of a heavy rain, bad storm or large hail.

In the world of Champagne, who do you most admire and why? Who has influenced you?

I have borrowed positive aspects of several people that I keep secret and drawn my own fantasy champagne hero.

What is it like to work at one of the most famous Champagne houses in the world? How does the history and story of Barbe-Nicole influence and inspire you?

I feel blessed and challenged at the same time. Veuve Clicquot has a strong history of avant-garde and excellence. We need to understand and continue the spirit of our previous counterparts but not only that we need to be audacious and visionary as well. The story of Barbe-Nicole still resounds in the corridors here in Reims and we must think about after tomorrow.

Do you any tips for those interested in studying Wine and Champagne? What are top things you should know?

  • Be Passionate.
  • Be sure to be 100% keen on wine. Your job does not end when you leave the office.
  • Be a hard worker.
  • Be patient. This job is a very long journey. You never stop learning. Experience is a key.
  • Be Scien-tistic. Be sure to be half scientific and half artistic. That’s a great mix!

What is one of the most rewarding things about your job?

When people express emotions drinking our wines.

Do you have a favorite wine or vintage that you have made?

This is the frustrating part of my job. Champagne needs time to mature sometimes even decades and thus I especially enjoy old champagnes. I am expecting a lot from the 2015, it’s a very promising vintage for us. Although, I still have to wait many years to taste it.

What wines do you find inspiration from?

Those that are elegant, complex and expressive at the same time.

What Champagne do you drink when you are not drinking your own?

I try to taste as many kind of champagnes as I can. From small producers to cooperatives and houses, I like to understand how others work. But, I often drink outside champagne as well. I am a very big lover of Côtes Roties and Syrah.


Women of Wine Festival 2018 in Hong Kong

When: 6:00pm–9:30pm, Thursday, March 1

Where: The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong

How much: General admission HKD $450; premium access HKD $780; full package HKD $950

Those interested in tickets can book at www.eventbrite.hk  and more information can be found on their website.

Tags

  • Barbe-Nicole
  • Champagne
  • champagne history
  • Champagne houses
  • french champagne
  • gaelle goossens
  • reims
  • Veuve Clicquot
  • women if wine

Related Posts

Catarina Mesquita Mandarina Books Portrait
Artist Spotlight

Catarina Mesquita on Founding Mandarina Books, Macau’s First-Ever Publishing House for Children

Korlouyeah Interview Feature Photo
Artist Spotlight

Korlouyeah: Photographing Macau’s Motions & Emotions

Vitorino Vong Writing on a Notepad
Artist Spotlight

Vitorino Vong: Coloring the Streets of Macau With Urban Art

LP World Sketches Luisa
People

Sketching the World Around Her: Luísa Petiz of LP World Sketches

Trending Posts

Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
Dining, Restaurants

Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss

Santa Rosa de Lima
Culture, Heritage, Local Knowledge

Santa Rosa de Lima: Convent Turned School

Sai Kung Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Things to Do

Sai Kung: Hong Kong’s Last Backyard Garden

bread the factory macau
Dining, Local Eats

Best Freshly Baked Bread in Macau

  • Editor's Picks

    ladies night macau Bars

    Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

    From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

    Salvador Dali Alice in Wonderland Macau Lifestyle hidden artwork Macau Arts

    Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

    Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    Wayuu Bag Macau Culture

    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

    Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

    start line photo Lifestyle

    Top Running Routes in Macau

    Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Flora Garden playground Family

    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

    Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    sound-of-century-vintage-sound-machines-museum Arts

    Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

    When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

    sw-steakhouse-barcounter-cocktails-macau-wynn-palace Bars

    SW Steakhouse Bar at Wynn Palace: Home of Barrel-Aged Cocktails

    Known as one of the best restaurants for juicy prime cuts, SW Steakhouse at Wynn Palace also features a bar with must-try cocktails.

    Negroni bar patua mgm cotai macau lifestyle Bars

    Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

    Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

    elysee bakery croissants macau Cafes

    Where to Find the Best Croissants in Macau

    Is there a more popular and beloved French pastry than the almighty croissant? We doubled our fitness hours and tried dozens of pastries to come up with the list of the best croissants in Macau!

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries Dining

    A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

    Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion Dining

    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau

    If you’re craving for Italian-style pasta, here’re the ones that have tickled our taste buds and discover the varieties in Macau!

    Santa Rosa de Lima Culture

    Santa Rosa de Lima: Convent Turned School

    Santa Rosa de Lima is a well-known school in Macau, but did you know what it was in the 19th century? Discover more about this place here!

    Signature cocktail - Patuá mgm cotai macau Bars

    Bar Patuá at MGM Macau: Language of Mixology

    Whether it is cool cocktails, stunning design, or engaging conversations with a bartender, Bar Patuá has a lot to offer. Learn more in our review!

    girl with dog and cocktail cafe Cafes

    Best Pet Friendly Cafes in Macau

    Unwilling to leave your fur child behind while you stroll the streets of Macau? Here are pet-friendly cafes in Macau for you to bring your furry friend to!

    hac sa beach coloane Picnic spot Macau Family

    Great Picnic Spots in Macau

    Picnics are the best way to enjoy nature, good company and food. Here’re the best picnic spots in Macau for your friends and family to enjoy!

    Jetfoil TurboJET Urzela Culture

    Macau Ferries: Travelling To & From Hong Kong Since the 1950s

    Did you know that Jetfoils were originally for the military? Find out more about these Macau ferries that travel between Hong Kong and Macau!

    Korlouyeah Interview Feature Photo Artist Spotlight

    Korlouyeah: Photographing Macau’s Motions & Emotions

    Korlouyeah is a local web editor who photographs Macau and its people. We sat down with the artist to know more about his creative eye.

    Tsung I Macau Culture

    Jao Tsung-I: Prominent Sinologist & Literature Researcher in Macau

    Jao Tsung-I was a key figure in the study of ancient literature and history, as well as a prolific Chinese calligraphy artist.

    LP World Sketches Luisa People

    Sketching the World Around Her: Luísa Petiz of LP World Sketches

    Find out how Macau charmed Luísa Petiz and inspired her to sketch its beauty along with updates on exhibitions of her works!

    63c4f00b-ca84-4eda-8f54-1fc5b633bee6_l Architecture

    Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

    Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

    Minchi Marmitas Come Macau Culture

    Marmitas.Come: Home to Authentic Portuguese Takeaway in Macau

    Marmitas.Come is a local shop specializing in authentic Portuguese food for takeaway. Read on and find out their story and future plans!

    Camões Bust in Grotto Culture

    The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

    Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

    macau tourist guide Local Knowledge

    A Quick Guide for First Timers to Macau

    Is it your first time in Macau? Check out our guide for the essential things to know, planning tips, directions, and places to visit!

    beijing memory li xiao feng mandarin oriental macau art Arts

    Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

    Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

    fit in the box healthy meals macau Dining

    Best Places for a Healthy Meal in Macau

    Eating smart is the best way to achieve a healthier outlook. These healthy food spots in Macau would make any meatless Monday much easier!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2022 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!