December 12, 2025
At Château d’Issan, a Grand Cru Classé 1855 in Margaux, the women and men of the estate are the first artisans of our story. Among them, Sylvie Cousinou, a winegrower at Issan for over 40 years, embodies this intimate bond between the vine, the seasons, and the memory of the place. Heir to a true family history on the estate, she shares with us her vision of a craft guided by passion and by people.
1. What do you enjoy most about your job ?
“The contact with nature, of course. Working outdoors gives me an incomparable feeling of freedom: no doors, no barriers… only the sky, the vines, and everything they reveal as the seasons unfold. I love observing the wildlife, the plants, the first buds, the flowering, then the berries as they appear. Nothing compares to a sunrise over the rows to start the day. And in the evening, when I finish my vineyard rounds with the feeling of a job well done, I tell myself how lucky I am to do this work.”
2. What is your favorite time of year in the vineyard ?
“Every period is important in crafting a great wine. But if I had to choose one, it would undoubtedly be the harvest. That’s when the culmination of a year’s work takes shape. Seeing beautiful grape clusters travel along the sorting table, taking care of them, smelling them… it’s a true reward. I also love the team spirit: everyone works in unison, the conversations, the shared lunches, the discussions between the vat room and the cellar… And then there are the aromas of the new vintage and the new barrels that accompany the first stages of vinification. All this excitement makes it my favorite time of year.”
3. Which event has marked you most at Issan ?
“I have many anecdotes, but it’s mostly the memories that have left the deepest impression on me. My parents worked on the estate, and I myself grew up here. That is why I am so deeply attached to Château d’Issan. I’ve seen the property evolve, transform, and grow. Among the most beautiful memories, I will always remember the Fête de la Fleur in 2009. Seeing the château illuminated, at its most splendid, highlighted before the entire profession… it was magical. An immense source of pride for Issan, and for me, given my strong ties to this wine estate.”
MENU
