October 22, 2025
At Château d’Issan, each vintage is a new adventure. Olivier Chalaud, vineyard manager and true guardian of the terroir, tends to the vines every day with both passion and precision. Through sustainable viticulture, the passing down of know-how, and a deep respect for living things, he shares with us his vision of the craft.
“Passing on knowledge, above all. I'm deeply committed to sharing what I’ve learned — from traditional know-how to modern techniques — so that younger generations can feel proud of their roots. Pruning is the part that fascinates me the most: it's a truly foundational act, almost surgical, that shapes the future of the vine. Each vine stock is unique and requires special attention, like training an athlete.
I’ve also been fortunate to find, here at Issan, an environment where I’ve been trusted and allowed to grow professionally. Here, we bring out the best in everyone through teamwork.”
“It’s a profession driven by passion — rich, dynamic, and full of life. You work in the heart of nature, you're constantly learning, and you never get bored. The harvest, followed by the magic of turning grapes into wine, rewards a year’s worth of effort.
It’s also a human adventure: both in the vineyard and the cellar, it’s the collective effort that makes great wines possible. Technology has made some tasks less physically demanding, but the essence of the job remains the same: caring for the vine, respecting nature, and giving meaning to every gesture.
I always encourage young people to give it a try — once you’ve experienced this profession, it’s hard to walk away.”
“We work with living things — and that’s undoubtedly the most complex part of our profession. Each vintage brings its own uncertainties, especially with vine diseases and shifting weather conditions.
Our approach is sustainable: we aim to intervene at the right moment, with precision, to safeguard both vine health and ecosystem balance. Just like antibiotics in medicine, treatments should never be automatic. You have to stay alert, observe, and respond with discernment to the plant’s needs.”
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