Discover these rugby players turned winemakers

Gérard Bertrand: Successful conversion

Former 3rd row and captain of Narbonne, Gérard Bertrand swapped his rugby jersey for a winegrower's apron. He quickly transformed his family estate into one of the most respected vineyards in the South of France. Located in the Languedoc wine region, the Gérard Bertrand estate produces a wide range of top-quality wines, some of which are internationally renowned, such as Château L'Hospitalet, Clos d'Ora and Le Viala.

What's particularly remarkable about Gérard Bertrand's career is his passion for sustainability and organic farming. He has converted all his vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming, making him a pioneer in environmentally-friendly viticulture.

Yannick Jauzion: From the land to the soil

Yannick Jauzion, former iconic player for the French national team, has also made the leap into the world of wine. After an outstanding career on the pitch, he moved to the Cahors region, known for its Malbec wines, to create his own estate, Château de Gramat. Here, he produces elegant wines that reflect his commitment to quality and authenticity.

Sébastien Chabal: The Quiet Force of Wine

Nicknamed "L'Homme des Cavernes" for his power on the pitch, Sébastien Chabal now offers three wines made in partnership with Cellier des Chartreux in Pujaut, Gard. This collaboration has produced robust, well-balanced wines bearing the famous player's name. Chabal has shown that he can show the same determination and passion in the vineyards as he does on the rugby pitch.

Olivier Brouzet: From the French Team to World Vineyards

Olivier Brouzet, selected 71 times for the French national team, has also chosen the path of winegrowing. Together with his family, he has acquired several wine estates in different parts of the world, including France, Argentina and New Zealand. These estates produce a variety of renowned wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of its place of production.

Rémi Lamerat: The New Generation

More recently, Rémi Lamerat, a former player with Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB), has joined the ranks of rugby winemakers. He has embarked on his own winegrowing adventure in the Bordeaux region, famous for its exceptional red wines. Lamerat follows in the footsteps of former rugby stars who have turned to winegrowing with passion.

Jacky Lorenzetti: Passionate about Rugby and Wine

Jacky Lorenzetti may not have played rugby at the highest level, but he is the owner of the Racing 92 rugby club. In addition to his involvement in the world of rugby, Jacky Lorenzetti owns several prestigious wine estates, including Château Pédesclaux, Château Lafon-Rochet and Château Lilian-Ladouys. These estates produce exceptional wines that have won over wine lovers the world over.

These rugby players, despite the apparent differences between sport and viticulture, share a common commitment to excellence and the pursuit of perfection. Their successful transition from rugby field to vineyard shows that passion, determination and team spirit can translate into exceptional wines that delight wine lovers the world over. Further proof that terroir and tradition are essential ingredients for creating works of art in the bottle.

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