- Wine world
Meet Noémie Catalano: portrait of a passionate sailor
- Wed, Nov 12, 2025 at 11:27

A passion that holds water
The sea is like wine: you respect it, tame it, and share it.
Noémie Catalano doesn't do things halfway. When she decided to participate in the Mini Transat, this legendary transatlantic race connecting Les Sables d'Olonne to Guadeloupe via the Canaries, she went all in. 4,050 nautical miles (about 7,500 km for landlubbers), solo, unassisted, on a sailboat barely the size of a parking space. Challenge accepted?
But what makes Noémie unique is that she doesn't sail just for performance. She carries strong values: authenticity, self-transcendence, and the ability to stay true in a world that often pushes us to wear masks. Values that resonate perfectly with those of U'Weini, the new wine range launched by U'Wine.
U'Weini x Noémie Catalano: a meaningful partnership
When U'Wine decided to sponsor Noémie for this exceptional adventure, it wasn't by chance. Proudly displayed on her boat's hull, the U'Wine logo accompanies every wave, every gust of wind, every moment of doubt and victory.
Why this partnership? Because U'Weini is much more than wine. It's a life philosophy focused on personal development, authenticity, and celebrating real moments. Like Noémie on her boat, U'Weini invites you to "Be true, Be everything" – be authentic, be all that you are, unfiltered.
The U'Weini concept: when wine meets innovation
The U'Weini range revolutionizes the wine experience with:
- An NFC label: A simple tap with your smartphone gives you all the info (vintage, food pairings, traceability)
- A "Tear to Reveal" label: Tear to reveal a hidden message and share a unique moment
- The Golden Label: A limited edition where you can win an exceptional wine by tearing the label
A perfect concept for an original and memorable wine gift!
Noémie Catalano: passion for wine and sailing
What many don't know is that Noémie isn't just an outstanding sailor. She's also a true wine enthusiast, capable of talking terroir, grape varieties, and pairings with as much passion as she discusses mainsails and downwind sailing.
On a boat, you learn the essentials: patience, humility, and the importance of savoring every moment. Exactly like with good wine.
Her U'Weini selection: Noémie's favorites
When asked to choose from the U'Weini range, Noémie doesn't hesitate:
1. U'Weini Bordeaux Supérieur Red 2022
Blend: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Noémie's favorite: "A structured yet elegant red, perfect after a day at sea. It has that structure that holds, like a good boat in a storm!"
Why we love it: Fruity, balanced, with beautiful length. Ideal for accompanying a meal with friends or celebrating arrival at port!
Price: €17 (instead of €20)
2. U'Weini Bordeaux White 2024
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
Noémie's favorite: "Freshness and minerality, exactly what you need for a sunset aperitif. Reminds me of stopovers in the Canaries!"
Why we love it: Lively, aromatic, with citrus notes. Perfect for moments of conviviality and sharing.
Price: €17 (instead of €20)
Noémie's expert advice
How to choose your wine like you choose your boat?
Noémie, as a great wine enthusiast, shares her tips to never go wrong:
1. Trust your instinct
"Like in sailing, you have to listen to your feelings. A wine that speaks to you is like a boat that calls you: you know it right away."
2. Prioritize authenticity
"The best wines, like the best sailors, are those who stay true. No fuss, just quality and passion."
3. Dare to adventure
"Don't rest on your laurels! Test new regions, new grape varieties. It's like discovering new horizons at sea."
4. Share!
"Wine is meant to be shared. Like a crossing, it's always better when you can tell the story to someone."
Noémie's vision of wine
For Noémie, wine isn't just a beverage. It's a vector of emotions, a catalyst for real moments, exactly like the sea.
"When I'm on the water, I'm in the present moment. When I taste good wine, it's the same. We stop thinking, we feel. That's what being alive is."
This philosophy is exactly that of U'Weini: live fully, celebrate authenticity, and create memorable moments.
The Mini Transat: an extraordinary adventure
For those who don't know yet, the Mini Transat La Boulangère is one of sailing's most demanding races:
- 6.50 meters boat (yes, you read that right)
- Solo (no contact with land)
- Unassisted (figure it out, sailor!)
- Over 40 years of history (since 1977)
Legends like Michel Desjoyeaux, Ellen MacArthur, and Charlie Dalin cut their teeth on this mythical race. And today, it's Noémie's turn to write her page of history.
Follow Noémie's adventure
Want to follow Noémie's adventures in real time? Head to her Instagram @noemiecatalano where she shares her moments at sea, her blues, her victories, and of course... her U'Weini wine tastings upon arrival!
U'Weini: The ideal wine gift
Whether you're a sailing enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply someone looking for an original wine gift, the U'Weini range is made for you.
Why U'Weini is the perfect gift?
✅ Innovative: NFC label and "Tear to Reveal"
✅ Authentic: Quality wines, respected terroir
✅ Committed: Support for adventurers like Noémie
✅ Memorable: The Golden Label to try to win an exceptional wine
Discover U'Weini Red | Discover U'Weini White
Conclusion: heading towards authenticity
Noémie Catalano reminds us that being a wine enthusiast doesn't mean being snobbish or elitist. It's above all about loving, sharing and living real moments. As she says so well:
"Whether on a boat or around a table, what matters is being true. The rest is just decoration."
So, ready to embark on the U'Weini adventure? 🍷⛵
