Following his 1993 graduation from Montpellier’s esteemed Ecole Supérieure d’Oenologie with a master of science in viticulture and enology, Arnaud Weyrich launched his professional journey as an intern at the lovely Roederer Estate in Anderson Valley.
During this internship, he applied his solid foundation in viticulture and enology principles, marking the beginning of an enduring partnership with Maison Louis Roederer that had him crossing back and forth over the Atlantic five times in one decade.
After completing his internship, Weyrich returned to France to join his then fiancée, now wife Floriane, accepting a position with a major retail corporation where he managed quality control for all beverages produced under the company’s private label brands.
Driven by his passion for the wine industry and preference for smaller company environments, Weyrich enthusiastically rejoined Roederer Estate in 2000 as assistant winemaker. However, when the opportunity arose for him to serve as chief technical officer responsible for development at Champagne Louis Roederer in Reims, he left the U.S. once again for more than a year.
In 2002, Weyrich relocated his family back to Roederer Estate, where he has since managed comprehensive winery operations from vineyard to daily business affairs, currently holding the position of winemaker and vice president of production.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Arnaud Weyrich: I was born in Alsace, France, and wine was part of life there. My parents always had good wine on their table. Growing up, I knew I wanted to do a job that involved the outdoors. Farming, growing grapes and making wine seemed to cover that option.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
There wasn’t one specific moment. I do remember one wine very vividly. It was Champagne Philipponnat, Clos des Goisses. I was on a date with my wife, Floriane, at a very good restaurant, 2-star Michelin. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect bottle, but it was the perfect person, the perfect time, the perfect place. The wine felt extraordinary.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
When I imbibe at home, my drink of choice is either Champagne or Roederer Estate Sparkling wine. Either one goes perfectly with food and friends.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
We don’t really go out for drinks. We like to invite friends and family over for drinks at home to enjoy the peacefulness of the vineyards where we live.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Roederer Estate 2019 L’Ermitage Brut.
Roederer Estate, 4501 Highway 128, Philo, 707.895.2288. roedererestate.com.
