No.1 Family Estate – Interview With Virginie Le Brun

In this exclusive feature on Glass of Bubbly, we speak with Virginie Le Brun, the wonderful and talented Sales Director at No.1 Family Estate in New Zealand, let’s discover a little about her life, her journey into the industry and one of her unforgettable bubbly memories.

It’s Lovely To Speak With You Virginie, Can You Share With Us A Little About Yourself And Your Role At No.1 Family Estate?

“I’m Virginie Le Brun, my parents Adele and Daniel are the owners and founders of No.1 Family Estate, a Méthode Traditionelle specialist winery in Marlborough, New Zealand.

Papa (Daniel), comes from 12 generations of Champagne vignerons. The first record of our family planting vines in Champagne is 1684 and the date 1791 is carved into the historic family press, the year we believe our family first started producing Champagne.

I moved to the UK in 2013 and started working at Amathus Wines in London, where our wines were sold (and still are today). It became a passion for getting people to try our NZ méthode’s. I’d hand a glass of No.1 to a customer, not telling them what it was and wait for their response, I was amazed and inspired by the positivity and interest in our family wines. During this time in England, I was able to head over to Champagne to spend time with my extended family and experience our winemaking roots first hand.

On returning to New Zealand, I joined the family business and am now the Sales Director. I oversee our domestic and international markets and work alongside Adele, Business Director and Ellie & Annie in our Marketing team.”

What Inspired You To Begin Your Studies In Winemaking And How Is The Journey Going So Far?

“I am immensely proud of our family heritage and my parents for their achievements, pioneering methode traditionelle in New Zealand since the late 70’s. I made the decision to begin my winemaking studies to learn more about the craft of winemaking and to deepen my connection with our family history.

I am really enjoying the variety of working in sales, studying wine and rolling my sleeves up in the winery… it’s definitely keeps me busy!”

Can You Tell Us Which Country You Export The Most To And Which Country Would You Most Like To Introduce No.1 Family Estate To?

“We export mainly to the UK, US, Germany and Australia. We have recently had the opportunity to send our méthode’s to Hong Kong which is pretty exciting.”

What’s One Of The Most Amazing Locations That Serves Your Wines?

“The Lodge Bar, in Queenstown New Zealand, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, is absolutely stunning and in my opinion the perfect place to enjoy a glass of bubbles.

The Musket Room in New York City is also hard to beat.”

When It Comes To Pairing Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“Cuvée No.1 and oysters… if in New Zealand bluff oysters in particular!

Believe it or not, a bacon sandwich! The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the bacon, so next time you’re out for breakfast ditch the full English and Builders tea and go for a bacon sarnie and bubbles instead… you won’t regret it!”

For Anyone Getting Married This Year, Looking For A Perfect Glass Of Bubbly, Which One Of Your Labels Would You Put Forward For That Very Special Moment?

“Cuvée Reine Reserve or No.1 Rosé, this is what we had at my brother Remy’s and sister-in-law Annie’s special day recently.”

You’re Stuck On A Desert Island, And Fortunately, Three Bottles Of No.1 Family Estate Wash Up On Shore, Perfectly Chilled, Which Three Labels Would You Want Them To Be?

“No.1 Rosé NV, Adele Cuvée 2016 and a yet-to-be-released wine…watch this space!”

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“Back when I lived in London, top floor apartment, on the corner of St Martin Lane, Covent Garden. I have fond memories of the late afternoon Summer Sun, a glass of bubbly in hand, enjoying the view of The Strand and down to Trafalgar Square and the West, towards Leicester Square.”

Thank you Virginie, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Virginie Le Brun. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.