Born in Paris, France, Olivier was introduced to winegrowing and winemaking at a young age through visits to the family winery in the Bordeaux region of France. Upon completing his primary schooling, Olivier joined his cousin to grow and produce Bordeaux varietal wines in Libourne. In 1995, Olivier and his family purchased Chateau La Roche Beaulieu, a winery in Côte de Castillon, focused on the production of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
In 1996, fulfilling a childhood dream of discovering California’s wine regions, Olivier accepted an internship at La Crema Winery in Sonoma County. After six months in California, Olivier returned to Chateau La Roche Beaulieu to assume a position he describes as "Winemaker, Vineyard Manager, Marketing Director and Sales Director".
In 2000 Olivier accepted a unique opportunity to work with renowned Vigneron/ Winemaker Pierre Seillan who had moved from France to Sonoma County in 1997. Olivier assumed the role of Assistant Vigneron/Winemaker under Pierre at the highly acclaimed Vérité Estate. While managing the daily operations at Vérité, Olivier led his cellar team in crafting a wine blend sourced from various vineyards across the Mayacamas Mountain Range which divides Sonoma and Napa counties. This wine, initially crafted for only the winemaking team's enjoyment, is Archipel. In 2002, the team decided to share the 1999 vintage of Archipel with consumers, and today Archipel is available in limited quantities in select United States markets.
When asked about Olivier, his peers always comment on his exceptional palate which he attributes to twenty-five years of wine tasting, noting, "I began tasting wine before I was eight years old!" Olivier also believes that his highly developed palate is a testament to his lifelong appreciation for fine cuisine, instilled in him by two accomplished French chefs - his grandfather and great grandfather.
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