An antique sideboard is home to Benji’s much- loved champagne glasses
lunches and special events,” explains Sally, who’s become an accredited tutor of the Bordeaux Wine School. “Visiting clients and media
come over for tastings or lunch, during which I show them a slightly different approach to wine tourism – perhaps more New World style – and highlight how an outsider can make a successful wine business in a traditional industry and area.” From her vineyard,
measuring just under three hectares, 14,000 bottles of award-winning wine are produced in two different styles of delicious Merlot. They are named after the new château and brand she has created, Château George 7. “Plus, I rent some vines from a neighbour to make white wine, which I added to the collection two years ago.”
REACH OUT Reflecting on the challenges she faced when making a new life for herself in France, Sally admits that getting to grips with French bureaucracy has caused a few headaches. “If someone is setting up home or a business in rural France, I’d recommend they get to know their local mayor, reach out to people and ensure
you learn French. Making an effort goes a long way and you’ll be surprised how fast your French progresses if you use it daily – even if it’s only a small amount each time. “Going to the mairie to share
your plan and to ask for help with any administration, you’ll probably find, as I did, that in rural spots they welcome the investment because it improves the local area. Reaching out to integrate and become part of the community goes a long way.” Sally wouldn’t change her
life in France. “I love living here and I’m unsure if I’ll ever return to the UK full-time. Of course, I go back to visit family and to promote my wines, but there is nothing better than heading back to France where I have friends of all nationalities.” Other than family and
friends, there is little she misses about the UK. The climate certainly isn’t one of them. “Here in the southwest, it’s lovely with warm summers. The sea isn’t far away for a day trip or weekend while beautiful Bordeaux is easily reached for lunch or a spot of ‘city life’. So, no regrets at all? “No,
definitely not!” she smiles. “I have two sons who are both totally bilingual, a French
Sally converted an old barn into a wine tourism facility, including a wine-tasting room where she hosts events introducing people to Château George 7
business making wine with tourists visiting from all over the world to experience my approach to wine tourism, plus I have a property that was once dilapidated but is now a four- bedroom home, winery and tourism facility surrounded by my vines producing award- winning wines. What else could I ask for?” Despite her busy schedule,
Sally still finds time to inspire others, trying to convince them that it’s never too late to change your life. “Take me, for example. I spoke French but had never made wine, didn’t know the area, was a British
woman on her own, starting from scratch in a very French business in probably the world’s most well-known wine region. You need confidence in yourself and all the skills you’ve gathered during your lifetime – especially people skills – to tackle any challenge head on. My advice for anyone considering a life change is go for it and don’t look back!” ■
Sally is happy to talk about her own adventure to anyone considering a life change. For more information about her boutique winery, visit
chateaugeorge7.com
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: September/October 2023 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
