Let’s know each other better! For the first article of this blog, I propose to tell you a little bit more about me, Anne-Laure, the founder of the “Sacacorchos & Tire-bouchon” project. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself in the comments so that I can find out more about my passionate readers.

Do you like quotes? I love them. It often helps me put things into perspective, motivate me, reassure me and take a step back. If I had to choose three, here are the ones I would choose:

“The best way to predict the future is to create it” Peter Drucker
“Don’t be afraid to move slowly. Be afraid to stand still.” Chinese proverb
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” Seneca

Those who know me well, knew that one day I would take the step of being a freelance and develop my own projects.

For those who know me less well, let’s introduce myself.

I am Anne-Laure, a 30 year old woman from Marseille. I have lived in 3 different countries (France, Australia, Spain), in 3 different regions of France, whereas until I was 17 years old I had never moved from my town in the South of France near Marseille. Whether it was for my studies or for my life choice, these experiences have brought me a lot and still do.

Let’s go back a few years ago: My first contact with the wine sector goes back to high school, since I studied in a high school specialized in agriculture (the Valabre high school in Gardanne). Why this choice? Because they offered the horseriding option in the baccalaureate! The school had vineyards and cultivated land. Every year we had a harvest day and I also had the opportunity to take part in pruning the vines as part of a school association. Such great experiences!
After obtaining my Baccalaureate, I went to study at the Institut d’Études Politiques (IEP –  Institute of Political Studies) in Lyon. There I got very involved in the school’s sports association.

In my third year, I did an exchange year in Australia, which made me want to work in the professional sports sector. I had always hesitated between a Master’s degree in Sports Management or in Wine and Spirits Marketing. The first choice won out.

My first professional experience was with the French National Handball League (LNH): a sport that was not mine to begin with, but which has nevertheless taken a very special place in my life.
For personal and professional reasons, after 5 years of living in Paris, I decided to move to Barcelona, without really speaking Spanish. I was lucky enough to get a two-year contract in the marketing and communication department of Case IH (global leader in agriculture and farm equipment), and I loved it! I was able to travel a lot to events, fairs, visits to dealers and customers. And it was during these trips that I really discovered Spanish wines. And what a discovery!
While staying in Barcelona, I returned to the sports world, but I wanted to learn more about the Spanish wine scene. I took an online Master’s degree in “Wine Business Management” with the University of Valladolid and recently I took the WSET 2 and 3 (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) diplomas. From there, a project of reconversion started to mature… I can’t wait to tell you more!

Beyond these experiences, if I had to choose three words to define myself, I would choose: curious, determined and optimistic. Three values that I will put at the service of this new project “Sacacorchos & Tire-bouchon” to make you discover with me the diversity of Spanish wines.

You already know a bit more about me! And you, who are you? Are you interested in wine? Do you know Spanish wines? Tell me all about it by leaving a comment!