Patricia Geai Beunard, from Château Pouyau de Boisset, has converted her vineyard in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation to organic farming. She talks enthusiastically about her choice and what it implies.

Good for the environment

Patricia Geai Beunard is a woman of conviction. Passionate about her work and about Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, she has always aimed to produce high-quality wines. At the head of Château Pouyau du Boisset, she finally chose to go organic. With her husband, she took the decision to convert her vineyard in 2007. It was a considered choice, swayed by environmental considerations, but also one taken by “a mother with a family, thinking about the generations to come”. The first three years were spent converting: “During that time we farmed as though we had the organic label, with regular inspections”. They finally obtained certification in 2010.

A winegrower attentive to her terroir

As Patricia Geai Beunard says: “To go organic, you really need to listen to what the soil is telling you”. Although she already farmed her hilltop vineyard in Berson without herbicides, she needed to develop new working methods. “It taught us to be humble”, she says. “With organic farming you can’t get it wrong: if you get mildew in your vines, you’re very likely not to have a crop at all.” The key is anticipation, prevention and keeping a close eye on the vines.

Good for everyone

Patricia and her husband were supported in their conversion by other organic winegrowers in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, always ready to help and advise. “For example, they taught us how to deal with certain vine parasites. Organic farming is also about relationships with other people!” Customers have been delighted, too. “Going organic hasn’t affected the quality of our wines and our prices have stayed the same.” Converting to organic isn’t always easy, but it has been a great success at Château Pouyau de Boisset. Looking at her vines, Patricia Geai Beunard says: “We’re really glad we took the plunge!”

• Would you like to find out more about Patricia? She features in one of the next episodes of our webseries, Blaye Friday!
• You can buy her wines from our online store.