Interview with Sylvie Gilbert, administrative assistant

What was your career path before arriving at Château de Bousval?

I worked for many years in a bank in various IT projects. I was able to develop my logical and organisational skills there and it was also there that Excel became my friend.

How did you join this adventure?

I joined the Vineyard adventure by chance, via my friend Catherine (who is also part of the team). I was in the middle of a professional transition and I got to know the team by participating in the pre-pruning of the vines in February 2019. Then I came to help with the organisation of the opening of the Chai in May 2019. And I started the administrative work at the beginning of the marketing of the 2018 vintage.

What is your role in the team?

Today, I carry out a wide range of administrative tasks for which my rigour, patience and perseverance are sometimes put to the test! Managing wine orders, their invoicing and eventual shipment, stock management, customs and excise procedures, updating the website and the online sales site, contacts with suppliers, answering requests for information and visits, etc. And also providing administrative support to enable our field specialists to avoid wasting too much time on sometimes time-consuming administrative tasks.

Do you have a little anecdote or a good memory to tell us?

One anecdote: One day I had to simulate the use of the men’s urinal to see if the automatic flushing problem had been solved.

The best memories are when I take part in the work in the vineyard: Vincent’s welcome when he explained to me what had to be done for the pre-pruning; the days of the grape harvest of course and also last year during the few hours spent fighting the late frost during the night, with a very motivated and dynamic seasonal worker! Finally, I always appreciate the passionate explanations of each other.

Can you tell us what this project means to you?

Having the chance to participate in such a project in a magnificent setting with a great team is a real pleasure. It’s a very varied job, where everything is useful, I learn every day, you meet passionate people!