TALENTED WINE MAKERS DEVELOPING AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION IN THE COTES DU RHONE

The Mourchon Team

Walter McKinlay

Although of Scottish parents, Walter was brought up in Essex, Southeast England which probably explains his entrepreneurial tendencies. After working in shipping, data-storage and information technology, Walter relished a radical career change when he was at an age when most people would be contemplating retirement. Whilst searching for a vineyard with an existing winery, house and established brand thrown in, Walter and Ronnie stumbled across the vines for sale at Mourchon. Despite the enormous challenge facing them it was an instant ‘coup de Coeur’ and so Domaine de Mourchon was created. Walter continues to be the driving force behind the sales and marketing procedures which sees 85% of all produce being sold for export.

Sebastian Magnouac

Sebastien is, without doubt, Domaine de Mourchon’s secret weapon. Descending from a family of winemakers in the Armagnac area in Western France, Sebastien started his career in Bordeaux where, after extensive studies and work experience, he qualified as a Cellar Master. Now in his eighth year at Mourchon Sébastien’s consistent hard work and dedication has furnished Mourchon with an outstanding product of ever-increasing quality. As well as being a talented winemaker Sebastien has provided the non-native members of the Mourchon team with an invaluable insight into the mysterious machinations of French bureaucracy and enterprise.

Ronnie McKinlay

Considerably less in the limelight than her husband, Ronnie is, however, threatening to outshine Walter’s astonishing sales statistics by the instant success of her sell-out range of Mourchon byproducts and accessories. As well as homegrown olive oil, a delectable range of seasonal ‘gourmandises’ is available exclusively at the Caveau. This year’s bestseller has been Ronnie’s Fig and Balsamic Chutney despite some stiff competition from her limited edition jams and Wocesterish Sauce. Watch this space for Ronnie’s soon to be announced range of rich skin creams made from grape extracts.

Hugo Levingston

As well as being thoroughly 'hands-on' involved in the management of the vines and the winemaking process, Hugo is responsible for developing Domaine de Mourchon's business in france and neighbouring countries.

Partner to Kate McKinlay, he and Kate moved to Seguret in 2001 to help develop this family business and raise their family. They have three children.

Before joining Mourchon, Hugo trained as a photographer and latterly worked as a tour cameraman for some of the UK's top nineties rock and pop acts. It is still a moot point as to whether he misses the Spice Girls more than they miss him! (We hear that Victoria is more of a new world girl nowadays anyway.)

Kate McKinlay

As well as being Hugo’s partner and Walter’s daughter Kate’s duties and responsibilities are widespread and varied. Having provided maternity cover to both the accounts and marketing department she has a good working knowledge of just what is involved in running a vineyard and trying to make it profitable. Not to be daunted by the enormity of this task Kate is ever present at the vineyard where amongst other things she oversees this website and organizes events.

Manon van der Laan

Manon is Domaine de Mourchon’s resident polyglot and, as such, our essential key to good allround communication. Having left her native Holland at a tender age, Manon has spent the last 25 years living in Paris, New York and southern France. As well as running our marketing department with cool Dutch efficiency Manon is the face of the Mourchon Caveau where she, along with other team members welcomes visitors from all over the world throughout the year.