Mathieu Chadronnier is CEO of leading Bordeaux négociant CVBG. The company represents top-flight wine estates from Bordeaux and beyond, and provides access to a distribution network of 3,000 clients globally. Chadronnier pioneered the introduction of ‘Beyond Bordeaux’ wines to La Place de Bordeaux, placing CVBG at the forefront of this industry development.
What does a négociant do?
We buy wines from wine estates and distribute them globally, providing estates with a reach they could not achieve on their own. And we help our distributor clients access a far broader range of wines than would be possible if they had to go to each winery directly. In doing so, we bridge the gap between fine wine production and consumption, and we contribute to the diversity of styles, origins and stories fine wine consumers can access.
How did you get here?
My father was CEO of CVBG, but the plan was never for me to work with him. My interest was elsewhere: I wanted to work in tech. I found my first job at wineandco.com, a pioneer in the field. Although it was the tech aspect that attracted me, I quickly fell in love with wine. I was part of the buying team, tasting wines from all over Europe every day. It was a fascinating discovery, a true epiphany, and I owe my initial wine education to those days.
When I left, I was set on a career in wine. On my father’s suggestion, I worked a harvest as an intern at
