Rhône Trip's Art of Wine Tourism: A Blend of Passion and Precision
We’re continuing our immersion into the art of French living with the second team profile: Mathilde, our wine tourism guide and development manager.
She’s a passionate, wholehearted individual who loves to share and highlight the unique character of each wine during tastings. Always with her personal touch, Mathilde will sweep you away as she helps you discover a region, an identity, and a rich heritage.
Let yourself be guided by someone who has been fascinated by the world of wine and its traditions since a young age.
- Mathilde, what’s your background and how did you become a guide for Rhône Trip?
After a Bachelor’s degree in languages (English and Italian) in Bordeaux and some study and internship experiences in Italy and Germany, I decided in 2020 to come to Lyon to pursue a Master’s in Tourism. Thanks to an internship with the Region, I was able to participate in the launch of the “Vallée de la Gastronomie,” work with many tourism stakeholders, and learn a lot about the wonders of our region.
Always passionate about gastronomy and wine, I decided to orient my career choices around promoting what I believe is a pillar of our French culture. I then wanted to specialize in wine because it’s a field that fascinates me. Without specific wine training but with extensive knowledge, I boldly applied to Rhône Trip. So, in March 2022, I joined the Rhône Trip family as a driver-guide and wine tourism development manager.
- Passion for Wine: What excites you most about the world of wine? Why did you choose this field in particular?
I’m from the Bordeaux region, and I spent all my summers as a child at my uncle’s vineyard. I’d follow him passionately through the vines and help him with the harvest. I think my interest in wine really started then.
For me, wine represents conviviality. I’ve always loved hosting people at my home, bringing everyone together, and there’s nothing better than gathering around a glass of wine. It’s truly the sociological approach to wine that appeals to me.
- What’s your personal approach, and how does it reflect in your work?
I’m all about sharing knowledge. My priority when taking clients on tours is to leave them with a memorable experience around wine—something they’ll always remember. I always try to find interesting anecdotes to tell, often with a touch of humor. While remaining professional, I want to be a friendly figure and educate in a relaxed way. If they’ve learned something and are happy at the end of the day, then I’ve accomplished my mission!
- According to your personality, which grape variety would match you? And why?
As someone passionate about Italy, an Italian grape variety immediately comes to mind. I would be Falanghina, a typical grape from Campania, grown around Naples. It’s a late-ripening white grape that needs a lot of sunshine and good south-facing exposure to express its full potential. It has notes of lemon blossom and peach, making it a perfect wine for summer aperitifs by the sea.
- A Little Anecdote?
During a full-day tour in the Rhône Valley, I had an American client, quite elderly (around 85 years old), who was traveling alone. Still very spry for her age, she was on a European tour. During the tastings at all three wineries, she consistently tasted every wine without spitting, and also enjoyed wine with lunch. By the end of the day, she was, understandably, very cheerful and speaking quite loudly. The whole group was laughing with her; it was incredibly convivial! On the way back, she snored for an hour and took a little while to grasp the situation when we arrived back in Lyon. Epic!
