The wine industry has been traditionally viewed as male-dominated, but I do think this is changing, especially in the Australian wine industry and especially in McLaren Vale - and I think it's a good thing. Talented people are talented people regardless of their gender, but an evening up of the gender mix means that at least 50% of the pool (those being women) are now getting the opportunity to showcase their talents whereas they might not have been able to in the past. And that's an [undeniably good thing] for the industry.

I believe, ultimately, it is always about the person and not their gender - I relate exactly the same way to men or women, and have been lucky to work with really good people in my time in the industry.

How do you feel about being a Frenchwoman, choosing to make wines in Australia?

Australian life is very laidback, and people are very open to people working in the industry from other countries. It's a lot more relaxed than in Europe.

I think McLaren Vale as a region overall is one of Australia's best kept secrets - and this is not just in relation to wine! We have everything here: a myriad of great restaurants, great local food, and markets every Saturday. The ocean is five minutes away from the vineyards of McLaren vale. My Australian home town is very close to what I knew living in the South of France with its Mediterranean climate.

I've chosen to make wines in Australia because of the industry and the lifestyle - it's a great life in McLaren Vale.

Can you tell us a little something about your winemaking style? And your views on Old and New World techniques?

For me, the essence of winemaking lies in integrating a healthy respect for the vineyard with a light innovative touch in the winery. Hand-pruning in the vineyard, matched by cooler ferments and subtle use of aged French oak, allows Tatachilla’s wines to truly express the rich silken fruit qualities that are so McLaren Vale.

I make wines using old and new world techniques, respecting the grapes in the winery and allowing the vineyards to speak; wines that are about their place of origin in McLaren Vale rather than a formulated winemaking ‘recipe’.

I like to listen to the grapes in the vineyard. My winemaking style is not aggressive, it’s more intuitive. I like a subtle sense of balance in wines, not smashing the fruit with too much barrel or stamping winemaking techniques on them. I’m led by the character of the grapes.