About Me — Rémi Benedetti
«Drinking wine is drinking genius»
Isn’t it delicate (and sometimes awkward) to talk about oneself? It’s a unique exercise I’m happy to take on with this publication, and I’m excited to give it a try.
Have you ever noticed how breathtaking the vineyards of Burgundy are? I’ve seen them grow, and I’d like to think they’ve seen me grow too. I come from a small town in Burgundy, France, a region renowned for its wines and gastronomy. To say this region influenced my life would be an understatement, it introduced me early to what would become an all-consuming passion: wine and gastronomy!
Don’t worry, when I was young, I only discovered wine through the stunning landscapes around me (yes, Mum, only through its landscapes). Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I grew up surrounded by wine. I remember long walks in the vineyards. The smell of grapes being pressed after the harvest. The passionate discussions with local winemakers. These are memories I cherish to this day.
In Burgundy, wine isn’t just a drink; it’s an integral part of our culture. From harvest festivals and the Saint-Vincent processions — honoring the patron saint of vignerons — to the Great Burgundy Wine Festival, charity auctions at the Hospices de Beaune, and year-round tastings at local producers, our region truly lives to the rhythm of wine! Of course, simply being born in this region isn’t enough, it’s a defining factor, yes, but true passion comes from exploring it from every angle. That’s where personal experience makes all the difference.
Imagine me at the age of 8. Our class had been invited to visit a winery for the day. We were all gathered in the vineyards, listening as the cellar master explained, in simple terms, how grapes are transformed into wine. One of the most memorable moments was descending into the winery’s cellar, where there were bottles far older than an 8-year-old could imagine. Seeing these hundreds of perfectly aligned bottles, a veritable treasure trove in this vast, dimly lit cellar, made me feel very small. Then, with all the innocence only a child can muster, I asked the first question that came to mind: “Can I take one back for my parents?” The cellar master’s laughter echoed as he turned to our teacher and said, “I think we have a future wine collector here.” He didn’t know how right he was !
You saw it coming, right? So why did I join Medium? Of course, to talk about how mismatched socks improve productivity!
No, of course, I’m going to talk to you about wine. Wine, yes, but not only! The people behind it, their work and know-how, French terroirs, incredible stories, food pairings, the fine art of tasting, in short: my passion! If you’re interested in the world of wine, oenology and gastronomy, you’ve come to the right place!
Sharing, exchanging and passing on what I know is something I feel very strongly about. To me, wine is more than just a drink; it carries stories and emotions. When you hold a bottle of wine, you’re holding a piece of the land it came from, and the heart and skill of the winemaker who crafted it. It’s this human and cultural richness that motivates me and that I hope to pass on to you through my writings. That’s why I’m more than happy to exchange with you here, to share my experience while benefiting from yours.
“Burgundy, fine. Wine, great. But hold on, does his entire life really revolve around wine?”. Indeed, dear reader, you’re absolutely right. Although wine occupies a large part of my days and thoughts, it’s far from being my only passion. For instance, sports have always helped me balance my daily routine and maintain my well-being. Staying active provides me with the energy necessary for all my other pursuits. I also enjoy those special moments with my loved ones, sharing a meal or a glass of wine (oops, I said I wouldn’t talk about wine anymore). Lastly, reading has been a passion of mine since childhood. From classic novels to historical books, I see it as a way of feeding my curiosity and approaching my life and the world with greater understanding.
Speaking of reading, of course, I didn’t sign up on Medium just to write. I’m also on the lookout for interesting articles to read, not just on wine but on a wide range of subjects, and what I’ve read so far has been very interesting! It’s truly a pleasure to see so many diverse voices embracing the pen and producing articles.
I am always open to discussing articles, so please feel free to reach out.
Ready to dive in? Your journey begins with just one click :
https://medium.com/@Remibenedetti
Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll raise a glass together.
