About Gavin Crisfield | About La Sauvageonne

Gavin began his career in the wine trade in 1988 at Kenwards Restaurant (Good food Guide wine list of the year) where he trained as Sommelier and started his studies with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

After a cycle tour around the world including several wine regions (Australia, California, France, Spain and Portugal) he pursued his interest in the trade by working for various prestigious restaurants and retailers.

In 1996 Gavin became a student of the first Higher National Diploma in wine studies based at Plumpton college in association with the University of Brighton, receiving ‘Honours’ in the W.S.E.T Diploma. During his studies he carried out several work experience placements, including a harvest at Domaine du Poujol in the Languedoc. Here, on finishing the two year course, Gavin was offered a full-time position enabling him to further develop his skills.

In the winter of 2000 Gavin was approached by an English Investor (Fred Brown) to source the best ‘terroir’ available in the south of France. In conjunction with ‘Vignoble Investissement’ the search lasted some 18 months until finally the ideal property presented itself. La Sauvageonne was purchased just before the harvest of 2001 and Gavin was installed as winemaker and general manager.

Gavin firmly believes that the key to good winemaking is based on a good understanding of vines and their terroir but most importantly, an experienced palate.