Female Winemakers (French Edition): Thirteen Women Tell Their Stories of Working with Vines and Wine by Françoise Carraud

Viticultrices is a poignant work where thirteen women share, with sincerity and emotion, their daily lives in the world of viticulture. This universe, often perceived as masculine, reveals here the central role of women in the cultivation of vines and the production of wine. Their testimony highlights a demanding profession, paced by the seasons, where each vine is cared for "like a child".

These female winegrowers take us into their lives filled with repetitive gestures, solitude in the face of vast landscapes, or collaboration within teams where they must find their place. Every day, they face the cold, humidity, burning sun, and a changing climate that influences their vineyard work. Their story is a tribute to nature and its whims, but also a reflection on the use of chemicals in viticulture, particularly phytosanitary products, to ensure quality harvests.

Some of these women practice organic farming, while others adopt a reasoned or conventional approach. Despite their different choices, all share a common passion for their profession and an unwavering love for the vine. They also talk to us about the difficulties of balancing this intense work with their personal lives. Whether as partners of winemakers, employees, or contractors, they show us the many facets of their commitment: from driving tractors to invisible tasks like the administrative management of farms.

The role of women in viticulture is often unknown, and this book pays tribute to them. Some of them share itinerant lifestyles, while others juggle multiple jobs. They reveal themselves in an agricultural world where their contribution is indispensable but rarely recognized at its true value.

Viticultrices is much more than a simple collection of testimonies. It sheds light on the complex and sometimes harsh reality of women's lives in this sector. Their stories transport us to the heart of their world, marked by difficult choices, physical efforts, and an endless passion for the vine and wine.

Through these thirteen portraits, Françoise Carraud offers us an authentic and touching immersion into a profession where nature and humanity are one. An essential work for anyone wishing to understand the vitality of the wine world through the prism of the women who shape it daily.

Article Features:

• Title: Viticultrices (French edition)
• Author: Françoise Carraud
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: DIRE LE TRAVAIL
• ISBN: 979-10-96697-10-6
• Publication Date: 06/06/2024
• Number of Pages: 192
• Dimensions: 20.5 x 14 x 1.2 cm
• Weight: 262 g