The Powerhouse

Born in Glasgow in 1973, it is Lorraine’s birthright to support all national teams, whether it be in rugby, curling, hockey or tossing the caber. A childhood spent in the hotel industry, followed by a BA in Geography has formed an unusual, yet surprisingly useful springboard into the wine trade.

After starting her career at Champagne Laurent Perrier, she moved 200kms south to become head of Public Relations for Laroche – a post she held for 11 years – before leaving in June 2005 to create her eponymous agency.

A fervent supporter of screwcaps since 2000, Lorraine played an active role in Michel Laroche’s momentous decision to move to screwcaps for his Chablis Grands Crus, which made her the logical choice to help establish the International Screwcap Initiative in 2005.

Surely a throwback to that Geography degree, but her active interest in both viticulture and vinification has given Lorraine the type of hands-on experience and knowledge that allows her to judge in wine competitions … and converse over a late-night beer with winemaking legends when ‘on tour’.

Now based in Bordeaux, Lorraine is still striving for that golden opportunity to mix rugby and wine, but in the meantime she spends much of her time on the road, immersing herself in different markets … and trying to constantly “think outside of the box” in order to stay one step ahead.