Winemaker Stephanie Rivin’s Journey from California to Bordeaux with French Blue Wine

Stephanie Rivin embarked on her journey into the world of wine in 2008 with her employment at a quaint, family-operated winery nestled in Anderson Valley, Northern California.

The winery was so small that its tasting room shared the same space with winemaking, granting Stephanie direct access to the cellar. Day by day, her fascination with the intricacies of winemaking grew. Eager to delve deeper, she enrolled as a harvest intern under the guidance of knowledgeable mentors who taught her the rationale behind each step in the winemaking process.

Stephanie diverged from the conventional path of winemaking education via university courses. Instead, her journey consisted of hands-on learning under the mentorship of seasoned masters in the field. Stephanie’s trajectory took a turn in 2012 when she, along with her husband and their three-year-old daughter, visited Bordeaux, France for the first time and instantly fell in love with it. While Stephanie was already involved in winemaking in California, the allure of Bordeaux led her to expand her ventures by creating French Blue.

However, after juggling both California and French winemaking for a few years, the demands began to strain her work-life balance. It became evident to Stephanie where she truly wanted to be. Aware of her husband’s shared passion for Bordeaux, she proposed moving there, and he jumped at the opportunity. In 2018 Stephanie, her husband, and their children relocated to France.

With the creation of French Blue Wine, Stephanie set out to build a bridge between two worlds: America and Bordeaux.

“Bordeaux is a very traditional culture. People’s lives are steeped in winemaking, and it’s ingrained into their soul. It’s just a part of who they are. Whereas Americans, we kind of have our own way of doing things. We’re innovative, spirited, and free. With French Blue you get a bit of Bordeaux winemaking know-how, mixed with American rock and roll, anything goes. So, that’s what I wanted French Blue to be; something that speaks of both cultures and is a way for people to travel to Bordeaux from the comfort of their own homes.”

When naming French Blue, Stephanie wanted it to resonate with France’s identity.

“The color blue has always been associated with France. It was the royal color back when there was a monarchy, and now all the French national sports teams are nicknamed the ‘Blues.’ You’ve got the bright blue sky, you’ve got the blue sea, and it just encapsulates the spirit of France. Voila! – French Blue. Something easy to remember and it communicates the approachable and fun vibe to the wine.”

French Blue Wine offers a diverse selection, including Rosé, White, Red, and Sparkling Crémant. The brand prides itself on versatility, catering to various occasions. Stephanie emphasizes pairing the wine with the moment, whether it’s enjoying a casual gathering with friends or whipping up cocktails at a bar. She describes the wines as fun and accessible, making them a popular choice for enjoyable drinks.

“French Blue wines are ideal for a drawn-out lunch, a gathering of friends, or reading by the water on a hot day. It gives you the feeling of the best kind of Sunday afternoon: relaxed, bright, and cheerful.”