As the seventh generation of the Marnier-Lapostolle family, Charles-Henri de Bournet serves as the CEO of Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle, overseeing a legacy of winemaking and distilling that has spanned both centuries and continents.
They are the founding family of Grand Marnier (which they sold to Campari in 2016) and both Lapostolle and Clos Apalta wineries in Chile, in addition to Kappa Pisco—a brand that de Bournet launched in 2011. Born and raised in Switzerland, de Bournet describes himself as “Swiss by birth but French in culture.”
The winery for Lapostolle and Clos Apalta, located in Santa Cruz, Chile, a few hours south of Santiago, was founded in 1994 by de Bournet’s parents, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet, who focused on applying French winemaking techniques to Chilean terroir.
“My parents bought the winery when I was 13,” says de Bournet, “but I was a competitive alpine skier in my teens so on my first visit to Chile I landed and went straight to the Andes to train. I never saw the vineyards.”
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Working for the family business was not assured, de Bournet says, “I needed a certain amount of education and I needed to work and acquire skills outside of the company.” Before assuming a role at the company, de Bournet worked for a consulting firm based in Chile. It was during this time that he made note of how much people loved pisco sours, preferring them over a margarita. He began to explore making pisco (distilled fermented grape juice) with French Cognac techniques, ultimately launching Kappa Pisco in 2011. De Bournet, who praises pisco’s versatility, envisions the spirit on every bar shelf and as a staple in cocktail recipes, much like Grand Marnier.
He and his winery team also just put the finishing touches on a multi-year project that includes several new and renovated Relais & Chateaux accommodations at the Clos Apalta winery. There is always more work to do and as the father of a 2-year-old, everything he does is with an eye to the next generation.
“I must keep a long-term view,” he said. “There is a sense of going beyond, of giving something to the future. Dying rich is not interesting, having someone to maintain the future gives everything a greater purpose.”
My favorite neighborhood in the world is… not in a city. I am more of a countryside person, maybe because I am used to the peaceful view of vineyards. This is why when I visit cities, I love being in places completely different from the countryside, full of vibrancy, energy. I have to say I am always fascinated when visiting Tokyo, especially Shinjuku or Shibuya.
If I were to buy a piece of art, it would be by… Kevin Francis Gray. … He really brings something new and powerful. He works with noble materials such as marble and bronze. I feel the same approach when making wines—maintaining traditions but shattering expectations with a modern approach. Also, there is a side of his work that is both dark and romantic.
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The best book I’ve read in the last year is… The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. It’s a good reminder about leadership especially during these last few years.
A passion of mine that few people know about is… cooking a Robuchon-style puree. There is nothing like it, brings you back to your inner child. If Marcel Proust had tasted it, I am sure he would have used it instead of the madeleine!
The one trip I’ve taken that I would love to do again is… to visit the wonders of Egypt along the Nile. It really puts things in perspective when you think about when all these magnificent temples were built and still stand there.
The next destination on my travel itinerary is… back to Asia after three years. I am visiting Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia, so it is very exciting to be returning.
The thing that gets me up in the morning is… my daughter, literally and figuratively. I had the chance to be trusted by my forebears with the leadership of the family business. In four years, we will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lapostolle and my goal is as simple as it is challenging: passing it on to the eighth generation.
The restaurant/bar in my hometown that I love to take a visitor to is… The Mulberry Inn. A classic on Petworth Road in Surrey, U.K. The owners and staff make you feel at home and it has amazing food.
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A person who inspired me to do what I do is… Being part of the seventh generation of the family business, I have quite a few people to look up to for inspiration. But I have to say that the passion and dedication my mother showed during the creation of Lapostolle, and her will to develop Clos Apalta as one of the best wines in the world, was second to none.
If I could have a glass of wine or a pisco sour with anybody, anywhere, it would be… my wife. And we don’t do it enough. Good reminder.
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