Gilles Nicault is the director of Winemaking & Viticulture at Long Shadows Vintners, a renowned Walla Walla winery celebrated for its unique collaborations with acclaimed winemakers from around the world. “I make every Long Shadows wine independently to reflect their distinctive style and the iconic vintners who inspired them.” Learn about Gilles Nicault…
Follow at: @long.shadows
Hometown: Walla Walla, WA, since 1996.
First job: After earning a degree in viticulture and enology at the University of Avignon, I did a series of internships, most memorably at Chateau Revelette in Coteaux d’Aix en Provence. The estate’s owner, Peter Fisher, was my first mentor. He helped me understand the connection between grape growing and winemaking and taught me to embrace innovation. His willingness to push the limits in Provence led him to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which, at the time, were rather unconventional pairings that proved to have spectacular results. Drawing on my roots in Provence, I designed Long Shadows’ Chester-Kidder Red Wine to exemplify this kind of winemaking.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: I love getting outside to hike in the summer and ski in the winter. I also enjoy cooking for friends and family. I don’t follow recipes. I will start with a high-quality protein like duck, pork tenderloin or seafood and use fresh, seasonal ingredients to finish the dish.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Besides raising two incredible kids and having found Brandi, the love of my life, my biggest accomplishment is the consistent quality of my wines over 30 years in the Columbia Valley. Each vintage brings unique challenges and opportunities. The 2020 vintage is a good example. It was a difficult season, but by working closely with growers and an excellent cellar team, we made 4,000 cases of Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, a prestigious wine publication, rated it 98 pts. I am proud of that.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I grew up in France, and English is my second language. When I moved to Washington 30 years ago, I had to overcome my deep French accent to ensure it didn’t interfere with my ability to do my work.
Someone who inspires you and why: I am very fortunate to have so many people around me who help me be a better person and a better winemaker, but the one person who has inspired me the most is the late Allen Shoup, who founded Long Shadows. Before Long Shadows, Allen ran Ste. Michelle at a time when the Washington wine industry was in its infancy. He was a pioneer, visionary and philosopher who touched many people in our industry. I am fortunate to have had him as a mentor and a friend for 20 years.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t get into the wine industry for the lifestyle but to fulfill your passion and vocation. A winemaker should let the terroir express itself while guiding the wine to be balanced and influenced by his winemaking style.
Favorite quote: “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” –Theodore Roosevelt
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I started my winemaking and viticulture at age 17 in southern France.
What makes someone fabulous: Being open to others and having a willingness to follow your heart.