Influential Central Coast winemaker dies at 66. ‘A brilliant craftsman’
One of San Luis Obispo County’s “most admired and influential winemakers” has died.
Christian Roguenant, the craftsman behind a number of lauded Central Coast brands, died suddenly on Nov. 2 at the age of 66, according to a news release this week.
During his decades-long career in the Central Coast wine industry, Roguenant left behind “a legacy of creativity, generosity and uncompromising passion for his craft,” the release said.
“Christian leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and protégés who were shaped by his talent, patience, humor and heart,” the release said. “The Central Coast wine community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him, will feel his absence profoundly.”
‘Let’s get down to earth.’ SLO County winemaker’s career spans decades
Born in Beaune, France, Roguenant came to the Central Coast in 1986 to oversee winemaking at what was then known as Maison Deutz, now Laetitia Vineyards and Winery.
Prior to that, Roguenant had received a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon and was working as assistant winemaker to the prestigious Champagne Deutz in France.
According to the release, one of his greatest achievements came during this point in his career: crafting the official sparkling wine for the 1988 Olympics hosted by Korea.
During his early career on the Central Coast, Roguenant was a pioneer of a more accessible approach to wines.
“You don’t have to be a snob to appreciate good wine and good food,” he told the then-Telegram Tribune in a 1994 profile. “Let’s get down to earth.”
Though his early work primarily focused on sparkling wines, Roguenant would over time expand his expertise to a range of other wines, especially after he moved to Baileyana in 1999 and began producing for Niven Family Wine Estates.
“I’ve had the opportunity to look at how different wines are made in many different places, and I brought that experience all here,” he told The Tribune in 2006.
During his tenure with Niven he also gained popularity as a mentor for the next generation, routinely working with Cal Poly’s wine and viticulture program to help students produce commercial wines.
“It’s fun,” he said in a 2010 article on the university’s program. “It’s work, but it’s fun.”
In 2017, Roguenant was even named SLO County’s Winemaker of the Year.
In more recent years, he worked as head winemaker for Lightpost Winery in Morgan Hill, while continuing to lecture and share his deep industry knowledge at Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, among other institutions.
“His fingerprints can be found on countless wines, wineries and careers — the result of his tireless dedication and willingness to share his knowledge with anyone eager to learn,” the release said.
Celebration of life to be held in Paso Robles
Roguenant is survived by his wife, Lois, and their son Blake, who according to the release “was the pride of his life.”
“Christian was incredibly devoted to his family, and his love for them shone through in everything he did,” the release said.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Jan. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Anderson Paso, located at 3090 Anderson Road in Paso Robles.
The celebration will be held in “an open-house, bottle-share style to honor Christian in the way he lived: with generosity, fellowship and good wine.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to support event expenses via a GoFundMe campaign set up soon after Roguenant’s passing.
“Christian was many things: a brilliant craftsman, a generous collaborator and a warm soul who made everyone feel welcome,” the GoFundMe said.
As of Thursday, the campaign had raised $9,850 of its $25,000 goal. After event costs are paid for, any remaining funds will be donated to the Cuesta Community College Music Program in Roguenant’s name, organizers said.
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