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A Return to His ROOTS
Born in Carcassonne, Henri grew up among the vineyards and cellars, following his parents during harvests and watching the bottling lines with fascination.
Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril encouraged him to first gain experience elsewhere before considering a return one day. So Henri chose his path: the fast-moving world of startups and technology. Over ten years, he helped drive the growth of several French startups before founding Avizio, a recruitment consulting firm that he sold in 2022 to EDG (European Digital Group). The company later merged to become WEFY, now a leading HR consultancy in the tech industry.
“My background, rooted in family heritage but shaped by entrepreneurship, is a real strength,” Henri explains. “It allows me to see the future of wine as a space for innovation and transmission, where we must constantly reinvent ourselves without losing sight of where we come from.”
A Double CONNECTION
For several years, Henri has been balancing two worlds: one during the week, another on weekends. “During the week, it’s all tech and recruitment — on weekends, it’s all about wine,” he laughs.
This balance between innovation and tradition naturally led him to prepare for his return to the family estate.
“As a native of Languedoc and the son of winegrowers and entrepreneurs, I’ve been getting ready for years to take over Maison Lorgeril and Château de Pennautier, the most beautiful place in the world, if I may say so.”
A Smooth TRANSITION
Starting in September 2025, Henri officially joins the family estates for a full hands-on immersion: in the vineyards and the cellars, but also out in the market alongside clients. He will also complete the Estate Succession Program at the Université du Vin in Suze-la-Rousse, while working closely with the Maison’s teams.
“I didn’t grow up just to be my parents’ son,” says Henri. “But I’m deeply aware of both the privilege and the responsibility that come with a heritage handed down through thirteen generations. My goal is to build on the momentum my parents have created, while keeping my eyes firmly on the decades ahead.”
Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril share their enthusiasm for this next step:
“We’ve always shared our passion for terroirs and for the future of Languedoc with our children,” they say. “At the same time, we’ve encouraged them to look ahead with curiosity and optimism. Henri’s decision to leave behind a successful career and return to the vineyards is, for us, a wonderful reflection of the values we’ve tried to pass on — love of nature, commitment, patience and courage.”
Four centuries after its beginnings, the family story enters a new chapter, one driven by the same entrepreneurial spirit and the enduring ambition to celebrate and promote the wines of Languedoc.
