“No shortcuts and attention to detail at every step” For winemaker Celine Rousseau, good wine starts with the bouquet. “I have a pretty good palate, but my nose is better for sure,” she said, highlighting the critical role of the sense of smell in assessing a wine’s quality. The French-born winemaker was once studying to become a perfume-maker, but her career shifted towards the wine industry. “Wines have wonderful aromas too, plus you get to drink, and that’s much better,” she quipped, suggesting that her transition was a no-brainer. Despite her extensive experience in renowned wineries, including Mumm, Perrier-Jouet, Chateau La Louviere, and Suduiraut, as well as stints in Champagne, Bordeaux, and Languedoc, Celine’s latest challenge is perhaps the most daunting one yet. She has taken the reins at Eden Road winery in Murrumbateman, where she has brought her meticulous attention to detail and unyielding commitment to quality.

From start-up to stardom

Celine’s story began in 1995, when she was 25 and decided to leave her native France for a vintage in Margaret River, Australia. “It was a great experience,” she recalled, but one that ultimately led her to the young, start-up label Chalkers Crossing. The label, which focused on Hilltops and Southern Highlands vineyards, proved to be a masterstroke. With Celine at the helm, Chalkers Crossing rapidly rose to prominence, winning numerous awards, including five trophies at the 2016 Royal Sydney Wine Show. Celine’s achievement earned her the coveted title of Gourmet Traveller’s Young Winemaker of the Year. The label’s success can be attributed to Celine’s unique blend of experience, passion, and attention to detail.

Chalkers Crossing: A remarkable rise to fame

• 1995: Celine starts working in Margaret River, Australia, at the age of 25.



• 1996-1997: She joins Chalkers Crossing, a start-up label in the Hilltops and Southern Highlands region.
• 2016: Chalkers Crossing wins five trophies at the Royal Sydney Wine Show, including Best Wine of Show.
• 2016: Celine is named Gourmet Traveller’s Young Winemaker of the Year.

A new challenge at Eden Road

After 17 years at Chalkers Crossing, Celine felt the urge to challenge herself again. Eden Road winery in Murrumbateman was the perfect destination, with its excellent fruit quality and commitment to sustainable practices. When Celine joined Eden Road, she was determined to apply her expertise and attention to detail to elevate the winery’s quality.