My guest this week is Arnaud Weyrich, long time winemaker at Roederer Estate in Anderson Valley.
My enthusiasm for this California bubbles producer goes way back. Dr. Michel Salgues was an internationally renowned winemaker and consultant, best known as the founding winemaker for California’s Roederer Estate. He was highly regarded for his expertise in sparkling wine production and passed away in October 2017 at the age of 70. I met Michel at the winery and did a live show from the winery with him, I’m guessing around 2007.
Since 1982, Roederer Estate has been dedicated to crafting exceptional sparkling wines in California’s Anderson Valley. Founded by Jean-Claude Rouzaud of Champagne Louis Roederer, the estate was built on the belief that estate-grown fruit and meticulous winemaking are key to quality. Combining centuries-old traditions with the unique terroir of Mendocino County, Roederer Estate continues to produce méthode traditionnelle wines that honor both its French heritage and its California home. Follow Roderer Estate on Facebook
The line-up of award winning wines from Roderer Estate
Arnaud Weyrich began his career at Roederer Estate as an intern after he graduated in 1993 from the prestigious Montpellier school, “Ecole Supérieure d’Oenologie” with a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology. With a strong background in both viticulture and enology, Arnaud put his education to work during his internship. This experience was the start of a great relationship with Maison Louis Roederer, as he later returned to the company and today holds the title of Winemaker and Vice President of Production. After completing his internship, Arnaud moved back to France to be with his fiancée. This move also included a position with a large retail company where he managed all quality control issues for the beverages under the company’s private label.
With his passion for the wine industry and an interest in moving back to a smaller company, Arnaud happily returned to Roederer Estate in 2000. As assistant winemaker, he supervised all winemaking operations while respecting the 200-year-old traditional winemaking techniques so important to the house style of Champagne Louis Roederer. With a strong and diverse background in all winemaking techniques, Arnaud then moved to Reims where he was the Chief Technical Officer in charge of Development for Champagne Louis Roederer for over a year. When the opportunity arose in 2002, Arnaud moved his family back to Roederer Estate and has since managed the winery in all aspects, from the vineyard to the day-to-day business. Arnaud is on Facebook
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2019 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut
The concept of the vintage L’Ermitage is the same one that is used in Champagne: only the best of the vintage is selected. These are exceptional wines that create a “noble” blend that allows for longer aging, which produces a fine wine with elegance and finesse. Vintage 2019 features aromas of quince paste and light pastry crust. The entry is bright and textured midpalate. A mouthwatering finish is highlighted by pear skin and an even, creamy texture.
100 Points / Cellar Selection
If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. — Wine Enthusiast, Tonya Pitts, Aug. 2025
Order a bottle or two today and be ready to celebrate with style!
Jacob Liquor Exchange