The history of
Champagne F.Cossy

It was in 1764 that the first grapevines were introduced in the Cossy family. At that time, the goal was not to produce wine, but to produce grapes so as to try and help the family live the best life possible. After a particularly difficult beginning of the 20th century for the wine-growers of the Champagne region, influenced by the Phylloxera and the economic crises, Sophie’s grandparents chose, in the fifties, to try out being Champagne producers themselves. The goal was to make ends meet with their profession, but also to dare and strive for success in a new endeavor. “My grandfather was a brilliant man who loved taking on new projects. My grandmother was courageous, loved to work and was ready to follow and support him during this adventure. And it all paid off… My father was the second son of the family, so it should not have been his destiny to take over the vineyard. At first, he was set out to become an artisanal butcher ! ” But still, Francis was profoundly in love with his terroir, the winegrowing profession and the vineyard. After an inconclusive try-out in the butcher shop, he made the decision to come back to the vineyard, where he applied himself with great motivation, supported by his wife Geneviève.

“My dad was a passionate dreamer from Champagne.” Francis quickly decided to become involved in the professional and trade-union organizations of Champagne in order to defend the vineyard and the winegrowers. “My mother was responsible for the daily operation of the vineyard, monitoring and customers!”

It was in this context that Sophie grew up. “I have always talked a lot with my parents about their job and our profession. My father loved to share about his commitment, about the history of Champagne and about his pride in being part of this community. It was these stories and his passionate personality that helped to make me the person I am today.” At a young age, Sophie was already involved in the trade-unions and professional structures, doing both local and regional work. “It was natural to me. I wanted to defend, to build, to share, to exchange, to propose. I learned a lot. About myself, my job and our region.” When Francis died, Sophie was just 26 years old. She found herself, with her mother, Genevieve, at the head of the estate. "We had to do it, go forward, learn even faster, try, sometimes go wrong, try again, just build. " In December 2017, Geneviève made the choice to finally enjoy a well-deserved retirement! And Sophie found herself alone at the head of the estate…