You were an actress before you joined the family business.
I didn’t join the business, I was born into it.
My father was very involved with the wine business until the day he died. He was the boss. I had a role but it wasn’t enough to fill my life. So there was no reason for me not to do something completely different.
Now, I am the main shareholder of our estate and company, Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and president of the board. One of my sons is the vice-president but I’m still completely in command.
Do you miss the theatre? Would anything lure you back?
Of course, I miss it. I was an actress for 30 years. I was in the Comedie Francaise; I did classical and modern plays. I sang in French.
All my friends are in the theatre. Placido Domingo happens to be a great friend of mine – he came to Mouton to sing. I still go to the theatre when I’m in London, Paris or New York. The last play I saw was by Tom Stoppard.
But to go back to acting? I have too much to do in the wine business.
You own several great chateaux, including the famous Mouton Rothschild. Not many people can claim to be that lucky.
I know. I wake up each day and say I’m really lucky to have this life. But being in the position I am, I always remember that one has more duties than rights.
It’s exceptional though to be this close to the culture of wine. My father always said that wine is art and making great wine is art.
And Asia is finally discovering and learning to appreciate fine wine. Do you visit Asia much?
I’ve been coming here since 1971. Then, I was touring with a classical troupe and we performed in Vientiane, Bangkok and Vietnam.
Do you have a favourite Asian city?
Kyoto. I have a “heart” link with Japan. At home, I have all things Japanese and I collect Japanese art.
Where else do you enjoy travelling to?
I love being on the high seas. I usually charter a boat and take my friends around the Mediterranean or along the coast of Turkey, which is very long. Montenegro is also a wonderful place.
What is your impression of wines served inflight?
I think there should be more effort in first class, although I’ve come across some very good Burgundy and Chablis being served.
Who has the “nose” in the family?
People with very good noses say they taste wine more by the nose than anything else. My oldest son (Philippe) has it.
