The halls of Wine Paris buzzed with energy—sommeliers debating vintages, winemakers sharing stories, enthusiasts toasting discoveries—and there I was, having the absolute honor of interviewing Laura Catena. This trailblazing woman wears many “red boinas”: fourth-generation vintner at the iconic Catena Zapata in Argentina, medical doctor and founder of Luca Wines—her heartfelt project since 1999 to champion small, old-vine, family-owned vineyards in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, rescuing century-old treasures and crafting wines that truly capture their heritage and soul.
I’ve admired Laura for years—not just for her tireless preservation of ancient vines and groundbreaking contributions to wine science through the Catena Institute of Wine, but for how authentically she balances it all as a devoted mother, supportive wife, and down-to-earth advocate who champions moderation in alcohol as a key part of a vibrant, health-conscious life.
Our conversation built beautifully on our earlier recording for her upcoming YouTube limited series on old vines (set to release this year—get ready!). We celebrated her remarkable 26-year push to elevate old vines—now finally earning the recognition they deserve—before shifting to the deeper topic: how she maintains genuine life balance amid such an intense career. Drawing from her medical expertise, Laura is direct: heavy drinking poses real harm, but light-to-moderate wine consumption—especially when embraced within the Mediterranean diet—can align with potential benefits, such as reduced heart disease risk, when approached responsibly and in consultation with a doctor.
Finding Equilibrium Through Reflection
Laura finds much of her personal balance in self-help books, which serve as gentle yet powerful prompts for reflection. “They prompt you to think about your goals, prioritize tasks, and avoid burnout,” she shared. As a physician, she highlighted a striking fact: 40% of cancer and heart disease risks stem from modifiable habits like smoking, inactivity, excess weight, too much sun, and heavy drinking—insights she gained from her extensive medical training.
When Passion Turns Work into Joy
For Laura, work feels like pure fulfillment rather than a burden. She once wrote half a book during a flight delay in Milan, effortlessly weaving productivity with the simple pleasures of a delicious meal and a glass of wine. “I love my work,” she said warmly, “so it doesn’t feel like a burden.” She actively encourages her team to take real vacations—“Nothing’s gonna happen in two weeks!”—to guard against burnout, while her own brief breaks recharge her creativity and spark new ideas.
Practical, Evidence-Based Wellness
Her health routines are grounded in science and remarkably approachable:
– The Mediterranean diet—bursting with fresh produce, fish, whole grains, olive oil, moderate meat, and optional red wine in moderation—is associated with lower risks of cancer, heart disease, dementia, and improved mental well-being. In Argentina’s climate, these ingredients feel like second nature.
– Daily dog walks with Nala (in California) and Tedy (in Argentina) become multitasking masterpieces: time for podcasts (*The Economist*, *Gastro Pod*), audiobooks in French, Italian, Spanish, or English, or simply soaking in nature’s quiet—rounded out by quick morning posture and strength exercises.
– Sleep is sacred: “I prioritize 7 hours to function well and avoid being rude.” She manages jet lag smartly with the “Timeshifter” app for light exposure, occasional melatonin (which works beautifully for her, even if partly placebo), and a strict no-alcohol-before-bed rule.
Embracing Family with Honesty and Grace
Laura is refreshingly candid about family life. After 30 years of marriage, she admits her work focus can sometimes mean “neglecting” her incredibly supportive husband. With her children, she embraces the “accepting B minus/C plus” mindset—allowing imperfections like forgotten lunches or a messy house to teach resilience, adaptability, and how to navigate life’s real-world curveballs.
Empowering Advice for Women in Wine
When I asked for her guidance for women entering the industry, Laura’s words were empowering and practical: “Find your passion and be patient.” Pursue your niche—even if it takes decades for recognition to arrive (old vines being the perfect example). Build knowledge methodically through books like *Wine for Dummies*, podcasts, and winery visits. Leverage your existing strengths—her medical background uniquely bridges wine and health. And stay grounded financially: keep a day job or start in entry-level roles to gain experience.
A Playful Twist: The Dream Wine Companion
To lighten things up, I posed a fun question: If you could share a bottle with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Without missing a beat, Laura chose Bad Bunny, the global reggaeton superstar. It’s such a delightful window into her open, vibrant spirit—imagining lively conversation, infectious music vibes, and a stunning Luca Malbec flowing freely. The joy that great wine and great tunes can create together is universal!
Laura Catena’s life is a beautiful reminder that true balance flows from work you passionately love, mindful health habits (moderation in alcohol included), and the grace to embrace imperfections. Through Luca Wines and her broader vision, she’s not only safeguarding ancient vines for future generations—she’s inspiring us all to live with more intention, joy, and heart.
Thank you, Laura, for the warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. Here’s to old vines, thoughtful sips, and lives full of flavor and vitality!
