Balancing Vines and Life: An Inspiring Conversation with Laura Catena
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!
The Adventurous Soul Behind Arsenio Winery and Olive Oil
Fellow wine lovers, if you’ve ever dreamed of a bottle that whispers stories of far-off lands while rooting you firmly in the earth’s embrace, let me introduce you to Arsenio—a winery that’s not just producing wine, but crafting a multicultural legacy. From ancient Armenian roots to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, an adventurous, charming old soul with a mathematician’s precision chases dreams through olive groves. A confident deep thinker, he weaves heritage, philosophy, and mastery into every sip and every golden drop. Arsen, born in Málaga, Spain, in 2000, is Armenian by blood and a true citizen of the world. With a Bachelor’s in Pure Mathematics from New York University—specializing in differential equations and chaos theory—and a Master’s in Vineyard and Winery Management from Bordeaux Sciences Agro, plus his WSET Diploma earned in 2024, he’s the perfect blend of analytical mind and passionate artist. “I’m already 25,” he commented with a broad smile and spring in his step, sneakers firmly planted on the sandstone soils of his Florence vineyard. But as he explained, exceptional wine (and olive oil) takes time, and he’s in it for the long haul. I was lucky enough to be invited for a private, one-on-one visit with Arsen Khachaturyants, the visionary founder of Arsenio. It was just the two of us, getting to know each other over glasses of his emerging vintages and samples of his exquisite olive oil. My recent visit to Arsen’s estate was energizing and transformative—like an ice-cold morning plunge into a crisp Tuscan stream. I dove headfirst into his fascinating journey: blending Armenian heritage with Tuscan character, a confident visionary pursuing exciting new projects, channeling his culinary passion with mathematical precision, interwoven with soul-stirring music—all grounded in deep family values. His philosophy? Humans are an integral part of nature, reconciling progress with environmental respect. Arsenio’s 10 hectares span three distinct Tuscan areas: Florence, Olena in Chianti Classico, and near Volterra by the coast—all organically farmed. In Florence, where it all began in 2020, you’ll find Sangiovese, Mammolo, Colorino, Pugnitello, Canaiolo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a nod to his roots with Areni Noir. At 300 meters above sea level on sandstone, with breezes from the Apennines, it’s a hillside haven within the Renaissance city itself. The unofficial 2023 harvest hinted at greatness, which I concur it was “great” labeled Y23 and 2024’s official vintage is set for release in 2027. But it’s not just vines; Arsen’s passion extends to olive groves that dot these landscapes, producing oil that’s as golden and profound as his wines. Walking through those groves with him, he shared how the same borderless vision applies—one golden drop at a time, honoring the saline winds and sun-drenched hills. “Travel has taught me to respect diversity without altering it,” he said, as we tasted the peppery, vibrant olive oil straight from the press. It’s a partnership between human and nature, much like his winemaking. In Chianti Classico’s Olena estate, an eight-hectare gem with three planted to vines, dense forests create a micro-terroir of clay and silt, protecting against winds and amplifying day-night swings. Sangiovese dominates, joined by Cabernet Franc and Grenache for climate adaptability. An old farmhouse is being restored into a intimate cellar— “a place where nothing interrupts your connection with the wine,” as Arsen put it. And near Volterra, the coastal influence shines with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sangiovese. The wines are poised to become future icons, each stemming from a deeply personal relationship with the land, expressing the full potential of its terroir through a pursuit of excellence and uncompromising freedom of interpretation. The flagship is an IGT Toscana, with only one wine produced under the Chianti Classico denomination: The labels, designed by Armenian artists, are small stories in themselves. Yeter shows Arsen in reflection, engaging with chaos; Anddem portrays him pushing forward against the wind; Screeching Soil captures Chianti’s rugged soils; Same Sky’s round shape underscores universality. “Searching for a new language means breaking rules,” Arsen told me, his eyes lighting up. These aren’t uniform—they’re soloists, each telling a tale. As we shared stories, music playing softly in the background—perhaps a nod to his soul-stirring influences—Arsen’s deep family values shone through. We bonded over our shared love for composers Hans Zimmer and Max Richter. I proudly introduced him to my cousin’s songs—a remarkably talented composer and artist who, coincidentally, studied under Hans Zimmer himself. Arsen was visibly moved by the music, and it added another layer of connection to an already profound afternoon. Supported by his loved ones, he’s laying foundations for a new wine chapter, one that speaks to curious souls like us. Huge thanks to Arsen for his warmth and this profound experience. Here’s to the chapters ahead—I’m thrilled to watch (and taste) what unfolds. If you crave innovation wrapped in tradition, keep your eyes on Arsenio. The vines—and olives—are only just beginning.