Madame May de Lencquesaing, “Lady May”, recently celebrated a century of life, legacy, and reinvention. The milestone was marked by the release of the Lady May 2020 Centenary Label. WineLand asked her about the highlights in her life and the future of the wine industry.
Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing (1952)
What has been the highlight of your career?
Each chapter holds its own beauty, but acquiring Glenelly in 2003 was a moment of rebirth. To take a leap of faith at such an age, in a land so different from my own, was both daunting and exhilarating. But I believed in the soil, in its strength and grace. Just like the women I admire.
How has the global wine world changed since your first vintage?
Oh, it has changed immensely! We are more connected now. Wine has become a global language. Technology has refined our craft, but more importantly, it has widened the audience. There’s a new appreciation for authenticity. People want wines that speak of place, of heritage.
Has the industry become more welcoming for women?
We’ve certainly made progress. When I began, few women were making wine or running estates. Today, I see more women not just working in wine, but leading. Still, we must ensure the door stays open. Encouragement and mentorship are powerful tools. We must offer them freely.
How can the wine industry prepare for the future?
By listening to the land. Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here. Sustainability must be more than a philosophy. It must be practice. And we must also cultivate diversity. New voices and new perspectives will be essential for the next hundred years.
Have you found the secret to a full and happy life?
Curiosity. Passion. A willingness to begin again, even when others might stop. And, of course, sharing. Wine is best when it brings people together across tables, across cultures, across generations.
Wine is a generous companion. It teaches us patience, balance, and joy. And if we let it, it reminds us that the best stories are still being written.
Lady May at Glenelly.
