Influential Central Coast winemaker dies at 66. ‘A brilliant craftsman’

One of San Luis Obispo County’s “most respected and influential winemakers” has died.

Christian Roguenant, the artisan behind several acclaimed brands on the Central Coast, died suddenly on November 2 at the age of 66, it was announced this week.

During a decades-long career in the Central Coast wine industry, Rognante leaves behind a legacy of “creativity, generosity and an uncompromising passion for craft,” the release said.

“Christian leaves behind countless friends, colleagues and protégés who were shaped by his talent, patience, humor and heart,” the release said. “His absence will be deeply felt by the Central Coast wine community and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

‘Let’s keep our feet on the ground.’ SLO County winemaker’s career spans decades

Born in Beaune, France, Roguenant came to the Central Coast in 1986 to oversee what was then called Maison Deutz (now Laetitia Vineyards and Winery).

Prior to this, Roguenant had obtained a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon and worked as an assistant winemaker at the famous Champagne Deutz in France.

According to a press release, one of his greatest achievements came at this point in his career: creating the official sparkling wine for the 1988 Olympic Games hosted by South Korea.

During his early career on the Central Coast, Rognante was a pioneer of a more approachable approach to wine.

“You don’t have to be a snob to appreciate good wine and food,” he told the Telegram Tribune in a 1994 profile at the time. “Let’s keep our feet on the ground.”

Although his early work focused primarily on sparkling wines, over time Roguenant expanded his expertise to a range of other wines, particularly after he moved to Baileyana in 1999 and began producing for Niven Family Wine Estates.

“I had the opportunity to learn how different wines were made in many different places, and I brought that experience here,” he told the Tribune in 2006.

During his tenure at Niven, he also gained popularity as a mentor to the next generation, often working with Caltech’s wine and viticulture program to help students produce commercial wine.

“It’s interesting,” he said in a 2010 article about the university’s project. “It’s work, but it’s also fun.”

In 2017, Roguenant was even named SLO County Winemaker of the Year.

In recent years, he served as head winemaker at Lightpost Winery in Morgan Hill, while continuing to speak and share his deep industry knowledge at institutions such as Caltech and Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria.

“His fingerprints can be found on countless wines, wineries and careers – the result of his tireless dedication and willingness to share his knowledge with anyone eager to learn,” the release states.

A celebration of life will be held in Paso Robles

Rognant is survived by his wife, Louise, and their son, Blake, who was “the pride of his life,” according to the release.

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“Christian was fiercely loyal to his family and his love for them was evident in everything he did,” the release said.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Jan. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Anderson Paso Hotel, 3090 Anderson Road, Paso Robles.

The celebration will be held “with an open, shared bottle format to honor Christian’s way of life: generosity, friendship and good wine.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the costs of the event through a GoFundMe campaign set up shortly after Roguenant’s death.

“Christian was many things: a talented craftsman, a generous collaborator and a warm soul who made everyone feel welcome,” the GoFundMe said.

As of Thursday, the campaign had raised $9,850 of its $25,000 goal. Organizers said after event expenses are paid, any remaining funds will be donated in Rognante’s name to the Cuesta Community College music program.