In this series of blog articles, we will be profiling the people who shape Domaine Gayda, starting with Tim Ford, its Managing Director.
How long have you been working at the estate?
I have been working at Domaine Gayda since its creation in 2003. Anthony Record and I are the founding partners, and we have been growing the estate together from the very beginning.
What is your role at Domaine Gayda and how would you describe your mission in a few words?
As Managing Director, I oversee the estate’s operations as a whole. I see my role primarily as that of a facilitator, ensuring that everyone has the right conditions to perform their role to the best of their abilities and to fully express their skills.
What was your background before joining the estate?
I trained as a horticulturist, and in many ways, the fundamentals of winemaking are deeply connected to that discipline. Everything starts with growing healthy, high-quality grapes and making the most of our remarkable terroir. Understanding plant growth has always been my passion, and it remains central to my approach today.
Was there a defining choice or encounter in your career?
Meeting Vincent Chansault in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2003 was a decisive moment. When Anthony and I met him, it felt like the final piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.
Which part of your personality most influences the way you manage your team?
One of my main strengths — which could sometimes be seen as a weakness — is my tendency to give people a great deal of autonomy. I encourage team members to shape their own roles, find their own way of working and take responsibility, rather than being micromanaged. My approach is to remain supportive while allowing independence.
Is there a wine from the estate you feel particularly attached to?
The Altre Cami range, now in its third vintage, has been an exciting addition to the Domaine’s portfolio, and it is a collection of wines I am personally very fond of.
Is there a particular time of year you look forward to most?
The moment I look forward to most is when the last grapes have been harvested. After facing the many challenges of climate change, it is a great relief. From that point on, the hard work continues, but everything is finally in our hands, and worries about floods, disease or frost are behind us.
Your best memory since being at the estate?
As an avid birdwatcher, some of my fondest memories are linked to nature at the estate, such as spotting rare visitors like migrating cranes or watching a pair of short-toed eagles soaring above the vineyards.
