The Proust Q&A: Erwan Faiveley

Erwan Faiveley is the seventh generation of his family to lead Domaine Faiveley; one of Burgundy’s great estates. The 36-year-old took over the running of the domaine from his father aged just 25. Founded as a négociant in 1825, today Domaine Faiveley owns over 10 hectares of grand cru vineyards and nearly 25 hectares of premier cru land in Burgundy, including Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos des Issarts; Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l’Ecu; and the Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru. Last month, Faiveley bought a 0.10-hectare parcel within the grand cru vineyard of Musigny – one of Burgundy’s most prized sites.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Eating Eggs Benedict with a lover on a Sunday morning in spring in Manhattan.

What is your greatest fear?

Death.

Which living person do you most admire?

French novelist Jean d’Ormesson.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Going to the Burning Man festival in Nevada every year.

What is your current state of mind?

Hungry!

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Their sparkle.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Space telescope Hubble.

When and where were you happiest?

Now, living in Burgundy and travelling the world.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Believing in God.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To let go more often.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I don’t have kids yet…

Where would you most like to live?

Burgundy, New York, Paris or Tokyo.

What is your most treasured possession?

My memories.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My poor memory!

Who are your favorite writers?

Joseph Kessel, Michel Houellebecq and Albert Camus.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Tyler Durden from Fight Club.

What is it that you most dislike?

Rudeness.

What is your greatest regret?

Having just one life.

What is your motto?

It’s not about where you go, but about the path you take.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve them?

Two English greats: Her Royal Highness Queen Elisabeth II and Sir Winston Churchill, with Mark Twain thrown in for good measure. I’d kick things off with Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill and would move on to a great Bordeaux, ending with a Chambertin from our cellar. A magnum of each should be enough, as I supect her majesty doesn’t drink too much.