Influential Central Coast winemaker dies aged 66

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

Christian Roggenant, the craftsman behind many acclaimed Central Coast brands, died suddenly on Nov. 2 at the age of 66, according to a news release this week.

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

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

‘Let’s go to Earth.’ The SLO County winemaker’s career spans decades

Born in Beaune, France, Roggenant came to the Central Coast in 1986 to oversee winemaking at what was then known as Maison Deux, now Laitia Vineyards and Winery.

Prior to that, Roggenant earned a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon and worked as an assistant winemaker at France’s prestigious Champagne Deux.

According to the release, it was at this point in his career that his greatest achievement came: making the official sparkling wine for the 1988 Olympics hosted by Korea.

During his early career on the Central Coast, Roggenant pioneered a more accessible approach to wine.

“You don’t have to be squeamish to appreciate good wine and good food,” he told the then-Telegram Tribune in a 1994 profile. “Let’s go to Earth.”

Although his early work focused mainly on sparkling wine, Rognont would over time expand his expertise to a range of other wines, especially after he moved to Belliana in 1999 and began producing for the Niven family wine estate.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see how different wines are made in different places, and I’ve brought that experience here,” he told The Tribune in 2006.

During his tenure with Niven he also gained popularity as a mentor to the next generation, regularly working with students in Cal Poly’s wine and viticulture program to help them produce commercial wines.

“It’s fun,” he said in a 2010 article on the university’s program. “It’s work, but it’s fun.”

In 2017, Roggenant was also named SLO County’s Winemaker of the Year.

In recent years, he served as head winemaker for Lightpost Winery in Morgan Hill, while lecturing and sharing his deep industry knowledge at Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College, among other institutions.

“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 said.

A celebration of life held in Paso Robles

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

“Christian was incredibly devoted to his family, and his love for them shone through in everything he did,” the statement said.

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

The festival will be held in an “open-house, bottle-share style to honor the Christian for his way of life: generosity, association and fine wine.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to support event expenses through a GoFundMe campaign set up immediately after Roguenant’s passing.

“Christian was many things: a gifted craftsman, a generous helper 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. After event costs are paid for, any remaining funds will be donated to the Cuesta Community College music program in Rogenant’s name, organizers said.