Interview • Portraits
People of Wine: Where Wine Meets Inspiration
Geraldine Bablot, Founder & Director at People of Wine, shares how her passion for storytelling and discovery is redefining the way we experience wine
What inspired you to start People of Wine, and how does your passion shape the brand and its vision?
The inspiration for People of Wine goes back to a homecoming ritual: my father, who is a fantastic storyteller, would return from his exotic work travels with a bottle of beer. As we tasted it together, he would share the history of people and culture of the country he was coming from. After moving to Singapore in 2010 and working for local importers, I had a hunger for the ‘unexpected’. In 2019, while setting up TWDC, I finally had the freedom to curate a dream portfolio of wines, ranging from delicious classics to wines from entirely undiscovered regions. In 2024, I seized the opportunity to start my own company. People of Wine is a tribute to winemakers and enthusiasts. In a world that has gone too far into mass production, and with young generations rejecting alcohol altogether, I want to restore the ‘nobleness’ of the craft of making wine. I want people to experience that beautiful, poetic state of inspiration that wine - a true product of fermentation and nature - can provide, all while listening to stories that transpose you elsewhere. We don't just sell bottles; we bring people together.
Why is connecting customers with winemakers and their stories so important, and how does this approach fit the Singapore market?
Uncovering the tales entwined with each grape and terroir is essential to understanding the wine and the human dedication behind the label. I aim to build a thriving bridge between artisan winemakers and consumers. In Singapore, people have a great level of knowledge, curiosity and sophistication. They are eager to explore beyond the classics. Seeing a spark in the eyes of a Michelin-starred sommelier or a private client when they discover one of my wines is a reward I cherish every day.
How do you choose the wines you feature, and can you tell us about a standout bottle and its story?
I choose wines through word-of-mouth, press, and seizing life’s unexpected opportunities. Beyond the discovery, it requires hard work and research to ensure every wine meets market expectations, and a good level of courage too! A standout is Bedoba from Georgia which means ‘Day of Luck’. Made from the indigenous Saperavi grape by a Swiss winemaker in the "cradle of viticulture”, it bridges East and West by using traditional clay qvevri alongside modern techniques. It required a leap of faith to introduce it at the time, but seeing its success now confirms it was worth it.
As a new member of the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, what opportunities are you most excited to explore within our business community?
Having established People of Wine as a tribute to the nobleness of the craft, we look forward to exploring collaborations that go beyond traditional networking. We are particularly eager to bring our unique, story-driven wine experiences to the French Chamber events and establish connections with its members. Ultimately, we look forward to contributing to the community by creating inspired moments, where great wine and great stories bring people together to inspire new ideas and lasting partnerships.
