Pioneering Wine Importer Martine Saunier Dies at 91

Martine Saunier, a pioneering wine importer who introduced Americans to exceptional Burgundy and Rhône wines, passed away on February 9 due to lung cancer at the age of 91. Saunier was renowned for her exceptional palate, clear vision, and determination. Over three decades, she imported top wines from Burgundy, Rhône, Champagne, and Portugal, inspiring many in the wine industry, especially women.

Born in Paris in 1934, Saunier spent her summers in the Mâconnais region of Burgundy, where her aunt owned vineyards. Her love for wine began there, as she participated in harvests and followed winemakers in the cellar. After studying business in Paris, she worked in public relations for Japan Airlines.

In 1964, Saunier moved to the United States after meeting her future husband, a San Francisco doctor. Wine tastings in Napa Valley led her to Beaulieu Vineyard and winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who advised her to return to France for Pinot Noir. Saunier began working with a Bay Area wine importer and made her first buying trip to France in 1969, exploring wine regions in a Volkswagen. She started selling Burgundy and Rhône wines to a mailing list of doctors and lawyers in the U.S.

During this trip, she discovered a white wine from Château de Fonsalette at a bistro in Sénas. Impressed, she met vigneron Jacques Reynaud, who introduced her to his Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1959. She described it as an "explosion of greatness" and bought 50 cases. By the mid-1970s, Saunier expanded into distribution, gaining accounts at top retailers and restaurants from Los Angeles to Reno. In 1977, she sold $400,000 worth of wine, mainly to French restaurants. She founded Martine’s Wines in 1979 with $80,000, convinced she could create a market for high-quality estate-bottled French wine.

Saunier's relationship with Henri Jayer began when a supplier introduced him to her in California. During a visit to Jayer's cellar in 1974, she bought cases of his 1972 vintage after his British importer canceled. By the time she launched Martine’s Wines, she was selling Jayer's legendary 1978 vintage. In 1986, she began importing wines for Maison Leroy and later Domaine Leroy, founded in 1988.

In 2009, documentary producer David Kennard contacted Saunier about making a film on wine importers who impacted the U.S. market. He later focused solely on Burgundy and Saunier's business. "A Year in Burgundy" was released in 2013, showcasing seven of Saunier’s producers through the winemaking seasons. It was followed by "A Year in Champagne" in 2014 and "A Year in Port" in 2016. Saunier sold Martine’s Wines in December 2012, with two films completed and the third underway.

Saunier is survived by her stepsons, Jeffrey Cregg and Huey Lewis. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the wine industry remains influential, particularly for women pursuing careers in this field.