What Kind Of Business Is Lia Sophia?

- Workers with disabilities take charge of the vineyard of Valenciennes.

The new occupants of the vineyard of the wine tasted Valenciennes Watteau 2008.

IN THE NEWS

For over a month since the discrete vineyard Valenciennes, delivered to the state Ageval is now supported by AOSIS, assisting in the professional integration of disabled workers. A formal transfer signed last Tuesday. Workshops are now Watteau
succession to keep the wine heritage.

BY KARINE MEZIERE
valenciennes@lavoixdunord.fr

REPRO PHOTO VOICE

Do you know that the vines are part of the heritage of Valenciennes? This vineyard, located near the farm Malplaquet, spread over a hectare of land, down to the lake of Trith. Several thousand vines of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are planted. Since 1998, the company re Ageval who undertook to refurbish the vineyard through aid from the European Social Fund. "The vine is a tool. It allows a service to people in precarious, that helps to integrate into the workforce, "says Patrick Roussiès, president of the Ageval. But today, the subsidies were removed and cultivate a vineyard has a cost. Therefore, AOSIS (Association of Parents of handicapped children) responded to the appeal launched by Ageval transfer. Thus, the association is very close in terms of helping to integrate disabled people, has positioned itself as the buyer of the vineyard while enhancing the skills of workers with disabilities. "We are very proud to acquire this vineyard. With this operation, white wine production will continue. We'll also be able to expand the activities of the Workshops Watteau, "says George Maillot, president of the IEPA. Thus, a score of disabled workers will be trained in business for viticulture and fruit growing. Professionals in this world of grapes may be taken during the workshops Watteau, including Eric the Broise, Master Chai at Louis Max (Burgundy) and Alain Girotti, winemaker at Chateau Charreau (Bordeaux). "We continue the adventure wine as it was transmitted to us," said Fabian Hernandez, Director of the IEPA of Valenciennes. And for the vintage Watteau continues, the process of sponsoring Ageval by vines will be perpetuated. "Only their gifts, grants will carry out the operation of the vineyard," said Fabian Hernandez. A symbol, since sponsors can taste the different wines. •

Workshops Watteau help inserting

Now, the vintage Watteau, a white wine not sold, will be manufactured by workers disabilities, supported by AOSIS and Valenciennes including
Workshops Watteau. To carry out the field, 9 000 vines (4000 Chardonnay and 5000 Pinot Black), Watteau these workshops offer a solution to all persons over 16 years with an intellectual disability, including disability does not allow them to integrate into working life. Therefore, a score of them may be offered a social life and adapted with a specialized supervision. "Our goal is to take initiatives to those persons with disabilities," said Fabian Hernandez, director of the IEPA Workshops Watteau.

Maintaining the vineyard

Thus, activities in professional and appropriate to the level of skills and production of each will be offered. "They will have to have a real effect on the cleanliness of the banks and on site maintenance of the vineyard," said Fabian Hernandez. Very specific tasks to continue the development of heritage wine in Valenciennes. "For this we will ensure that in the next Heritage Days in September, workers with disabilities speak about their activities in the vineyard and greet visitors," he says. A strategic moment which will act during the harvest. "You have to think about economic reality of things.
The disabled need as much work as anyone. With an annual production of 4000 bottles, over the vineyard is ready.

Source: Newspaper "La Voix du Nord" Thursday, 13.05.2010. KM