A new case of sexual assault and harassment is shaking the wine industry this harvest, exposing "a delicate period" where "the trivialization of sexist remarks, the sexualization of women's bodies, encourages predators" analyzes as much as warns the winemaker Isabelle Perraud, the spokesperson for the Paye Ton Pinard association, who listens to the victims to accompany them and calls on witnesses not to remain simple spectators.

Accusations of sexual assault and harassment of a minor are shaking the harvest in Beaujolais with a chilling account of inappropriate comments and behaviors targeting a 17-year-old seasonal worker. How did you react to these revelations from BFM TV?

Isabelle Perraud: I was very affected by this case, as by all those reported to me. Because every time, I wonder when it will stop. I put myself in the shoes of her parents, who thought their daughter was safe in this area. It also reinforced my idea that we must continue to act, to do prevention and awareness.

What do you expect from the investigation opened in this case?

I hope that this case will be taken seriously, that it will not be closed without further action and that there will be a trial, because this is what the young woman who filed a complaint is waiting for, like all those who do. This is often very long and these cases can take up to 10 years of proceedings... This is intolerable.

What support and care currently exist for victims of such acts?

Unfortunately, there is not much. Victims very often find themselves alone and destitute. In addition, all expenses will be borne by them: lawyers' fees, psychological care, etc., which can go up to several tens of thousands of euros. Today, the only support is that set up by volunteer associations such as Paye Ton Pinard.

In this case, there would have been other victims and witnesses, who had not alerted to these abuses. What should those who witness such actions do?

When you witness such acts, it is important to intervene, to provide support to the victim. If you don't feel able to intervene, you should try to get closer to another person to do so. With several people, it can be easier. Of course, witnesses can now contact the gendarmerie to give their testimony.
With the European project Grapes of Change, this is what we are in the process of putting in place: training that would be useful for wine professionals to know how to act and react in such circumstances.

According to the experience of Paie Ton Pinard, is the time of the harvest particularly risky for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence?

Yes, it's a delicate period, because there is a group of people, a lot of people in the different vineyards. And every year there are cases of sexual violence, even if the victims do not file a complaint and it is not covered by the media. The trivialization of sexist remarks and the sexualization of women's bodies also encourages predators to take action.

For years, the wine industry has been shaken by revelations of sexual assault and harassment, is the situation progressing favourably to prevent new victims or are there still inherent obstacles protecting the aggressors?

This type of behaviour has always existed. What has changed after the Metoo era is that women's voices have been freed. Today, they talk about it more easily among themselves to protect each other and provide support. This young employee had incredible courage. Because she was in a position of inferiority in the face of a boss described as violent. However, those who do not file a complaint should not be made to feel guilty either. Each journey, each case is different. The important thing is that the victim is well supported, whatever he or she decides.

How many testimonies does Paye ton Pinard receive each year? What follow-up have been given to your knowledge?

In 2025, there were 125 cases taken into care and many cases followed. When a complaint is filed, there is very often a dismissal because, as we know, it is the word of the victim against that of the aggressor. The victims of such events try to rebuild their lives, sometimes they leave the world of wine in order to do so. Paye Ton Pinard tries to make them feel less alone.

Source: Vitisphere By Alexandre Abellan On September 12, 2026