Jean-Manuel was born into the family business, Champagne Jacquinot et Fils, of which he is now the General Manager. After completing a degree at the University of Reims, he became trainee oenologist at Veuve Clicquot and now has over 20 years of experience in both sparkling and still winemaking in many countries, including France, England, India, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Portugal China, Kazakhstan and Morocco.
He is a Member of the French Oenologist Association, and is a qualified taster at the Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins de Champagne (CIVC). Jean-Manuel has consulted to several English vineyards including Nyetimber and Ridgeview, winning several gold medals, the trophy for the Best Bottle-Fermented Sparkling wine in the IWSC, London, and a silver medal in the International Vinalies in Paris. He has also consulted to wineries in Canada won gold for the best Niagara Falls sparkling wine.
Jean-Manuel has held positions at the Station Oenotechnique de Champagne as Consultant Oenologist/Winemaker, and at Oeno Concept (Epernay), but currently offers an independent freelance consultancy service.