A glass of wine for solidarity: Nathalie Bonhomme supports the Alzheimer Societies

Bonjour-Hi-Hola,

My name is Nathalie Bonhomme, and I’m originally from Québec. I’ve lived in Spain since 1991, and my life has always been intertwined with the world of wine. I am Les Vins Bonhomme, where I act as a winemaker, producer and creator of several cuvées bearing my father’s name. Alongside my husband, André Tremblay, we continue this wine journey together in the beautiful Ventoux region of France, at Domaine du Tix.

For as long as I can remember, my mother had an incredible memory. She could recall everything—from the name of the little girl standing beside me in my second-grade class photo, to the name of the distant and lost Spanish village where I made my first wine.

She was the keeper of our family's memories. But then, over time, I noticed changes. On one of my visits to Québec, I realized she wasn’t reading anymore. With each trip, I could see the mother I knew slipping away. She started to act in ways that didn’t feel like her, almost as though she was becoming someone else entirely. She hid her struggles, denied her differences, her forgetfulness, and then, on one Christmas Eve, she no longer recognized the man she’d spent her life with—our father. And he, too had hidden her condition, unable to accept it out of love, shame, and fear for her.  After many years of denial, despite all the help we tried to offer, we, her children, had to step in and take charge of their lives. But by then, my mother’s condition had already progressed too far, and treatments that could have slowed its progression came too late.

That’s why, today, I feel compelled to share my story and raise awareness for this cause—one that can benefit immensely through open communication. In Québec, we are fortunate to have a rich tradition of gathering—whether with family, friends, or colleagues—around a meal or a glass of wine. I believe it’s at the table, in these intimate moments, that we find the most meaningful opportunities to speak openly and honestly about what truly matters, like Alzheimer’s. The earlier we start these conversations, the greater the chance we put on our side before it’s too late for effective treatments.

There is help available, and the people offering that help are truly compassionate and dedicated. But it is so important to seek it early, because nearly 50% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s do so only when the disease is already in its advanced stages. The courage to ask for help is the first step, and the sooner we take that step, the more we can make a difference.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Alzheimer’s Society for support.

Nathalie Bonhomme

Nathalie has two daughters, Megan and Caroline, and divides her life between Altea, Spain, Mormoiron, France, and Quebec.

To donate to the the Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies : https://societealzheimer.ca/fqsa