Both had previous careers in engineering and, while taking time out travelling, they ended up WWOOFing in Australia working on a vineyard – hence the name, L'Austral. Pauline studied oenology in Dijon while Laurent worked as a ski and sailing instructor. Pauline did an internship with Aymeric of Melaric. That is how they arrived in Le-Puy and were introduced to Philippe Gourdon who leased them the vineyards.