Edition of October 22, 2026

Laurent Basse-Cathalinat takes charge at the Cité du Vin

Laurent Basse-Cathalinat will become general director of Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin on January 1, 2027, succeeding Philippe Massol, who led the institution for 18 years.

The appointment places new leadership at one of Bordeaux’s principal wine-facing institutions.

Source: Placéco Estates and PeopleVisiting Bordeaux

Business France puts Bordeaux producers into trade matchmaking

Business France brought 6 producers and winemakers from Premier Côtes de Bordeaux, Entre deux Mers and Sainte Foy together with UK wine buyers and importers in central London.

The format puts direct commercial introductions at the center of Bordeaux’s international trade efforts. The next question is whether these meetings develop into lasting partnerships.

Source: The Buyer Entre-deux-MersSainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux

Fronsac and Canon Fronsac focus on consumers

Winegrowers in Fronsac and Canon Fronsac will open 32 properties to visitors on October 24 and 25. Appellation president Damien Landouar said the priority is to address consumers directly.

The open-house weekend gives both appellations a direct channel for explaining their wines and building consumer relationships.

Source: Sud Ouest Canon-FronsacFronsac Visiting Bordeaux

Beauséjour sale faces scrutiny over 145% price gap

A public finance report flagged a 145% price gap in the €72 million sale of Château Beauséjour. The Libourne court will examine the legality of the transaction.

The case places the valuation and sale process of a flagship Saint-Émilion estate under direct legal scrutiny. Safer had obtained approval from the state representative before intervening in the 2021 transaction.

Source: Sud Ouest Château Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse Saint-Émilion Rules and ClassificationsEstates and People