Estates and People

Laurent Basse-Cathalinat takes charge at the Cité du Vin

Laurent Basse-Cathalinat is set to succeed Philippe Massol as general director of the Cité du Vin, working alongside president Jean Bernard after Massol leaves on December 31, 2026.

The appointment completes another step in the leadership transition at Bordeaux’s principal wine cultural institution.

Source: Vitisphere

Bordeaux’s new leaders confront the sector crisis

Anthony Jezegou, the new director general of the CIVB, and Sophie Martin-Hérisson, the new director of Côtes-de-Bourg, reviewed 2026 and discussed prospects for 2027 as Bordeaux’s wine sector faces an unprecedented crisis.

Their priorities will help shape how Bordeaux responds to a crisis affecting growers, appellations and the wider trade.

Source: Terre de Vins

A family succession finds a route to market

Paul Parlange took over his family’s property in Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux during the wine crisis and launched Clos des Gommiers in 2022 at €37 a bottle. According to actu.fr, the wine secured a placement at the world’s best restaurant.

The story shows how a small producer can build demand despite the wider Bordeaux downturn and the image problems attached to less celebrated appellations. Direct commercial validation can matter as much as regional promotion for estates operating outside the prestige tiers.

Source: actu.fr

Inside Château Haut-Batailley

Château Haut-Batailley, a Pauillac fifth growth, has undergone changes since the Cazes family bought it in 2017, including its distinctive pink winery walls.

Estate profiles can reveal how individual Pauillac properties distinguish themselves beyond classification and appellation. Here, architecture and operating philosophy form part of Haut-Batailley’s public identity.

Source: Decanter Château Haut-Batailley Pauillac

Ten generations at Château Mazeris

Jean de Cournuaud represents the 10th generation at Château Mazeris, a property founded in 1769 in Saint-Michel-de-Fronsac that produces Canon Fronsac. The estate covers 23 hectares, including 15 hectares of producing vines.

The estate offers a view of continuity and adaptation in the Fronsadais, where long family histories must coexist with changing market expectations.

Source: Sud Ouest Château MazerisChâteau Mazeris Jean de Cournuaud Canon-FronsacFronsac

Moulis president calls for a new Bordeaux image

In June, 29-year-old Théophile Cordonnier became president of the Moulis AOC and called for collective action to change perceptions that Bordeaux wines are too expensive and resistant to innovation.

The challenge is broader than promotion. Bordeaux must reconcile its prestige identity with the commercial realities facing appellations and producers outside the region’s most famous estates.

Source: Vitisphere Moulis

SAFER faces high stakes over €72 million classified-growth sale

A rival bidder is challenging SAFER’s allocation of the €72 million 2021 Château Beauséjour sale to Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse and the Courtin family of Clarins.

The case tests how SAFER exercises its influence over major Bordeaux estate transfers. Its outcome could carry consequences for future ownership contests involving classified properties.

Source: Vitisphere Château Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse

SAFER stands firm as Beauséjour sale faces annulment request

The Libourne court examined on October 22 a request to annul the €72 million sale of Château Beauséjour in Saint-Émilion, after SAFER designated the Courtin family as buyer.

The hearing advances a dispute that has dominated Bordeaux’s ownership conversation this week. It also puts the process behind a prominent Saint-Émilion transaction under direct judicial scrutiny.

Source: Sud Ouest Château Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse Saint-Émilion

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

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

€72 million Saint-Émilion sale faces court review

The Libourne court will examine the legality of the 2021 sale of Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse to the Courtin family, a transaction strongly challenged by Safer.

The case places a record Saint-Émilion estate transaction and Safer’s challenge to it under direct legal scrutiny.

Source: Sud Ouest Château Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse Saint-Émilion

Haut-Bergeron waits for botrytis in Sauternes

At Château Haut-Bergeron in Preignac, the Lamothe family waited for Botrytis cinerea, which appeared around October 10 after a dry September, before hand-picking and sorting the grapes in hopes of producing a fine vintage.

Sauternes depends on timing that cannot be forced. The report shows how the region’s vintage narrative can remain unresolved even as harvesting advances elsewhere in Bordeaux.

Source: Sud Ouest Château Haut-Bergeron Sauternes

Pierre Castel’s century in the wine trade

Pierre Castel marked his 100th birthday on Saturday, October 17, after building a wine business with his family from a small négociant founded in 1949 into France’s leading wine group.

Castel’s story reflects the scale and commercial reach of a family enterprise that has shaped the Bordeaux wine sector.

Source: Vitisphere

Arnold Schwarzenegger named honorary Bordeaux ambassador

Arnold Schwarzenegger was inducted by the Grand Conseil des vins de Bordeaux during his Sunday visit to Gironde for “Libourne fête la fin”, becoming an honorary Bordeaux ambassador.

The appointment gives Bordeaux a highly visible international figure as the region continues promoting its wines to a broad audience.

Source: Orange Actualités

Marie-France Manoncourt marks 70 years at Figeac

Marie-France Manoncourt marks 70 years at Château-Figeac in 2026 after joining the Saint-Émilion estate in 1956.

Her tenure represents an exceptional span of direct institutional memory at Figeac, whose family ownership dates to 1892.

Source: Terre de Vins Château Figeac Saint-Émilion

Olivier Simonou takes charge of Castel Frères wines

According to Vitisphere, Olivier Simonou was promoted to chief executive of Castel Frères on October 14 and will reposition and reorganize its sales and marketing teams within a global strategy.

A commercial reorganization at a wine merchant can influence how Bordeaux is positioned and sold as consumer expectations change.

Source: Vitisphere

Médoc’s new president warns the crisis is far from over

Maxime Saint-Martin says his presidency will focus on supporting people across the Médoc as high stocks and vine pulling continue. He sees little prospect of a rapid exit from the crisis.

The warning brings the human and structural consequences of Bordeaux’s contraction into sharp focus. Even the Médoc is confronting excess stock, vineyard loss and persistent pressure on growers.

Source: Vitisphere Médoc

Ivana de la Kethulle becomes CIVB marketing director

The CIVB appointed Ivana de la Kethulle as marketing director to help revive Bordeaux wine sales; she brings 17 years of experience in the spirits sector, according to Sud Ouest.

The appointment places marketing strategy at the center of Bordeaux’s response to declining sales. Her spirits background may bring a different commercial perspective to the region’s positioning.

Source: Sud Ouest

Generali France acquires Château Gombaude-Guillot

Generali France acquired Château Gombaude-Guillot in Pomerol from the Techer family, adding the estate to its Bordeaux portfolio alongside Château La Pointe and Château Croque Michotte, according to Terre de Vins.

The insurer already owns Château La Pointe in Pomerol and Château Croque Michotte in Saint-Émilion. The purchase adds another significant estate transaction to Bordeaux’s current period of financial strain.

Source: Terre de Vins Château Croque MichotteChâteau Gombaude-GuillotChâteau Gombaude-Guillot Generali FranceChâteau La Pointe PomerolSaint-Émilion

CIVB changes marketing leadership below 3 million hl

Ivana de la Kethulle has become marketing director of the CIVB, succeeding Florence Bossard as Bordeaux wine sales fell below 3 million hectoliters in the 2025 to 2026 campaign, according to Bouger à Bordeaux.

The appointment comes at a concrete commercial threshold for the region. The next marketing direction will be judged against Bordeaux’s continuing loss of sales volume.

Source: Bouger à Bordeaux

New marketing direction as Bordeaux volumes decline

Vitisphere also reports Ivana de La Kethulle’s appointment at the Bordeaux wine trade body, placing it against another sharp decline in commercial volumes.

The volume figure gives the leadership change added urgency. Bordeaux’s marketing response now has to address the scale of the contraction rather than simply refine regional messaging.

Source: Vitisphere

Aurélien Valance to lead Château Margaux

Philippe Bascaules will retire at the end of 2026 after three decades at Château Margaux. Deputy managing director Aurélien Valance will succeed him as head of the estate on December 1.

A leadership transition at a First Growth is consequential for collectors and the trade, particularly when the successor is already part of the estate's senior management.

Source: Terre de Vins Château MargauxChâteau Margaux Philippe Bascaules Margaux

Cruse family sells Médoc château after 130 years

The Cruse family sold Château du Taillan in the Haut-Médoc to French businessman Laurent Marti after 130 years of ownership. Classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the château has 110 hectares, including 24 hectares of vineyards, and will retain its classification.

Long-held château sales can signal changes in investment, vineyard management and market positioning. The buyer's plans will determine what this ownership change means for the property.

Source: Revista ADEGA Château du Taillan Haut-MédocMédoc

Jean Bernard named president of the Cité du Vin

Jean Bernard was elected unanimously as president of the Fondation de la Cité du Vin in Bordeaux in June 2026, after serving on its board since 2025.

The institution sits at the intersection of wine culture, tourism and public engagement. Its leadership helps shape how Bordeaux presents wine to visitors and the wider industry.

Source: Bouger à Bordeaux

The New Fourcas Dupré Arrives

Château Fourcas Dupré completed a 3-year transformation in June, following Gérard Jicquel’s 2019 acquisition of the Listrac-Médoc estate.

Substantial investment in Listrac is significant when many Bordeaux properties face pressure on margins and demand. The project also tests how far capital, positioning and renewed facilities can elevate an appellation that remains relatively accessible.

Source: Terre de Vins Château Fourcas Dupré Listrac-MédocMédoc

The Commanderie de Bordeaux in Focus

The Commanderie de Bordeaux promotes Bordeaux wines and culture.

Bordeaux’s international confréries remain useful channels for education, networking and market development, particularly beyond the region’s traditional European base.

Source: Folha PE

Château La Tour Figeac: An estate among illustrious company

Château La Tour Figeac in St-Emilion was created from land sold by Château Figeac in 1879 and divided again in 1881; despite its name, the estate has no tower, according to decanter.com.

Source: decanter.com Château FigeacChâteau La Tour Figeac Saint-Émilion

How a Broken-Down Château Became a Bordeaux Icon

A formerly dilapidated château became a Bordeaux wine icon, according to Wine-Searcher.

Source: wine-searcher.com

Jérémy Cukierman takes the helm at Cos d’Estournel

Jérémy Cukierman has been appointed general manager of Château Cos d’Estournel in Saint-Estèphe, a role left vacant since Aymeric de Gironde departed in 2017. The estate announced the appointment during the 2026 harvest.

Source: terredevins.com Château Cos d’Estournel Saint-Estèphe

A friend's Facebook video raises nearly €4,000 for a Bordeaux winegrower after house fire

Jean-Denis Bibian received nearly €4,000 in wine orders after his friend Pierre-Alexandre Jeandel posted a Facebook video asking people to support the Bordeaux winegrower, whose family home was destroyed in the Saumos fire. Around 100 people across France responded.

Source: vinetur.com

The engineer who challenged Bordeaux's hierarchy

Yves Vatelot bought Château Reignac in 1990 and used blind tastings to challenge Bordeaux's hierarchy. In 1998, a tasting of 200 Bordeaux bottles placed one of his wines among the top 15, according to Vatelot.

Source: CartaCapital Château de Reignac

Cycling trip in France: Tour de France through the vineyards of Bordeaux

A cycling trip through Bordeaux’s vineyards starts in Bordeaux and runs through areas including Entre-deux-Mers, Médoc and Saint-Émilion. In Bommes, 40-year-old winemaker Alexis Charrier produces Sauternes with his family property.

Source: Saarbrücker Zeitung Entre-deux-MersMédocSaint-ÉmilionSauternes

Basketball Star Shoots Hoops at Bordeaux Second Growth

A basketball star played basketball at a Bordeaux Second Growth estate.

Source: wine-searcher.com

Chevalier du Grand Robert (CGR) Named #1 Bordeaux Wine Brand in the United States

Chevalier du Grand Robert was ranked the #1 Bordeaux wine brand in the United States by Nielsen for the 52-week period ending May 23, 2026, based on dollars and cases.

Source: The National Law Review

Fifth heatwave drives Bordeaux white-wine harvest to a record-early start

A fifth heatwave has accelerated Bordeaux’s white-wine harvest. Château Latour-Martillac in Pessac-Léognan began its 2026 harvest on Aug. 11, 2026, 1 week earlier than its previous record from 2022, according to technical director Edouard Kressmann.

Source: Vinetur Château Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan

Bordeaux wine: the Médoc turns white and is tasted at the Soulac’n Jazz festival

White Médoc wines will be presented and tasted at the Soulac’n Jazz festival in Soulac on Aug. 22, 2026. The Pourtalès family in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne produces an organic Médoc white made from 100% sauvignon.

Source: Sud Ouest Médoc

Mini-vertical: Domaines Henri Martin

The Triaud family’s Domaines Henri Martin comprises 3 Bordeaux châteaux, Château Saint-Pierre, Château Gloria and Château Bel-Air Gloria, with vintages spanning 2018 to 2023.

Source: terredevins.com Château Bel Air GloriaChâteau GloriaChâteau Saint-Pierre

Mini-vertical Tasting: Château Thieuley Blanc

Château Thieuley blanc is an emblematic Entre-deux-Mers wine under AOC Bordeaux Blanc, made at the roughly 60-hectare family property in La Sauve, run by sisters Marie and Sylvie Courselle.

Source: terredevins.com Château Thieuley Bordeaux AOCEntre-deux-Mers

Bordeaux marks milestones with commemorative bottles

Château Gruaud Larose marked its 300th anniversary in 2025 with an etched bottle featuring golden Cabernet Sauvignon leaves. Château Brane-Cantenac commemorated 100 years under the Lurton family’s ownership with a special golden label for its 2025 vintage.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château Brane-CantenacChâteau Gruaud-Larose

The Best Value Bordeaux of 2026

Wine-Searcher named its best-value Bordeaux wines for 2026.

Source: wine-searcher.com

France’s 500 biggest fortunes in 2026: who are the South-West representatives in the Challenges ranking?

Challenges published its 2026 ranking of France’s 500 biggest professional fortunes, including South-West vineyard owners. Patrice Pichet, who owns château Les Carmes de Haut-Brion in the Graves, ranked among France’s 100 biggest professional fortunes, according to Challenges.

Source: sudouest.fr Château Haut-Brion Graves

Les Domaines de Moncets moves into Pessac-Léognan for the first time

Les Domaines de Moncets acquired Château Pontac Monplaisir in Pessac-Léognan, expanding to 5 properties totaling 56 hectares. The 16-hectare estate has historic links to the family that owned Haut-Brion.

Source: terredevins.com Château Haut-BrionChâteau MoncetsChâteau Pontac Monplaisir Pessac-Léognan

Meet the CEO Bringing New Flair to the Historic Château Angélus Bordeaux Estate

de Boüard-Rivoal is the first woman in 8 generations to lead Château Angelus in Saint-Émilion. As managing director, she leads a team of 170 people.

Source: us.headtopics.com Château Angélus Saint-Émilion

Bucolic walks in Entre-deux-Mers

Entre-deux-Mers offers vineyard walks, sports and château visits, including organic, family-friendly activities at Château du Payre, which has welcomed visitors since 1881. Its “Pur jus de raisin” workshop lets participants harvest, press and taste grapes.

Source: terredevins.com Château Payre Entre-deux-Mers

Bordeaux: négociant Philippe Tapie joins Bernard Farges at the head of the CIVB

Bordeaux's wine trade body, the CIVB, has adopted a permanent co-presidency, ending the previous alternation between growers and merchants. Négociant Philippe Tapie was elected to serve alongside grower Bernard Farges until 2028.

Source: terredevins.com

Brane Cantenac unveils label celebrating 100 years of Lurton family ownership

Château Brane-Cantenac unveiled a commemorative label for its 2025 vintage to mark 100 years of Lurton family ownership.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château Brane-Cantenac

Bordeaux mourns Jean-Paul Jauffret

Jean-Paul Jauffret, born in 1930, has died after holding leadership roles at the CIVB, Dourthe, Bordeaux city hall, Vinexpo and La Cité du Vin. He was behind Vinexpo’s first edition in 1981 and relaunched the Fête du Vin in 1988.

Source: terredevins.com

Castel Heirs Removed from Wine Unit Board as Family Dispute Escalates

Bloomberg reports that two heirs in the Castel family have been removed from the board of the historic wine business based near Bordeaux. The move deepens a family power struggle inside one of France’s biggest drinks empires.

Source: bloomberg.com

Jean Bernard takes the helm of the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux

Jean Bernard became president of La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux on June 29, 2026, succeeding Sylvie Cazes after 12 years leading the institution.

Source: Vinetur

Laydis vineyards turn to crowdfunding

Thomas and Élodie Laydis have launched a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule to turn their family estate, Château Roc de Calon, into an wine-tourism destination. Based in Montagne-Saint-Émilion, the move is presented as a diversification strategy in response to the wine sector crisis.

Source: terredevins.com Château Roc de Calon Montagne-Saint-ÉmilionSaint-Émilion

Alex Heinz from Ornellaia to a Bordeaux château: "Here are my new wines"

Alex Heinz has moved from Ornellaia to a Bordeaux château and is presenting his new wines.

Source: PressReader

New Wine Hub and LiveTrade partnership to ‘significantly’ expand businesses access to global fine wine trading

LiveTrade, the fine wine trading platform powered by Bordeaux Index, has partnered with Wine Hub from Wine Owners to connect business management software directly to a major fine wine marketplace. The tie-up aims to broaden global access to fine wine trading for merchants, collectors, and producers.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com

A new era opens at Domaine Beauséjour in Chinon

Arnaud de Laforcade is leaving Château Cheval Blanc after 17 years as commercial and finance director. He will join Domaine Beauséjour in Chinon as estate manager, in a project backed by Ivan Massonnat of Domaine Belargus.

Source: terredevins.com Domaine BelargusChâteau Cheval Blanc

Bordeaux with Premier Grand Cru lineage flies under radar

A Bordeaux wine with Premier Grand Cru lineage is flying under the radar, according to The Australian.

Source: The Australian

‘Impressively fresh’ 1892 Château d’Yquem found under chapel floor

A cache of 133 late-19th-century wines, including 8 bottles of Château d’Yquem from 1892 and 1896, was found beneath a chapel floor at Bečov Castle in the Czech Republic. Château d’Yquem restored the bottles, with only 5 full original bottles surviving, according to The Drinks Business.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château d’Yquem

France's Only Fully Kosher Winery Releases First Mevushal Bordeaux

Wine Business says France’s only fully kosher winery has released its first mevushal Bordeaux.

Source: Wine Business

COMO Cordeillan-Bages opens in the heart of Bordeaux wine country

COMO Hotels and Resorts has opened the 28-room COMO Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac, in Bordeaux’s Médoc region, in collaboration with the Cazes family, owners of Château Lynch-Bages.

Source: Hotel Designs Château Lynch-Bages MédocPauillac

The St.-Emilion Vanguard: Clos Fourtet and Beau-Séjour Bécot

According to Wine Spectator, Clos Fourtet and Beau-Séjour Bécot are at the St.-Emilion vanguard, and their impressive Merlot-based reds deserve a place in your cellar.

Source: Wine Spectator Château Beau-Séjour BécotClos Fourtet

France's First Mevushal Bordeaux Has Arrived

France's first mevushal Bordeaux has arrived.

Source: Wine Industry Advisor

Cantenac Brown hands the reins to Romain Courtier

Since early 2026, Romain Courtier has served as managing director of Margaux Third Growth Château Cantenac Brown, succeeding José Sanfins.

Source: terredevins.com Château Cantenac Brown Margaux

Chateau Batailley: A pillar of value in Pauillac

Château Batailley, a fifth growth property in Pauillac, has been owned by the Castèja family since 1961 and is known for consistent quality at accessible prices, according to Decanter.

Source: decanter.com Château Batailley Pauillac

Column: The story behind Chateau Giscours

Château Giscours has a long and turbulent history marked by revolutions, scandals and ownership disputes, according to Richmond News.

Source: richmond-news.com Château Giscours

"Château Picque Caillou Is the Ideal Property for Me"

Laurent Marti, president of Union Bordeaux-Bègles, has acquired Château Picque Caillou, a Grand Cru de Pessac-Léognan property, according to vintagebyugcb.com.

Source: vintagebyugcb.com Château Picque Caillou Pessac-Léognan

Château Cantemerle’s Haut-Médoc Charm

Château Cantemerle, a distinguished Cinquième Cru in the Haut-Médoc, has a new cellar and a focus on Cabernet, according to Wine Spectator.

Source: Wine Spectator Château Cantemerle Haut-MédocMédoc

Open days in Saint-Émilion: small family estate Clos Systey cultivates its gems

As of May 2, 2026, Clos Systey was a 2-hectare family property in Saint-Émilion, founded in 2015, led by Fanny Dulong and farmed biodynamically, according to Sud Ouest.

Source: sudouest.fr Saint-Émilion

En Primeur 2025: Pontet-Canet Sets the Tone

Terre de Vins reports that Château Pontet-Canet is again one of the first major releases of the 2025 Bordeaux en primeur campaign. The Tesseron family estate in Pauillac is offering the wine at a very slight increase in public price.

Source: terredevins.com Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac

At 90 Years: Bordeaux Icon Bernard Magrez Regulates Succession

According to wein.plus, 90-year-old Bordeaux entrepreneur Bernard Magrez named his 63-year-old son Philippe as his successor. Philippe has worked in the group for 40 years and has managed Château Plaisance in St. Emilion since 2005.

Source: wein.plus Château Plaisance Saint-Émilion

Bordeaux Legend and James Bond's Favorite Winemaker

Wine-Searcher describes a legendary Bordeaux winemaker as James Bond's favorite.

Source: wine-searcher.com

Amblevert nurseries in Sainte-Florence, Gironde: the "maternity ward of grape varieties" for 4 generations

On March 29, 2026, the Amblevert nurseries in Sainte-Florence, Gironde, marked 4 generations producing vine plants for growers and began making wines under the Oze brand. The nursery produces 1.2 million plants from 30 grape varieties each year.

Source: francebleu.fr

A new identity for Chanel's vineyards

Chanel is bringing its 4 wine properties together under the shared identity “Les Vignobles”: Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Canon, Château Berliquet and Domaine de l'Ile, while preserving each property’s individual character.

Source: terredevins.com Château BerliquetChâteau CanonChâteau Rauzan-Ségla

Right Bank château extends with acquisition of its neighbour

Château des Mille Anges, a Bordeaux estate near Cadillac-sur-Garonne, has bought neighboring Château Génisson. The owner plans to replant 20 hectares, signaling expansion despite wider vineyard pullouts and weak sales.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château GénissonChâteau Mille Anges Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

A woman winegrower on the municipal council and promoting Bordeaux wine

On Saturday, March 28, Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave appointed Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, director of château Sigalas Rabaud, as a municipal councillor responsible for relations with the wine sector and wine promotion.

Source: Vitisphere Château Sigalas Rabaud

Wine world mourns Bordeaux legend Michel Rolland

Michel Rolland, Bordeaux enologist and original “flying winemaker,” died from a heart attack on Friday at age 78, according to The Drinks Business. His career spanned 14 countries and 50 years, and he consulted for more than 150 wine estates.

Source: The Drinks Business

Why Michel Rolland became one of the most influential names in wine

According to NSC Total, French winemaker Michel Rolland died at 78 on March 20, 2026, in Bordeaux, France. Known for concentrated wines with silky texture, soft tannins and high alcohol, he helped spread his style through consulting in Argentina, the United States and Brazil.

Source: NSC Total

The Master Blender Who Turned Bordeaux into a Global Sensation Leaves the Wine World Forever Changed

According to Wine Enthusiast, Michel Rolland, the Bordeaux-based enologist, has died. His blending style helped define modern red Bordeaux and influence wine worldwide, with Pomerol as his base.

Source: wineenthusiast.com Pomerol

Picque Caillou: Laurent Marti’s dream becomes reality

Laurent Marti, president of Union Bordeaux Bègles, acquired Château Picque Caillou in the Pessac-Léognan appellation from the Denis family. The property retains 25 hectares of contiguous vines in Mérignac.

Source: terredevins.com Château Picque Caillou Pessac-Léognan

Obituary Michel Rolland: 1947-2026

Decanter reports the death of Michel Rolland, the influential Bordeaux-based enologist and global consultant, who died suddenly on March 20 aged 78. His career made him one of the most prominent figures associated with modern Bordeaux winemaking.

Source: decanter.com

One of the Greatest Oenologists of all Time: Michel Rolland Has Died

Michel Rolland has died; Falstaff describes him as one of the world’s most influential enologists and one of the greatest enologists of all time.

Source: Falstaff

AdVini and Cordier by InVivo sign their tie-up

AdVini and Cordier by InVivo signed a memorandum of understanding on March 12, with InVivo acquiring 7.8% of AdVini in exchange for part of its wine assets, including the Café de Paris and Cordier brands. The agreement must be approved by AdVini shareholders on April 30.

Source: terredevins.com

How Namratha Stanley built a wine label

Namratha Stanley moved to Bordeaux and built her wine label, Solicantus, after overcoming domestic violence and family restrictions. She sources French wines globally from her Bordeaux base.

Source: indianexpress.com

'On the Divine' with Frédéric Engerer

Artémis Domaines has 9 properties, including Château Latour in Bordeaux, under the direction of Frédéric Engerer. The portfolio added Domaine des Cabottes in 2025.

Source: terredevins.com Domaine des CabottesChâteau Latour

Châteaux Fonroque and Mazeyres: a new organization for the Guillard family

The Guillard family has announced a new organization for Château Fonroque (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé) and Château Mazeyres (Pomerol) to support long-term development. Judith Barat is appointed to lead both properties, while the technical teams remain in place with Alain Moueix continuing as consultant.

Source: terredevins.com Château FonroqueChâteau Mazeyres PomerolSaint-Émilion

Hubert de Boüard discusses his passion project, Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard

According to Decanter, Hubert de Boüard discussed Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard on February 26, 2026. The Lalande-de-Pomerol wine is 100% Merlot from a 6ha parcel of 70-80-year-old vines and is bottled in around 4,000 bottles annually.

Source: decanter.com Château La Fleur de Boüard Lalande-de-PomerolPomerol

The (Patiras) island of treasures

The Gouache family, owners of Château Loudenne, is taking over the Refuge de Patiras restaurant on Île de Patiras to create a new visitor destination linked with Pauillac and La Loudenne, including small daily boat trips in high season.

Source: terredevins.com Château Loudenne Pauillac

Daniel Cathiard Dies at 81; Turned Bordeaux Estate Into Champion Winery

Daniel Cathiard died at 81 after transforming Château Smith Haut Lafitte into a leading Bordeaux estate and champion winery.

Source: nytimes.com Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Château La Couspaude acquired by the Flurin family

Château La Couspaude, a 7-hectare Saint-Émilion estate on the limestone plateau, has been acquired by Pierre-Henri and Véronique Flurin. The deal confirms recent market rumors in Bordeaux.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château La Couspaude Saint-Émilion

Confusion over result of Castel Group board vote

A shareholder vote to remove Castel Group CEO Gregory Clerc amid disagreements with the founding family appears inconclusive, with both sides disputing the outcome. The ongoing leadership feud continues to create uncertainty for the group, including its Castel Frères wine business and estates.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com

Richard Nunn joins Champagnes & Châteaux as key account manager

Champagnes & Châteaux has appointed Richard Nunn as key account manager. The move signals a trade/portfolio and customer-development focus at a company active in fine wine, including Bordeaux.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com

10 years of Chartron et Trébuchet under the aegis of Grands Chais de France

According to Terre de Vins, Chartron et Trébuchet marks 10 years under the ownership of Grands Chais de France, with an expanded range of cuvées, modernized winemaking and a premium positioning in Burgundy.

Source: terredevins.com

Castel Group leadership coup escalates

The Drinks Business reports an escalation in a leadership coup within Castel Group. The dispute could have implications for governance and strategic direction at one of Bordeaux’s most influential wine businesses.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite launches new Chilean icon wine

Viña Los Vascos, part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBdR) Lafite, has launched Cañeten, a Chilean wine from Colchagua’s coastal foothills. The 2022 vintage, its first release, blends 54% Syrah, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château Lafite Rothschild

The Castel Group rocked by Succession-style family rift

Alain Castel resigned as a director of D.F Holding, while he and Romy Castel were reported to be seeking the ouster of Castel Group CEO Gregory Clerc. The group said its board met in Luxembourg on December 11 and supported Clerc, who acknowledged a “troubled undercurrent” at the company.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com

Why now is the perfect time to seek out Château Montrose

The case for buying and drinking Château Montrose now: a Bordeaux benchmark, for its quality and its current appeal.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com Château Montrose

4 decades of Château Margaux: A Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Masterclass

At Decanter's Fine Wine Encounter in Singapore in 2025, a masterclass tasted nearly 4 decades of Château Margaux wines led by CEO Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos, a member of the owning family.

Source: decanter.com Château Margaux Margaux

Cross-interview: François-Xavier Maroteaux and Axel Marchal

A cross-interview between François-Xavier Maroteaux and Axel Marchal discussing Bordeaux wine and winemaking perspectives. Published by the UGCB as part of its Vintage content.

Source: vintagebyugcb.com

A St-Emilion story: Château Pavie profile

Gérard Perse, former owner of Château Pavie, died in July, according to Decanter. Château Pavie is one of 2 St-Émilion estates currently ranked premier grand cru class A.

Source: decanter.com Château Pavie Saint-Émilion

Cross interview: François-Xavier Maroteaux and Axel Marchal

From April 14 to 17, the wine world will gather in Bordeaux to taste the 2024 vintage. François-Xavier Maroteaux, president of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, and Axel Marchal will provide guidance on interpreting it.

Source: vintagebyugcb.com

Meeting Château-Figeac

Château-Figeac, a Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" estate in Saint-Emilion, is set to host the Welcome Evening for the 2024 Primeurs.

Source: vintagebyugcb.com Château Figeac Saint-Émilion