Château Haut-Brion

The history of viticulture on the lands of Château Haut-Brion dates back to 1423. In 1550, Jean de Pontac, a notary and president of the Bordeaux Parliament, built an estate building. After his death, the property passed to his fourth son, Arnaud II de Pontac, a priest and bishop. Later, Geoffroy de Pontac, Arnaud's nephew, managed the winery. His son Arnaud III de Pontac cultivated trade relations with England, a tradition continued by his successor François-Auguste de Pontac. The latter opened a tavern in London in 1666, where his wine “Ho Bryan” was praised by Samuel Pepys. After a childless marriage and financial difficulties, the estate was divided and eventually came into the possession of the Fumel family. Joseph de Fumel, who inherited the estate in the 18th century, expanded it with a park and an orangery. However, he was executed during the French Revolution. In 1801, statesman Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord acquired the Château but soon sold it again. In 1836, banker Joseph-Eugène Larrieu purchased the estate, reuniting it completely. Its position was recognized in 1855 during the classification of Bordeaux wineries with the rank of Premier Cru Classé, an honor bestowed upon only a few estates. Since 1935, Château Haut-Brion has been owned by an American banking family, the Dillons, and is currently managed by Prince Robert of Luxembourg.

Château Haut-Brion is located in Pessac in the Gironde department, in the Aquitaine region of France. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 37 meters above sea level.

Today, Château Haut-Brion is an active winery, continuing to be used for the production of its wines.