Chateau Margaux

The area surrounding present-day Château Margaux has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, originally known as La Mothe de Margaux, or the Margaux Mound. The estate began to gain prominence in the mid-16th century under the ownership of Pierre de Lestonnac, who transformed it into a notable producer of clairet wine by restructuring the property and prioritizing vine cultivation over cereal production.

Château Margaux’s reputation soared during the 18th century. Notably, Thomas Jefferson, then the U.S. Ambassador to France, famously declared, “There couldn’t be a better Bordeaux bottle” in his 1784 order for Château Margaux wines. However, the French Revolution marked a downturn for the estate, as the château and its vineyards were auctioned off as national possessions, leading to a period of decline.

The current château, often referred to as the “Versailles of Médoc,” was constructed in the early 19th century under the ownership of Bertrand Douat, a Basque shipowner. The estate changed hands several times until 1977, when André Mentzelopoulos, a Greek businessman known for his success in importing and exporting cereals, purchased the property, surprising the French wine community. He undertook significant renovations to both the vineyard and the château, including the creation of the first underground cellar in the Médoc, restoring the estate’s former glory. Today, Château Margaux is run by his daughter, Corinne Mentzelopoulos, who continues to uphold the legacy and prestige of this iconic wine estate.