Chateau de Birot

Located on the beautiful hillsides of Cadillac, overlooking the Garonne River 22 miles south of the city of Bordeaux, the Chateau de Birot has been producing wine for over 200 years in a place perfectly situated for growing quality grapes.

Built during the second half of the 18th century for Monsieur de Parouty, an important Bordeaux wine producer, Birot was at the center of an agricultural estate on which the best hillsides were already planted with vineyards.

This renowned estate was taken over in 1989 by Eric and Hélène Fournier-Castéja, both very familiar with the production of Grand Cru wines in Sauternes and Saint-Emilion. A major renovation program for the vineyards and cellars was undertaken at the time. The vines have been replanted according to the traditional method in Bordeaux by choosing rootstocks and grape varieties most adapted to the terroir.

With none of the children showing interest in continuing the winery, Eric and Hélène sold to a luxury hotel group in 2014, but promised that their son Arthur Fournier would stay on for a year or so to ease the transition.

Eight years later, Arthur is still at Chateau de Birot playing an integral role in the entire direction of the winery. He is wistful that he had not shown more interest when his parents asked him, but happy to still be working on his family’s estate. He welcomes visitors as if it is still his own.

The estate spans 40 hectares, with 35 hectares of vineyards. The chateau is a beautiful period piece of architecture, lovingly update with all the modern conveniences. It has 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a swimming pool, which can be rented as the perfect retreat for an extended family vacation or for friends to use as a base to explore the region.