Château de la Brède

Identity

Château de La Brède is located in the commune of La Brède, in the Gironde department. The winegrowing estate is owned by the private Fondation Jacqueline de Chabannes. Wine production is overseen by Dominique Haverlan and the SCE Dominique Haverlan.

History and Philosophy

Château de La Brède is a historic monument whose construction began in the 13th century and continued through to the 19th century, distinguished by its Gothic style. The residence was home to Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède and de Montesquieu, who was born here on 18 January 1689. Montesquieu altered the estate by introducing both French-style and English-style gardens. Following the passing of his descendant, Countess Jacqueline de Chabannes, in 2004, the château was bequeathed to the private foundation bearing her name. The estate has been classified as a Monument Historique since 2008. A permanent exhibition dedicated to Countess Jacqueline de Chabannes is housed within the medieval château.

The vineyard, which historically covered the lands of Montesquieu, was replanted in 2008. The estate embarked on extensive restoration work starting in 2013. The site holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” quality label for all four accessibility categories, as well as the “Accueil Vélo” cycling-friendly certification.

Appellations

Château de La Brède produces red and white wines under the Graves appellation.

Practical Information

Château de La Brède is situated in La Brède, approximately twenty kilometres south of Bordeaux. The site is open to the public from March to December for groups and school tours, and from 4 March to 15 November for individual visitors, with opening hours generally from 10:00 to 18:30. Last entry to the park is 40 minutes before closing.

One-hour guided tours of the château are offered throughout the day, starting from 10:30. Self-guided visits of the park and the historic farmstead take around 50 minutes. The estate also organises exceptional candlelit evening tours on select dates. Wine tasting and cellar door sales are available on site.

The château holds the “Accueil Vélo” label and is located close to the La Scandibérique cycle route. Montesquieu's former farmstead, restored by the Fondation Jacqueline de Chabannes, provides venue spaces for corporate events and private gatherings.

The estate provides educational activities and workshops for school groups (from nursery through to secondary school), with themes tailored to each age group, including castle architecture, the life of Montesquieu, and the Age of Enlightenment. Picnics are permitted in the park, and coach parking is available.

Find Out More

Official estate website

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The vineyard of Château de La Brède covers 4 hectares. It is planted on classic Graves gravel soils.

The grape varieties cultivated include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds, and Sauvignon, Sémillon, and Muscadelle for the whites.

Signature Cuvées

The estate produces several cuvées, notably Château de La Brède in red Graves and white Graves, as well as L'Esprit de La Brède in white Graves.

Château de La Brède red is crafted from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels. Château de La Brède white is made from a blend of Sauvignon, Sémillon, and Muscadelle, and is aged on fine lees in oak barrels for 6 months.

The white cuvée L'Esprit de La Brède is a blend of Sauvignon and Sémillon. A portion of this wine is aged on fine lees in oak barrels for 6 months.

Vinification and Ageing

The red wines of Château de La Brède undergo 18 months of ageing in oak barrels. For the white wines, ageing takes place in oak barrels (with a partial renewal every three years) on the lees for 6 months.