Château Cazebonne: participatory development via Winefunding

By Jean-Michel Brouard

Château Cazebonne, owned by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne in the Graves appellation, has launched a crowdfunding campaign via the Winefunding platform. The goal is to raise €300,000 to finance the estate's development, notably the acquisition and replanting of 7 hectares of vines. This project is part of a biodynamic approach and the revival of forgotten grape varieties, whilst offering an innovative and distinctive approach.

Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, who acquired Château Cazebonne (38 hectares) in 2016, chose crowdfunding to support the estate's expansion. The operation aims to acquire 7.22 new hectares of vines, where ancient Bordeaux grape varieties such as bouchalès will be replanted. The château's approach is deeply rooted in biodynamics and the pursuit of biodiversity, with limited production in 2017 following frost, but already featuring surprising natural wines. Winefunding's selection process is rigorous, accepting only around twenty projects out of 400 submitted, based on wine quality, project originality and financial solidity. Cazebonne investors can become co-owners of these new parcels through a landholding company and benefit from a tax credit, as well as potential returns in wine bottles. Ultimately, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, alongside technical director David Poutays, aims to develop four wine ranges, including atypical wines made from ancient grape varieties, setting themselves apart from traditional Bordeaux production.