inspiring

portraits

Welcome

to our section dedicated to inspiring portraits from the Grand Saint-Émilionnais.

At the heart of this section are exceptional individuals whose passion, dedication and positive influence help shape the cultural, social and entrepreneurial richness of our magnificent region. Each portrait captured here is a unique story, a vibrant testament to the authenticity and diversity that characterise our destination. We firmly believe that behind each face lies a source of inspiration, a remarkable journey that deserves to be shared.

CHÂTEAU
COUTET

The Château Coutet vineyard has belonged to the David Beaulieu family for over 400 years, and they still live there. This singularity is added to that of its terroir, which has never been treated chemically. Historically, the estate has always been farmed using a method that is now classified as "organic". Thanks to this method, combined with mixed farming (market gardening, orchards, woodland, livestock) that favours original species/grape varieties, the estate has been able to preserve rare species of flora and fauna that contribute to making it an exceptional place.

The lands of Château Coutet, untouched by any trace of chemical activity, are now being studied by various scientific bodies. The microclimate of the Mediterranean belt and the presence of newts and shrimps attract many curious visitors keen to find out more.

Château Coutet has always been open to the public. Since 2013, the David Beaulieu family has been keen to develop and organise its wine tourism offer to give visitors the best possible welcome. It's also because the family has grown up and lives on the estate that they're happy to share their history, anecdotes and passion for nature and their vines, so that they can pass on their knowledge of the terroir and offer tastings of their wine.

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Portrait

1

Visuel

Aymeric de Gironde

Président, Directeur Général

Château Troplong Mondot in a nutshell?

Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion's Premier Grand Cru Classé, is situated at the highest point of the appellation and benefits from a special geology to produce a wine with a strong identity: powerful, perfectly balanced and with great aromatic intensity. Troplong Mondot is committed to sustainable development, and implements initiatives in all its areas of activity: viticulture, winegrowing and wine tourism.
Troplong Mondot is also a serene place with breathtaking views over the village of Saint-Emilion and the Dordogne valley. With elegant country chic rooms, immersive vineyard tours in an old Land Rover, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, guests enjoy an unforgettable experience.  


How would you describe the overall experience that visitors can expect when they stay at or visit Château Troplong Mondot?

We like to talk about a Sense of Place at Troplong Mondot, that feeling of belonging to a place where you feel good. Indeed, there's something serene and soothing about what our visitors experience. Added to this is the friendliness and smile of a team that pays attention to the smallest detail.

Can you share any anecdotes or memorable moments that illustrate the essence of the art of living at Château Troplong Mondot?

Any visitor who has had lunch at Les Belles Perdrix in the summer and witnessed the spectacle of horses ploughing the plots in front of the restaurant will surely still remember it! I don't necessarily have any particular anecdote, but every season has its own thrill, because the view is breathtaking wherever you are: foggy days, when only the steeple of Saint-Emilion is visible, winter days with the low-angled light and rusting vineyards, harvest days with lunches full of joy and laughter and a vineyard in turmoil, and those first days of spring when you can see the first buds and leaves and the birds (including partridges! ) have returned.

How does Château Troplong Mondot seek to evolve and innovate while preserving its heritage and distinctive character?

We're always striving to go further in terms of excellence, whether it's with our wine or our wine tourism activities. Everyone here is driven by a mission to take the Château to even greater heights. Every decision is carefully considered and taken with common sense. Nothing is taken for granted, and we owe it to ourselves to leave a mark for future generations.

Portrait

2

Visuel

Brigitte TRIBAUDEAU

manager of Château Mauvinon

Introduce yourself and tell us about your background

I trained as a scientist and have been a winegrower for 35 years. Winegrowing wasn't a straightforward path for me, as I've been part of a family of winegrowers for 8 generations. It was a chance meeting with my husband that brought me to Mauvinon on our very first date. I had a very powerful feeling at the time: this place was unique and would play a role in my life. We married and lived in Bordeaux before taking over from my father-in-law in 1986. We both worked at Mauvinon for 27 vintages. Since 2013 I've been running the business on my own (with the help of my children).


What makes you unique?

The hardest thing about doing the same job for 30 years is to get out of your comfort zone, to challenge yourself, and never to think that your practices and habits are set in stone. We are 800 different people, and each one of us is unique. Perhaps I'm particularly confident about the future and full of hope, which allows me to take turns and bring about change without worrying. In 10 years, I've converted the vineyard to organic and biodynamic farming, removed sulphites from the vinification and ageing of the wines and created one of only two “Méthode Nature” wines in Saint-Emilion.

What is/are your greatest professional achievement(s) in the region?

Developing green and committed wine tourism experiences is a great source of satisfaction. It allows us to raise our visitors' awareness of sustainability, biodiversity and craftsmanship. But beyond talking about Château Mauvinon, my aim is to promote our terroir, our know-how and to educate foreign and local visitors. If each and every one of us talks about hand-crafted products, made in France and environmental commitments, then the image of all the wines of Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux will be enhanced.

My greatest professional achievement is still being able to work with my children and grandchildren on a daily basis. Our ambition for Mauvinon is not to be the biggest, the most beautiful or the best, but to work together on a project on a human scale.

Portrait

2

Visuel

Brigitte TRIBAUDEAU

manager of Château Mauvinon

Introduce yourself and tell us about your background

I trained as a scientist and have been a winegrower for 35 years. Winegrowing wasn't a straightforward path for me, as I've been part of a family of winegrowers for 8 generations. It was a chance meeting with my husband that brought me to Mauvinon on our very first date. I had a very powerful feeling at the time: this place was unique and would play a role in my life. We married and lived in Bordeaux before taking over from my father-in-law in 1986. We both worked at Mauvinon for 27 vintages. Since 2013 I've been running the business on my own (with the help of my children).


What makes you unique?

The hardest thing about doing the same job for 30 years is to get out of your comfort zone, to challenge yourself, and never to think that your practices and habits are set in stone. We are 800 different people, and each one of us is unique. Perhaps I'm particularly confident about the future and full of hope, which allows me to take turns and bring about change without worrying. In 10 years, I've converted the vineyard to organic and biodynamic farming, removed sulphites from the vinification and ageing of the wines and created one of only two “Méthode Nature” wines in Saint-Emilion.

What is/are your greatest professional achievement(s) in the region?

Developing green and committed wine tourism experiences is a great source of satisfaction. It allows us to raise our visitors' awareness of sustainability, biodiversity and craftsmanship. But beyond talking about Château Mauvinon, my aim is to promote our terroir, our know-how and to educate foreign and local visitors. If each and every one of us talks about hand-crafted products, made in France and environmental commitments, then the image of all the wines of Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux will be enhanced.

My greatest professional achievement is still being able to work with my children and grandchildren on a daily basis. Our ambition for Mauvinon is not to be the biggest, the most beautiful or the best, but to work together on a project on a human scale.

What are you looking for?

Not sure which Château to visit?

Every day, you'll find between 2 and 4 wineries open to the public, ready to help you discover the secrets of vines and wine over a tasting session.

Visuel