OUR HISTORY
Rooted in the 18th century
From its Scottish origins to the Guillemet family, passionate generations have shaped Château Boyd-Cantenac: a legacy of expertise and excellence in Margaux.
1754The Boyd Legacy Begins
In 1754, Jacques Boyd, a squire from a family of Scottish merchants originally established in Belfast, acquired the estate. He gave the vineyard his name and laid the foundations for what would become Château Boyd-Cantenac. Its production quickly earned it recognition as one of the region’s finest wines: in 1776, it was classified as a Third Growth of Cantenac by the renowned Bordeaux wine broker Labadie.
1806 A New Chapter: The Brown Family
The estate changed hands in 1806, passing under the management of John Lewis Brown, a member by marriage of the Boyd family. John Lewis Brown, already the owner of Château Cantenac Brown, used his expertise and reputation to make Boyd-Cantenac prosper.
1855 The Recognition of a Great Wine
In 1843, Château Cantenac Brown was divided in two: the larger portion, 58 hectares, was acquired by the banker Gromard, while the remaining 8 hectares were taken over by Jean Verrière, future mayor of Margaux, under the name Château Boyd. In 1855, the estate was classified as a Third Growth Grand Cru Classé in the landmark classification drawn up for the Paris Universal Exhibition held under Napoleon III.
1932The Challenges of a New Century
The Guillemet Family A century of savoir-faire
HERITAGE
An oenologist and agricultural engineer, Lucien first acquired invaluable experience at the highest level over several years, heading up production at a prestigious neighboring Grand Cru estate while his father, Pierre, managed Boyd-Cantenac. When Lucien took over the reins, he brought a drive for development and qualitative innovations, while perpetuating his family’s commitment to the terroir.
Enriched by varied experiences, the new generation, embodied by Olivier, is gradually becoming involved in the management of the Cru, thus preserving the family spirit and authenticity at the heart of the estate’s identity.
Our philosophy
Honoring the land, celebrating the terroir, and perpetuating our century-old family winemaking legacy.
Our commitment
To produce excellent wines that reflect the authenticity and richness of the Margaux appellation.
A Commitment to the Future
Far from short-term commercial projects, Boyd-Cantenac prioritizes stable and sustainable management, based on a fundamental respect for nature, our most precious resource. This is reflected in our agricultural practices: organic composts, which enrich and preserve the vitality of our soils, have replaced chemical fertilizers; natural ground cover protects the soils while promoting biodiversity; insecticides were abandoned in the early 2000s, replaced by environmentally-friendly techniques such as mating disruption.
Our estate is home to a significant wetland area, essential for preserving local biodiversity. Our buildings are equipped with solar panels, and our bottles are designed to minimize our environmental impact while reflecting our commitment to quality.
Sustainability
We manage our vineyard with deep respect for the environment and a commitment to responsible agricultural practices.
Transmission
Each generation brings its expertise and passion to perpetuate the legacy of our estate.
