Our
Story

In the Médoc, where tradition often weighs heavily, Château Charmail stands out. Perched on a gentle rise overlooking the Gironde River, the estate's history is as rich as the wines it produces. Its story began in the 16th century when the Trevey de Charmail family first settled in the Médoc, but its fame truly blossomed in the 1750s when its wines were served at the court of Louis XV—decades before the founding of the United States.

Its wines are the reflection of this journey, drawing from the past while looking boldly to the future. But how did this estate grow into the beloved name it is today? The story of Château Charmail unfolds over centuries, shaped by families, passion, and the enduring character of the land itself.

1500s
1982
2008
2012
2021
1500s
1500s

The
Founding Family

The Trevey de Charmail family made the Médoc their home in the 16th Century. These early pioneers were not just settlers but visionaries, laying the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most enduring vineyards. The family’s roots in the Médoc run deep, and it was their name - Charmail - that the estate proudly carries today. At a time when Bordeaux was still evolving as a major wine region, the Trevey de Charmail family recognized the potential of the land.

The Trevey de Charmail family made the Médoc their home in the 16th Century. These early pioneers were not just settlers but visionaries, laying the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most enduring vineyards. The family’s roots in the Médoc run deep, and it was their name - Charmail - that the estate proudly carries today. At a time when Bordeaux was still evolving as a major wine region, the Trevey de Charmail family recognized the potential of the land.

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1982
1982

The Charmail
Renaissance

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Charmail was on the cusp of a transformation. In 1982, Olivier Sèze, an agronomist with a passion for both tradition and innovation, acquired the estate. He saw not just a vineyard but an opportunity to breathe new life into the property. Sèze wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. He introduced sustainable farming practices and modernized the winemaking process, while still respecting the age-old methods that had been passed down through generations.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Charmail was on the cusp of a transformation. In 1982, Olivier Sèze, an agronomist with a passion for both tradition and innovation, acquired the estate. He saw not just a vineyard but an opportunity to breathe new life into the property. Sèze wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. He introduced sustainable farming practices and modernized the winemaking process, while still respecting the age-old methods that had been passed down through generations.

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2008
2008

A New Era With
Bernard d'Halluin

In 2008, the estate changed hands once again, this time to Bernard d'Halluin, a man with a deep love for wine and a bold vision for the future of Château Charmail. A Northener, d’Halluin saw the potential to expand the estate’s reach, both geographically and commercially. He began by extending the vineyards, acquiring neighboring plots to bring Charmail closer to its original size. Under his stewardship, the estate also embraced organic farming, a testament to his belief that great wine should come from a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.

In 2008, the estate changed hands once again, this time to Bernard d'Halluin, a man with a deep love for wine and a bold vision for the future of Château Charmail. A Northener, d’Halluin saw the potential to expand the estate’s reach, both geographically and commercially. He began by extending the vineyards, acquiring neighboring plots to bring Charmail closer to its original size. Under his stewardship, the estate also embraced organic farming, a testament to his belief that great wine should come from a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.

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2012
2012

The Art of
balance

Mentee of Olivier Sèze at Château Charmail since 2007, Sébastien Pineau finally took the reins as the lead winemaker in 2012. Pineau has been instrumental in guiding the estate toward organic farming while honoring the estate’s historical roots.

Mentee of Olivier Sèze at Château Charmail since 2007, Sébastien Pineau finally took the reins as the lead winemaker in 2012. Pineau has been instrumental in guiding the estate toward organic farming while honoring the estate’s historical roots.

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2021
2021

Return
to Roots

In 2021, Château Charmail entered a new phase of its journey, one that brought it full circle. The Goudet-Liquard family, led by Valérie Liquard, entered into a partnership with Bernard d'Halluin, bringing a deep personal connection to the Médoc. For Valérie, this was not just an investment but a return to her roots.

In 2021, Château Charmail entered a new phase of its journey, one that brought it full circle. The Goudet-Liquard family, led by Valérie Liquard, entered into a partnership with Bernard d'Halluin, bringing a deep personal connection to the Médoc. For Valérie, this was not just an investment but a return to her roots.

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