Château La Garde: Three Centuries of Winemaking Heritage

In the heart of Pessac-Léognan, Château La Garde has been writing its story for almost three centuries. From its 18th-century chartreuse to its strong family legacy and visionary acquisition by Dourthe, this is the tale of a truly singular Bordeaux estate.

A landmark rooted in Bordeaux’s history

Just outside Bordeaux, Château La Garde stands out for its understated elegance: a contemporary architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The name “Lagarde” first appeared on Cassini’s map of France in 1756, proof of the estate’s long-standing place in the region’s viticultural history. But the story began even earlier, in 1732, with the construction of the chartreuse nestled among woodlands, gentle slopes and vineyards. Today, this historic house — now a guest residence — remains the beating heart of the estate.

A legacy built over generations

In 1877, the Lacoste family purchased the estate, which had been weakened by the phylloxera crisis. They revived wine production and expanded the vineyards across its remarkable terroir. The wine was then sold under the name Clos La Garde. The Lacoste family also extended the original farm building adjoining the chartreuse, marking it with their initial “L”.

In 1920, renowned négociant Louis Eschenauer acquired the property. He introduced the now-iconic lion-leopard crest, inspired by the historic arms of Aquitaine, which became the emblem of La Garde wines.

The Dourthe era: a new chapter

In 1990, Dourthe took ownership of Château La Garde, drawn by the richness and diversity of its terroir. This marked a new chapter for the estate: the vineyard was restructured, viticulture practices refined, and quality standards raised even higher. The ambition was clear: to reveal the purest expression of this unique corner of Pessac-Léognan.

Shaping the future of La Garde

In 2021, a major transformation reshaped the estate. A brand-new gravity-fed vat room was built, open to the landscape and fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. These innovations make it possible to vinify parcel by parcel with exceptional precision, preserving the identity of each plot.

At the same time, the visitor spaces were redesigned to create an immersive ecotourism experience. This transformation reflects Dourthe’s commitment to honouring the estate’s authenticity while sharing the distinctive character of a great Pessac-Léognan wine.

Curious to discover Château La Garde for yourself? Book a tour and tasting on the estate’s official website and explore three centuries of Bordeaux winemaking heritage.