Château du Puy Faure today embodies a story of successful transmission and a formidable message of hope carried by two young winemakers, Pauline and Anne-Laure. Despite the context of a wine industry crisis, their project combines loyalty to family heritage, agronomic innovation, and gourmet creativity, proving that another future is possible for Bordeaux vineyards.
*A Reinvented Family Heritage
In Val-de-Virvée, Château du Puy Faure spans 13 hectares of vines, passed down through the family since the 19th century. Pauline and Anne-Laure represent the fifth generation of winemakers, continuing the work begun by their ancestors while giving it a resolutely contemporary turn. Their father, André, gave the property its current name by taking that of the locality, “Puy Faure,” thus anchoring the estate in its terroir as much as in its family history.
The Boldness of Agroforestry
Facing climatic and economic challenges, the two sisters chose to convert the vineyard to agroforestry by planting trees and hedges in the heart of the vine rows. This approach creates a true protective ecosystem that naturally limits inputs, promotes biodiversity, and prepares the estate for the climate uncertainties of tomorrow. Furthermore, planting honey-producing trees allows for the development of on-site beekeeping, creating a virtuous dialogue between vines and bees across the property.
Inspiring Life Paths
Before returning home, Pauline spent nearly twenty years in Mexico training and practicing beekeeping, producing high-quality honeys that refined her perspective on terroirs and flowers. Upon returning to France in the 2010s, she put this expertise to work at Puy Faure by installing hives and fully integrating honey into the estate’s identity. Anne-Laure, for her part, comes from the world of language teaching, having taught in Austria, England, and then France before joining the château during the same period.
Shining Through Wine and Languages
A polyglot, Anne-Laure became a Compagnon du Bordeaux in 2024 and leads tastings in French, English, and German, offering visitors a warm and educational experience. This talent for languages allows Bordeaux expertise to shine for an international audience, while highlighting the specificities of their vineyard and environmental practices. Together, the two sisters embody a modern face of the winemaker: rooted, open to the world, and deeply committed to sharing.
A Palette of Wines and Flavors
At Château du Puy Faure, the diversity of the cuvées reflects the ambition to highlight every facet of the terroir: Bordeaux Supérieur red, Bordeaux red, clairet, rosé, as well as a pétillant naturel (Pet’Nat) and a sparkling grape juice for tastings accessible to all. Alongside the wines, the range expands with honey from the property and fine vinegars aged in oak barrels—notably tarragon and sage varieties—which demonstrate a true sense of gastronomy. This creativity culminates in their “Mi Pink Mi Raisin” cocktail, made from their own products and recently awarded a gold medal at the Concours des Saveurs de Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a recognition that honors both the originality and quality of their work.
A Living and Convivial Place
Beyond the bottles, Pauline and Anne-Laure have made Puy Faure a place for living and meeting, thanks to their shop and wine bar open Tuesday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for tastings of their wines and specialties. Visitors can discover the history of the estate, discuss agroforestry, and taste the entire range in a warm and intimate setting.
Afterworks and Meetings of Hope
The “Afterworks” they regularly organize at the château extend this convivial spirit, offering festive evenings centered around their wines, cocktails, and regional products. The next dates, November 28 and December 12 starting at 6 p.m., promise to be joyful breaks where one can see how much their commitment provides an optimistic face to Bordeaux viticulture. Through their journey, Pauline and Anne-Laure show that it is possible, even in times of crisis, to take over a family estate, transform it into a laboratory of ideas, and make it a very concrete symbol of success and hope for an entire generation.