As one of the oldest wineries in Bordeaux, ancient documents show that Chateau Haut-Brion was growing grape vines as far back as the 15th century, however evidence suggests that the first vines may have been planted there as early as the 1stcentury A.D. The name Haut-Brion is derived from “Briga”—an ancient Celtic word meaning “high place” or “hill.”

This 48-hectare estate is distinguished among other Bordeaux vineyards for being an innovator in many aspects of the industry; for example, they were the first to market their wine outside their own appellation, and also one of the first to produce a wine that lends itself exceedingly well to cellaring. It was also the only First Growth wine (awarded that status in 1855) that was not from the Medoc appellation.

Recognized for its superior reds as well as whites, Pessac-Léognan on the Left Bank claims classified growths for both—making it quite unique in comparison to its neighboring Médoc properties.

Pessac’s Chateau Haut-Brion, the only first growth located outside of the Médoc, is said to have been the first to conceptualize fine red wine in Bordeaux back in the late 1600s. The estate, along with its high-esteemed neighbors, La Mission Haut-Brion, Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pique-Caillou and Chateau Pape-Clément are today all but enveloped by the city of Bordeaux. The rest of the vineyards of Pessac-Léognan are in clearings of heavily forested area or abutting dense suburbs.

Arid sand and gravel on top of clay and limestone make the area unique and conducive to growing Sémillon and Sauvignon blanc as well as the grapes in the usual Left Bank red recipe: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and miniscule percentages of Petit Verdot and Malbec.