The club

Origins

The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, which nowadays enjoys a vibrant image and increased production quality, has a number of undeniable advantages. The region’s winemaking ambassadors have decided to join forces behind a new initiative led by Stéphane Derenoncourt and Stephan von Neipperg, drawing on the participants’ individual and collective strengths from both a quality and environmental point of view, with the aim of promoting their exceptional terroir and the diversity of winegrowers involved and spreading the word about their wines on the international stage.

The club is run as a not-for-profit organisation and was set up in January 2022, in the heart of the region. It is made up of seventeen winemakers from the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Appellation, who are the founding members.

Values

A very human story

It is the very human aspect of this project that makes it so innovative. The appellation’s big names, who already enjoy a certain renown, have decided to pool their reputation, know-how and networks at the service of all the club’s members.
It is a community initiative the likes of which has never before been seen in the area, uniting the winemakers in their commitment and highlighting the very human values of conviviality, solidarity and sharing.

A terroir approach

The purpose of the club to promote the area’s many advantages, which contribute to the incredible quality potential of the wines: the riches of the Dordogne spread out at the foot of the hill, the appellation’s steep incline, the full diversity of the terroirs from hillsides to plateau, and a remarkable historical heritage.
This diversity is a genuine source of strength for the appellation and core to the club’s values, with the expression of the terroir and the quest for excellence being the common denominator.

Preserving the natural surrounds

A genuine and serious environmental commitment, a shared understanding of good practices and ongoing innovation are the key principles that motivate the Castillon Caractères winegrowers. The club’s members are safeguarding a vibrant history for future generations with a view to passing on living soil and protecting nature, perpetuating their domains and passing their land on to their children and grandchildren.

Mission

The mission of the Castillon Caractères club is to promote the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux terroirs and wines and in particular the wines of its members, which must meet the club’s ethics standards.

The members’ goal is to travel the world to meet fellow winelovers, hold tastings, share, discuss and tell their stories about the great wines of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.

The Castillon Caractères club strives to be part of a regional approach, joining forces and forging links with all of the area’s players. The club will work alongside these players, notably to promote the destination, gastronomy and heritage, as well as the region’s cultural and tourist activities.