The Grands Entretiens by Cité du Vin provide the perfect opportunity to engage with iconic personalities from the world of wine, gathering testimonials of the men and women who leave a lasting impression on the culture of wine. Bernard Magrez Grands Vignobles is the story of a self-taught entrepreneur who left conventional school at the age of 13 and passed a vocational diploma in timber sawing after being constantly humiliated by his father – he would spend his entire life proving that he was capable of great things. At 19, he joined a Bordeaux wine company where he worked in the cellars. At 23, he created a small Port company and established William Pitters just as hypermarkets were emerging in France in 1963. This was the beginning of a success story that continues to this day. Bernard Magrez owns 42 vineyards in 9 countries around the world, including four Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés: Château Pape Clément (Graves Grand Cru Classé), Château Fombrauge (Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé), Château La Tour Carnet (Haut-Médoc Grand Cru Classé) and Clos Haut Peyraguey (Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classé), which are distributed worldwide. Bernard Magrez has also developed an entire world of experiences that complement the excellence of his wines. He offers a range of wine tourism experiences and has become a committed patron of contemporary art and classical music through the Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute. He has developed a hub of scientific research recognised as one of the leading centres of its kind in France for wines and vines, and has also launched a start-up incubator with 51 start-ups.
With Bernard Magrez, owner and founder of Bernard Magrez Grands Vignobles
Hosted by Jérôme Baudouin, editor-in-chief of La Revue du Vin de France
