A conversation with Florence and Daniel Cathiard, the couple from Smith Haut Lafitte
October 6, 2022By Vinexposium
INSPIRATION & DEBATES
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The Grands Entretiens by the Cité du Vin are a series of heart to heart conversations with iconic personalities who have made their mark on the history of wine. Former downhill ski champions and art collectors, Florence and Daniel Cathiard purchased Château Smith Haut Lafitte in 1990 with the firm intention of perpetuating this noble Graves Cru Classé’s tradition of excellence. Before venturing into winegrowing, the two former top athletes led busy careers. Daniel Cathiard took over his family’s group Genty-Cathiard, which over a twenty-year period became one of the major supermarket chains in South-West France, whilst Florence Cathiard, a literature, English and political science graduate created her own advertising agency.
In 1976, Daniel and Florence launched the Go Sport brand, which pioneered the sportswear business. At the end of the 1980s, Daniel sold Genty-Cathiard and the couple invested in Smith Haut Lafitte with its 60-hectare vineyard, which they bought for 250 million francs (38 million euros) from British trader Brent Walker. Over the years, they have built up the estate, adding an art trail, a spa, a fitness centre, a hotel and a high-end restaurant. All their wines are grown organically and were certified as such in 2019. Daniel and Florence Cathiard have made it their mission to run their winery sustainably and promote it globally. In 2020, they ventured into the Napa Valley by purchasing a historic winery in Rutherford, California.
With
Florence and Daniel Cathiard, owners of Château Smith Haut Lafitte Moderated by: Jérôme Baudouin, editor-in-chief of La Revue du Vin de France
