A Strategic Move into Burgundy’s Chablis
BORDEAUX – In an ambitious expansion of its fine wine holdings, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR), renowned for owning the prestigious Château Lafite Rothschild, has acquired the esteemed William Fèvre estate, a beacon of excellence in the Chablis region. The acquisition, finalized for an undisclosed amount, was announced on January 12, 2024, marking DBR’s inaugural venture into Burgundy, a region celebrated for its exceptional terroirs and illustrious winemaking heritage.
The Attraction of Sustainability and Excellence
This strategic acquisition follows months of speculation and interest from DBR, particularly attracted by William Fèvre’s commitment to sustainable viticulture—a philosophy deeply ingrained in DBR’s own approach to wine production. William Fèvre, boasting 72 hectares of vineyards that span the spectrum from Chablis village to the coveted Grand Cru classifications, practices organic farming, resonating with DBR’s environmentally conscious ethos.
Saskia de Rothschild, representing DBR, highlighted the synergy between the two estates, praising the “spirit of the place” and the “precise approach to organic and environmentally concerned viticulture” practiced by William Fèvre. This alignment of values, she noted, promises a fruitful collaboration, particularly with Fèvre’s manager, Didier Sèguier, as they anticipate mutual learning and growth.
A Noteworthy Sale by Artémis Domaines
The sale of William Fèvre by Artémis Domaines concludes a brief period of ownership following its acquisition in 2022 through a merger with the Champagne Henriot group. This move is part of Artémis Domaines’ recent portfolio adjustments, including the divestiture of the Champagne Henriot brand to the cooperative group Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC) in October 2023.
DBR’s Distinguished Portfolio and Vision for Burgundy
DBR’s portfolio is a testament to its dominance and visionary approach in the wine industry, encompassing not only the iconic Château Lafite Rothschild in the Médoc but also other esteemed estates across Bordeaux, the Languedoc region, and international ventures in Chile, Argentina, and China. The addition of William Fèvre is poised to enrich this distinguished collection, offering DBR a prestigious foothold in Burgundy.
A Future of Shared Ambition and Growth
As DBR embarks on this new chapter, the integration of William Fèvre into its portfolio not only signifies a strategic expansion but also a shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the perpetuation of winemaking traditions. The collaboration between the teams at DBR and William Fèvre, under the stewardship of Saskia de Rothschild and Didier Sèguier, promises to foster innovation and elevate the standards of fine wine production, ensuring that the legacy of both estates continues to flourish for generations to come.
