The château

A long and prestigious history

lodi martin duffour dubergier
1842

Where everything begins

In the 14th century, Verrier Du Bosq signed the first recorded deeds for a few vine rows. George Smith, a Scottish wine merchant, acquired the property in the mid-18th century and named it after himself.

Lodi Martin Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux and signer of the official 1855 classification, acquired the estate in 1842 and elevated it to Grand Cru Exceptionnel status.

Lodi Martin Duffour Dubergier

1958

A Grand Cru exceptionnel

In the early 20th century, the négociant firm Eschenauer, headed by the famous “Uncle Louis” Eschenauer, sold Smith Haut Lafitte wines and ended up buying the château in 1958.

Three branches for George Smith’s three childrenFleurs-de-lis symbolising the Verrier du Bosq family who founded the vineyardA crescent emblematic of the Port of Bordeaux: the “Port of the Moon”
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Logo
louis eschernauer

Louis Eschenauer

1990

Perpetuating tradition

In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard fell in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte, which they acquired with the firm intention of perpetuating its tradition of excellence. “Our philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: to do everything possible to make each vintage of red and white wine worthy of our magnificent terroir.”

After three years spent renovating the estate, the Cathiards came to live there, in the 18th century chartreuse dating from George Smith’s time, in order to devote themselves to overseeing winegrowing, with the help of a talented and motivated team.

florence daniel cathiard

The Cathiard family

Daniel and Florence Cathiard

Owners of Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Alice Tourbier Cathiard

Alice Tourbier-Cathiard and her husband, Jérôme, run two hotel facilities, Les Sources de Caudalie, luxury hotel in the middle of the vines, and Les Sources de Cheverny in the Loire Valley.

Mathilde Thomas-Cathiard

Mathilde Thomas-Cathiard and her husband, Bertrand, founded the Caudalie company which makes a range of exclusive beauty care products from grape seeds and vine cuttings that are sold all over the world.

Our team

Dedicated experts

Fabien Teitgen

Managing director, agricultural engineer and enologist Winemaker of the year according to the Guide Hachette 2021

Ludovic Fradin

Commercial Director, member of the board of directors

Yann Laudheo

Cellarmaster

Nicolas Poumeyrau

Head of Culture