The history of Château Haut-Brion's lands goes back to the 1st century AD. A coin bearing the effigy of the Roman Emperor Claudius was found on a gravelly hillside. However, the first mention of a wine produced on these lands dates back to 1521. In 1533, Jean de Pontac acquired the estate, making this château the oldest of the Bordeaux Grands Crus. The construction of the château did not take place until 16 years later. Since then, this wine estate has changed owners three times.
Throughout its existence, Château Haut-Brion has never stopped developing and improving. The estate is particularly noted for its many innovations, which have contributed greatly to its success. Its techniques were then propagated throughout the Bordeaux vineyards, and then throughout the world!
Under the direction of Arnaud III de Pontac, Château Haut-Brion is, for example, at the origin of the "New French Claret" style of wine, the forerunner of all the red fine wines of today, thanks to the implementation of various conservation techniques (maceration, long ageing, topping up and racking)
In 1923, Château Haut-Brion was also one of the first estates to practice bottling at the château. Acquired by the American banker Clarence Dillon in 1935, the estate has since remained in the same family with Prince Robert of Luxembourg, his great-grandson, at the helm.
Over the centuries, many events have marked the rich and fascinating history of Château Haut-Brion, which cannot be missed!