Château Haut-Brion is world renowned for its viticultural heritage. This project honors the winery’s rich history, which dates back to the 1st century AD, while introducing state-of-the art new facilities that will ensure its continued status as a cultural landmark. The redevelopment plan is driven by the winery’s tradition of excellence in both the quality of its wine and its method of winemaking. It encompasses three new buildings that together will house a new wine production facility, museum, and an archives and research center. These modern structures respect the 16th-century Renaissance château, while creating a new forward-looking ethos that enhances functionality in balance with the site’s historic legacy.
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Opening in the summer of 2026, the project site spans 75 acres and includes a 115,000 square foot winemaking facility, featuring advanced processing areas for malolactic fermentation and barrel rooms. Visitors will be able to experience the process from vines to bottling. The facility is designed to be the first net-zero winery among the First Growth estates of Bordeaux.
The historic château is foregrounded with the creation of a new central courtyard surrounded by the new buildings which house the vats and barrel storage. The new structures use rammed earth construction alongside local limestone. Rammed earth walls are crafted from soil on-site and repurposed vineyard materials, which not only link the buildings to the local terroir but also contribute to energy efficiency by regulating humidity in the wine cellars
The ground floor is designed with tall ceilings to house large fermentation vats, optimizing the space for wine production. Barrel storage is situated below ground to avoid natural light and to accommodate the gravity-fed winemaking process. The facility also features a 3,200 square foot cooperage and a 7,500 square foot research and archive center which will house over 3,000 books, including the Thackrey Library, focused on winemaking and gastronomy.
The traditional rammed earth construction method is complemented by modern and innovative climate control and energy efficiency systems throughout. Geothermal heating and cooling is expected to reduce energy use by 36%, and photovoltaic and rainwater collection systems will provide self-sustaining resources. Local materials with low-embodied carbon further reinforce the winery’s commitment to sustainability.
The knowledge and input of renown Château Haut Brion winemakers Jean-Philippe Delmas and Jean-Philippe Masclef has been crucial in guiding the design process. Their expertise ensures that the redevelopment leads the way in modern winemaking techniques while honoring the winery’s legacy. Selldorf Architects has also collaborated closely with Bordeaux based architects A3A and sustainability consultants Transsolar. The Château Haut-Brion project exemplifies a seamless integration of tradition, modernity, and environmental stewardship, strengthening its place as one of the great wineries of the world.
- Client:Private
- Location:Bordeaux, France
- Size:123,320 sf
- Date:Ongoing
