Phélan Ségur sale to shipping magnate officially confirmed

As reported back in early August, Château Phélan Ségur is indeed to be sold to Belgian shipping magnate Philip Van de Vyvere.

The Gardinier family that own the Saint Estèphe property have finally confirmed the rumours that have abounded since the beginning of August that they intend to sell the property in order to focus on their hotel business.

In a statement, the three brothers, Thierry, Stéphane and Laurent Gardinier (pictured), said: “For greater coherence between our various business activities, we have decided to devote the bulk of our future investments to the fine-foods trades (restaurants, distribution, etc.) and high-end hotel business.

“Taillevent Paris, Le Domaine Les Crayères and Le Comptoir du Caviar will benefit the most from this approach through plans that have already been defined. We can also strengthen the group through outside growth if that proves complementary.”

For his part, Van de Vyvere, who is expected to take charge early next year, added: “My grandfather, a devoted connoisseur and collector of Bordeaux wines, first introduced me to this world when I was quite young, and I’ve carried on that family tradition ever since. I have several friends who own wineries in the Bordelais and my dream of one day owning a beautiful property myself came true when I met the Gardinier family.

“I fell in love with the Château Phélan Ségur, that magnificent estate overlooking the Gironde. I spoke many times with Gardinier brothers, making sure they understood that I was a buyer who would respect the estate’s venerable history and who was determined to carry on the excellent work done thus far. My intention is to ensure Phélan Ségur remains one of the great wines of the Saint Estèphe AOC.”