Château Phélan Ségur

Ionela Otea 20.December.2022 0 comments

A.O.C Haut Médoc

France

The Château Phélan Ségur is truly a sight to behold located in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux. It has 70 hectares of vineyards in the area of Saint Estèphe.

Sitting atop a hillock and overlooking the estuary, it dominates the picturesque meadows that stretch out from its central park location.

The Irish origins of the Gardinier family date back more than two centuries, with four generations dedicated to growing and cultivating an incredible range of wines.

When Bernard O’Phelan left his native town of Tipperary to make a living in Bordeaux at the end of the 18th century, it wasn't simply by chance. The city was an important hub in trade between the British Isles and Bernard's family had built strong relationships with other families who bought and sold wines from the region.

These bonds ran so deep that eventually led to alliances, including Bernard's marriage to one of Daniel Guestier's daughters - a well-known merchant in the wine industry.

With his father-in-law's guidance and expertise, he began making his own wines and in 1805, purchased Clos de Garramey followed by Ségur de Cabanac estate five years later.

With keen dedication, the Phélan family put forth an architectural feat that defied conventions of the time.

Rather than crafting a prestigious mansion isolated from its production operations, they chose instead to bring vat room and cellar into the heart of the château - creating something quite spectacular indeed!

The 'Médoc style' was popularised by this revolutionary approach to winemaking.

After 30+ years in charge of the property, this historic family has recently passed the reins to Philippe Van de Vyvere.