Château Valandraud

Château Valandraud is one of Saint-Émilion’s most remarkable modern success stories. Founded in the early 1990s by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud, the estate began with a tiny vineyard parcel and quickly gained international recognition for its bold, high-quality wines. In 2012, Valandraud achieved the prestigious status of Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, an exceptional accomplishment for such a young château.

Located in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, the vineyards of Château Valandraud are planted primarily on clay-limestone soils, a terroir renowned for producing wines of depth, structure, and elegance. Merlot dominates the vineyard, supported by Cabernet Franc and small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing the wines to combine richness with aromatic precision and freshness.

Viticulture at Valandraud is meticulous and quality-driven, with low yields, manual harvesting, and rigorous grape selection. Each parcel is managed individually to express its unique characteristics, ensuring optimal ripeness and balance. This hands-on approach reflects the estate’s philosophy of respecting terroir while embracing precision and innovation.

In the cellar, Château Valandraud employs state-of-the-art winemaking techniques alongside traditional methods. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, followed by extended aging in 100% new French oak barrels. This careful élevage contributes to the wine’s signature style — concentrated yet refined, with silky tannins, layered complexity, and excellent aging potential.

Renowned for its powerful structure, intense fruit expression, and polished elegance, Château Valandraud is considered a benchmark of contemporary Saint-Émilion. Its wines consistently receive high critical acclaim and are prized by collectors, fine-dining restaurants, and luxury resorts worldwide, representing the perfect balance between modern expression and classic Bordeaux pedigree.