Château Cantemerle Winery, situated in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of historical architecture and modern winemaking facilities. The estate, encompassing 28 hectares of wooded parkland, is among the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux, with viticulture dating back to at least 1354. In 2025, the winery underwent a significant transformation under the guidance of BPM Architectes, aiming to revitalise its facilities while preserving its rich heritage.
The restoration focused on the historic château, meticulously preserving its stone façades and woodwork to maintain its classical aesthetic. The interior was reimagined to accommodate nine bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, and reception spaces, offering a blend of elegance and comfort. Adjacent to the château, the orangery was expanded and redesigned into a versatile seminar space, capable of hosting approximately fifty people. This extension seamlessly integrates with the existing architecture, ensuring continuity and respect for the site’s historical context.
Central to the winery’s operations, the vat room and wine cellar underwent substantial enhancements. The original vat room’s façade facing the main courtyard was preserved, with a new extension connecting via an elevated terrace. A timber and steel frame supports a suspended roof, doubling the building’s area. The barrel cellar, located in the basement, and the vat room, housing 114 vats arranged around the harvest courtyard, form the technical core of the winery. Above these, management offices and tasting rooms are distributed over two levels, providing functional and ergonomic workspaces. The bottle storage facility was expanded by two additional naves, allowing for the storage of two million extra bottles, and also served as a temporary vat room during two harvests.
The tasting room and shop were redesigned to open onto a terrace with views of the château, enhancing the visitor experience. A comprehensive landscape project was implemented to connect the various buildings of the estate through new pathways between the trees, creating a cohesive and inviting environment. This landscape integration ensures that the winery’s operations and visitor areas are seamlessly connected, reflecting the estate’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetics.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the renovation. Geothermal systems were installed to ensure thermal comfort, and photovoltaic panels were incorporated to produce renewable energy, aligning with eco-responsible practices. These sustainable features not only enhance the winery’s operational efficiency but also reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The project aimed to make Château Cantemerle both a functional production site and a welcoming space for visitors. The spaces were redesigned according to principles of fluidity, ergonomics, and sustainability, while preserving the character of the site. The architects worked to unify volumes and materials, ensuring that the stone buildings, slate or tile roofs, and tree-lined pathways in the park form a composition where old and new coexist harmoniously.
The estate’s rich history is reflected in its distinctive architecture and the magnificent grounds that surround it. The park, covering 28 hectares, is one of the most beautiful in all Bordeaux, with tree-lined lanes following a rigorous design created in the 1700s. A century later, Louis-Bernard Fischer, a renowned botanist who created Bordeaux’s Public Gardens, redesigned the park and the area surrounding the château.
Château Cantemerle’s commitment to quality is evident in its wine production. The vineyard covers 91 hectares, with a varied character that produces wines that are complex, balanced, and refined, a true reflection of its exceptional terroir. The soil is silico-gravel, resulting from the ancient erosion of the Pyrenees by the Garonne River, providing a unique environment for viticulture.
The winery’s dedication to quality is also evident in its facilities. The vat room and wine cellar form the technical core of the project, with the barrel cellar located in the basement and the vat room, comprising 114 vats, organized around the harvest courtyard. The management offices and tasting room are positioned above, with workspaces distributed over two levels. The bottle storage facility, enlarged by two additional naves, adopts the vocabulary of the existing building, allowing for the storage of two million additional bottles.
In conclusion, the Château Cantemerle Winery project exemplifies a successful integration of historical preservation and modern architectural intervention. Through thoughtful design and sustainable practices, BPM Architectes have revitalised the estate, ensuring that Château Cantemerle continues to produce exceptional wines while offering a welcoming environment for visitors.
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