Discover The Bernard Magrez story
"Bernard Magrez's career has been marked by passion, a constant desire to improve, know-how and exceptional success, with its roots first in Bordeaux ( Grands Crus Classés) and then in other prestigious terroirs in France and around the world.
1936
Bernard Magrez's youth
The youth of Bernard Magrez
Bernard Magrez was born in Bordeaux in 1936. From a rather rigid upbringing, he drew his first life lessons. But between enduring them and assimilating them, the choice was clear: in the midst of turmoil, an uncommon inner strength would take root.
At the age of 13, he was sent to an apprenticeship center for 3 years, where he obtained a CAP in wood sawing, his only diploma. It was there that he met François Pinault.
At 19, perfectly self-taught, hejoined the Cordier group, a major Bordeaux wine house, which he left at 21.It was there that he discovered all the ins and outs of the business.
1961
1961
Beginnings in port & spirits
Beginnings in port and spirits
The year is 1961. Bernard Magrez is 25 years old, and his ambition is an anchor in the infinite possibilities. He travels to the United States, where he discovers an unprecedented sales model: the hypermarket.
July 1962 Maison Bernard Magrez 165, Rue du Jardin Public, Bordeaux
Back in France, he set up his own company, William Pitters, dedicated, among other things, to whisky and port. The latter was sold in the country's very first Carrefour store, becoming the second most popular brand in France.
At the time, the company had annual sales of €12,000 and sold 14,000 bottles of Port, which it received in barrels from Portugal.
It was only with a real desire to win that we moved forward without faltering.
"Never Give Up
William Peel Scotch Whisky became the undisputed leader in France, the world's biggest Scotch Whisky consumer.
It also takes the lead in the tequila market in France, with over 60% market share, and in the ready-made cocktail market. Gradually, its range of spirits expanded, until it fully conquered the market. The time has come to look even further ahead.
1979
1979
Wine, the passion of a lifetime
Wine, a lifelong passion
Bernard Magrez has never stopped evolving, renewing and diversifying, always on the alert, focused on the horizon, already ready for the next step.
But this fury for building might never have been expressed without a key moment in his life: forty years ago, he fell into wine as one falls into love.
He creates Malesan wines wines in Bordeaux, which became the market leader.
1983
1983
L'unique owner of four Bordeaux grands crus classés
Theunique owner of four Bordeaux grands crus classés
The 80s. Bernard Magrez began his rise to fame with the acquisition of his first Cru Classé,the one that remains the icon of the Maison Bernard Magrez to this day: Château Pape Clément.
Château Pape Clément Grand Cru Classé de Graves.
1999 Château Fombrauge
This was followed in 1999 by Château Fombrauge, Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion since 2012.
Château Fombrauge Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion.
2000 Château La Tour Carnet
Château La Tour Carnet Grand Cru Classé in 1855, Haut-Médoc.
Then Château La Tour Carnet in 2000, Grand Cru Classé in 1855, Haut-Médoc.
2011 Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute
In 2011, Bernard Magrez, as a patron of the arts, created the Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez. A cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art. A bridge between tradition and innovation, enabling everyone to enjoy a unique experience.
2012 Clos Haut-Peyraguey
Clos Haut-PeyragueyPremier Grand Cru Classé de Sauternes in 1855.
In 2012, Bernard Magrez acquired Clos Haut-Peraguey, Premier Grand Cru Classé de Sauternes.
A four-stage masterstroke that made himunique owner of four prestigious estates at once. That same year, he became "The Man with 40 Châteaux".
Times are changing. Bernard Magrez adopts the codes, and the margins, of the luxury industry.
2014
2014
Excellence as a driving force
Driving excellence
As passionate as ever, Bernard Magrez strives for excellence in everything he does, constantly innovating.
Bernard Magrez creates La Grande Maison in Bordeaux, a 5-star hotel with 6 luxury rooms and 2 Michelin stars. First with his friend Joël Robuchon and then with Pierre Gagnaire in 2018. This restaurant had the distinction of boasting a wine list with 259 Bordeaux Crus Classés, including 172 Grands Crus Classés. The establishment has since closed in 2020, following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pierre Gagnaire and Bernard Magrez in front of La Grande Maison (2018)
2021 Bernard Magrez Start-Up Win incubator
Château Le Sartre, part of the Bernard Magrez startup incubator in Bordeaux
In keeping with its philosophy of "Helping others, Helping others", Bernard Magrez decided to open a start-up incubator 100% dedicated to the world of wine. This has enabled nearly a hundred entrepreneurs to launch and succeed in the wine industry.
In 2023, Bernard Magrez will continue to develop the incubator with the opening of a second branch in Strasbourg within the AIVA establishment - the Académie Internationale des Vins d'Alsace. This opens up the incubation program internationally.
AIVA, the Bernard Magrez startup incubator in Strasbourg
Today
Today
Never Give up
Never Give Up
At over 88 years of age, Bernard Magrez continues to steer the wine empire he has built. Untiring, he remains true to his values and commitments, while continuing to undertake and innovate in the world of wine.
