Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux (Grand Circle of Bordeaux Wines) has 119 members, who have been scrupulously selected for the quality and enjoyment value they deliver for money.
The talented Chateaux represent diversity and complementarity of people and terroirs, and as such, our Grand Cercle showcases the Bordeaux winegrowing region faithfully and comprehensively.
As they embody 26 appellation areas, our talented chateaux make up a lovely bouquet of quality wines.
Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux
Le Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux
Le Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux (Grand Circle of Bordeaux Wines) has 125 members, who have been scrupulously selected for the quality and enjoyment value they deliver for money.
They represent diversity and complementarity of people and terroirs, and as such, our Circle showcases the Bordeaux winegrowing region faithfully and comprehensively.
As they embody 27 appellation areas, our talented Châteaux make up a lovely bouquet of quality wines.
“The strength of our association lies in our ability to unite Bordeaux Right and Left Bank wines in the same organisation. We have striven to build recognition for our talented chateaux since 2013. We are driven by a sense of strong values that keeps us together and continuously active in seeking ways to capitalise on our collective energy.
At all our get-togethers and many events, we focus steadfastly on a single ambition: to make excellence affordable.”
At all our get-togethers and many events, we focus steadfastly on a single ambition: to make excellence affordable.”
Alain Raynaud – Founder and President of Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux
How the Grand Cercle was drawn.
Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux was founded in June 2013, when its founder and President Alain Raynaud acted on his ambition to bring together the finest appellation areas on the Bordeaux Right and Left Banks under the same banner.
July 2002
It all began in July 2002 with the Cercle Rive Droite de Grands Vins de Bordeaux (Right Bank Circle of Great Bordeaux Wines), which assembled a selection of chateaux from the Bordeaux Right Bank.
April 2013
Cercle Rive Gauche de Grands Vins (Left Bank Circle of Great Bordeaux Wines) was born in April 2013. This organisation was the twin of the Right Bank Circle, and brought together a demanding selection of the quality wines produced by chateaux on the Left Bank.
December 2017
In June 2013, the two banks were united, but in 2017 the two initial Circles were merged and absorbed within the Grand Cercle and a number of guiding values were shared: creativity, quality and enjoyment.
May 2025
After 23 years of leadership, Alain Raynaud hands over the reins to Philippe de Poyferré, marking a new chapter for the association.
What we do.
• SUPPORT our talented Chateaux in developing their image and recognition by aiming creative and impactful promotional initiatives at French and international trade professionals.
• NETWORK our members with trade professionals, buyers and specifiers to strengthen their commercial development.
• HOST industry professionals in the Bordeaux winegrowing area to help them get to know the diverse abundance of our Chateaux.
• HELP our members with their different projects by facilitating the sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience.
• CONTRIBUTE to the representational work done by C.I.V.B. (the Bordeaux Wine Board) by promoting the Bordeaux wine story across borders.
Our values.
Roots
We are profoundly bonded to the land of Bordeaux with its rich history over hundreds of years that unites us around ancestral shared values.
Individuality
We recognise and accept that we are individuals. Every winegrower tends her or his vines, makes her or his wine and is passionate about bringing it to market.
Ethics
We share a work ethic relating to wine production and selling it. Our chateaux are creative, innovative and lively.
Commitment
We are strongly committed to caring for people and our terroirs. Our winegrowers strive to preserve and protect our vineyards, their balance and ecosystems.
Quality
Our members are recruited with thorough attention to detail when meeting them, and conducting a tour and a blind tasting of three vintages. Quality is then checked every year.
Hospitality
We have an innate sense of hospitality. Visitors, whether they are professionals or connoisseurs, are always welcomed to talented chateaux with generosity and goodwill.
Key figures.
119
talented Chateaux
26
appellations
2,723
hectares (6,830 acres)
90%
of the chateaux apply environmental policies
80%
of the chateaux are open to the public
Our team.
Board
16 administrators,
presided over by Alain Raynaud.
Bureau
8 administrators.
Work Committees
promotion, technical, admissions.
Director
Stéphanie Delécrin.
Accounting Assistant
Magali Favreau.