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Antoine & Caroline Arraou Chateau Lafitte
Jurançon · Southwest · France
Owned by Philippe and Brigitte, Antoine’s parents, this 14th-century Manor House in the picturesque city of Monein has been meticulously restored since the early 1990s, now standing proudly as a magnificent castle on a hilltop. Antoine initially pursued a different career path as a professional photographer, but in 2012, he returned to the family estate, recognizing its potential to produce exceptional wines from its 5 hectares of Petit and Gros Manseng vines. Antoine is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. He transitioned the vineyard to organic farming and later adopted biodynamic practices to create the most natural wines possible. For Antoine, winemaking is about nurturing life in all its forms, which includes promoting biodiversity among the plots with a variety of plants, fruit trees, and cereals.
“In winter, ewes graze the land, while bees thrive throughout the year.”
His dedication extends to creating an eco-friendly winery, designed by local architect Geoffroy Boulin, which is energy self-sufficient, harnessing solar power and collecting rainwater. Antoine's holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the estate is in harmony with the environment, producing wines that truly reflect their natural origins.
