Bernard Magrez

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.

  • Born in Bordeaux in 1936, Magrez left school at 16 and entered the wine trade as a self-taught entrepreneur.
  • In 1961, he founded William Pitters, a company specializing in whisky and port. His port brand quickly became one of the most popular in France 

Expansion into Wine

  • In the 1980s, Magrez shifted focus to acquiring prestigious wine estates. His first major acquisition was Château Pape Clément, followed by Château Fombrauge, Château La Tour Carnet, and Clos Haut-Peyraguey  
  • He eventually became the sole owner of four Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés, a unique distinction 

Global Reach

  • Magrez expanded internationally, acquiring vineyards in Spain, Portugal, Chile, Argentina, Japan, Morocco, and California, among others 
  • His portfolio includes over 40 wine estates across eight countries, totaling more than 1,000 hectares of vines 

Innovation and Wine Tourism

  • He has embraced technological innovation, using drones, weather stations, and AI to manage vineyards 
  • Magrez also founded the Bernard Magrez Luxury Wine Experience, offering immersive wine tourism and education 

Prosecco Connection

While Bernard Magrez is primarily known for his Bordeaux estates and global wine ventures, there is no prominent record of him producing Prosecco, which is a sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy. His focus has largely been on still wines and luxury wine experiences, though it's possible he has distribution or branding ties to Prosecco under his broader wine portfolio.