Château La Clarière is Tony Laithwaite’s small, 30-hectare estate in the Right Bank's Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, next door to famous Saint-Émilion and its pricey wines. Until 45 years ago, it belonged to Monsieur Cassin, a key wine figure of the area.
This gentleman and his wife, Madame Cassin, gave accommodation to the then student Tony Laithwaite back in 1965. Here Tony learnt all about wine with a passion. So much so that he later returned and started his life as a wine merchant.
Then in 1980, Tony Laithwaite received a call from Monsieur Cassin, his mentor, the man who taught him everything about winemaking. The question was simple yet profound: would Tony take over Château La Clarière and prove to the world that Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux wines could rival those of the renowned Saint-Émilion? After all, both regions share the same prized limestone ridge, the same grapes and the same climate.
Today, with over 130 Gold medals and four Trophies won by the estate, Tony believes he has succeeded in his life's mission. But this success has not been achieved alone. It is thanks to the unwavering support of his loyal customers, his Vineyard Partners.
Come and be part of it – enjoy all the success of this superb château, as well as its great wine. And it’s not only a superb red – they are now blazing a trail with a Trophy-winning white wine too.