Bordeaux
June 6, 2025A new President for the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux
The Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux, a key player in the promotion of Bordeaux wines, announces a major change in its history: Alain Raynaud, the association's iconic founder in 2002, is handing over the reins of the Presidency to Philippe de Poyferré, a renowned professional in the wine world.
For more than two decades, Alain Raynaud has worked with passion and determination to unite winegrowers from both banks of Bordeaux, focusing on common values: excellence, diversity, and sharing. Under his presidency, the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux has gained international recognition and established itself as a key player in the promotion of the Bordeaux appellations.
Alain Raynaud will continue to support the association as a member of the Board of Directors and Honorary Founding President, ensuring a smooth and harmonious transition.
Philippe de Poyferré, President of the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux
Philippe de Poyferré, the new president, embodies both continuity and renewal. An agricultural engineer and oenologist, also trained at ESSEC Business School and the Institut Agro de Montpellier, he has exceptional experience in all aspects of the wine industry.
He has held key positions in sales, marketing, technical, and general management within various organisations, including Grands Crus Classés, cooperative wineries, international vineyards, spirits houses, and wine merchants. Since 2017, as Director of Château Loudenne (AOC Médoc), he has overseen the transition to sustainable viticulture certified as High Environmental Value and the conversion to organic farming.
His international experience and extensive network—merchants, brokers, direct clients, and the press—are major assets for expanding the Grand Cercle's reach in France and abroad.
Philippe de Poyferré stated:
“My goal is not to create a revolution, but to ensure the evolution of the Grand Cercle to meet the challenges facing the wine world today. The foundation built over more than 20 years by Alain Raynaud with all the member producers of the Grand Cercle is remarkable thanks to their diversity and experience. However, in this period of crisis we are facing, we must also know how to reinvent ourselves.”
About the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux
The Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux brings together 119 members, carefully selected for the quality of their wines and their fair value for money and enjoyment. Through the diversity and complementarity of its terroirs and people, our association offers a comprehensive and representative showcase of the Bordeaux vineyards. With 26 appellations of origin, our talented châteaux form a veritable source of quality wines.
