Benjamin Vimal, Director of Winemaking & Estate Operations at Chateau Margaux
Bordeaux First Growth Chateau Margaux has appointed Benjamin Vimal as its new Director of Winemaking & Estate Operations.
The move underlines the estate’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards across every stage of production, from vineyard management to cellar work.
An agricultural engineer and oenologist trained in Bordeaux, Benjamin Vimal brings more than 12 years of experience in managing vineyards in the Medoc.
He previously served as Technical Director and Deputy Managing Director at Chateau Lagrange, a Grand Cru Classé in Saint‑Julien, where he oversaw complex viticultural and oenological operations. Known for his high quality standards, process control, and team leadership, he holds a comprehensive vision of wine production.
Chateau Margaux is now led by Third-Generation brother‑and‑sister proprietors Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos and Alexandra Petit-Mentzelopoulos, together with Managing Director Philippe Bascaules, who first joined the chateau in 1990.
Corinne Mentzelopoulos (middle) took over after her father’s sudden death in 1980 and led the estate for 43 years. The year 2023 marked a new generational era within the Mentzelopoulos family, as Corinne handed the reins to her children: Alexis (left) was appointed CEO of the estate, and Alexandra (right) became President of the Supervisory Board of the holding company.
Managing Director Philippe Bascaules first joined Chateau Margaux in 1990, where he worked under Corinne Mentzelopoulos and the legendary winemaker, the late Paul Pontallier (1956–2016), who was Managing Director & Chief Winemaker for 33 years, from 1983 to 2016.
