Philippe Bascaules will step down as Managing Director in December 2026.
Chateau Margaux has announced a significant leadership transition.
After more than three decades of dedicated service, Philippe Bascaules will step down as Managing Director in December 2026, handing over the reins to Aurélien Valance.
Bascaules first joined the estate in 1990 as Director of Operations, a role he held until 2011 before spending five years at the helm of a prestigious Napa Valley vineyard. He returned in March 2017 as Managing Director, and his deep knowledge of the estate has been invaluable. While he will relinquish his executive responsibilities, Bascaules will continue to support the estate as a Consultant during key technical periods, including harvest, winemaking and blending, alongside Eric Boissenot, the estate’s Consulting Oenologist for the past 35 years.
Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos, Co-owner and CEO, expressed his gratitude: “Philippe has devoted the greater part of his professional life to Chateau Margaux, and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to him for his commitment, his availability and the high standards with which he has always served the estate. Beyond his expertise and exceptional knowledge of the property, I would also like to recognise his outstanding human qualities.”
Aurélien Valance will take over as Managing Director of Chateau Margaux in December 2026, succeeding Philippe Bascaules.
The appointment of Aurélien Valance as the new Managing Director reflects this natural commitment to continuity. Valance’s history with Chateau Margaux began in 2001 when he joined as an intern. After studying at HEC Paris and gaining experience in wine importing in New York, he returned in January 2006 as Commercial Director. In 2016, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director, Sales and Operations, and the following year he won the title of French Blind Tasting Champion.
“Aurélien has known Chateau Margaux for twenty years and shares its culture, high standards and values at a profound level. His appointment is a natural continuation of our history,” says Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos.
Aurélien Valance expressed his honour at taking on the role: “It is a great honour to take on the role of Managing Director of Chateau Margaux, an estate I have known for twenty years and to which I feel deeply attached. Our collective responsibility is to preserve what makes it unique, while continuing to prepare for its future with the highest standards of excellence.” He thanked Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos for his trust and noted that he approaches the responsibility with humility but also with the strength of an experienced and committed team.
