Dourthe has named Pénélope GODEFROY as its new Managing Director, with effect from 5 May 2025
With this new appointment, the company reaffirms its commitment to pursue its development plan, focusing on accelerating the expansion and promotion of its portfolio of wines and estates across the globe, while strengthening their brand image, namely the iconic N°.1, Château La Garde, Château Le Boscq and Château Belgrave. Pénélope GODEFROY’s impressive career in wine to date, qualified in agricultural engineering and oenology, and also holding an MBA, will significantly contribute to Dourthe’s strategic and technical development.
The company will also benefit from Pénélope’s extensive experience in both international and domestic vineyards, namely in Bourgogne, the Rhône Valley, and most notably Bordeaux, having held senior roles at Artemis Domaines (Château Latour and other right bank estates) and Château d’Yquem.
Keen to tackle the challenges of growth, ambitious quality standards and sustainable strategic innovation, Pénélope will lead the estates, bringing to the role her expertise at adding value to the prized terroirs and fine wines. A major area of focus will be to drive a number of projects already in motion, namely strengthening the identity of the wines from each estate and working with its grape-growing partners to assure high levels of quality within its brand portfolio.
With this appointment, the company has announced additional changes to its leadership structure: Valentin JESTIN, who has been with the company for 10 years, will take on the role of Deputy General Manager. Reporting to Pénélope GODEFROY, he will be tasked with driving company growth in international markets, working in close collaboration with clients and partners.
Frédéric BONNAFFOUS, previously Chief Winemaker, will pursue other professional interests outside the company. His longstanding contribution and commitment have been instrumental to the company’s success during his tenure. By drawing on the company’s historic roots, the new management structure, with the backing of the company as a whole, will continue to lay down the future of a modern winemaking house, a pioneer of its kind in Bordeaux.
ABOUT DOURTHE
Established in 1840, Dourthe is a committed player in Bordeaux. Whether in its vineyards or working with its winegrowing partners, its aim is to highlight the diversity of the Bordeaux terroirs and create the wines of the future. Dourthe Vineyards: Château La Garde – Château Le Boscq – Château Belgrave – Château Rahoul – Château de Ricaud – Château Pey La Tour – Château Reysson – Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac