Libourne, Thursday 5 June 2025 – The Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux, a key player in promoting Bordeaux wines, is announcing a major change in its history: Alain Raynaud, the emblematic founder of the association in 2002, is handing over the Presidency to Philippe de Poyferré, a recognised professional in the wine industry.
For more than two decades, Alain Raynaud has worked with passion and determination to unite winegrowers from both sides of Bordeaux around shared
values: excellence, diversity and sharing. Under his presidency, the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux gained international recognition and established itself as a key player in the promotion of Bordeaux appellations. Alain Raynaud will continue to support the association as a member of the Board of Directors and as 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 agronomist and oenologist, with additional training from ESSEC and the Institut Agro Montpellier, he brings exceptional expertise across all aspects of the wine industry. He has held key positions in sales, marketing, technical, and general management within a variety of structures, including classified growths, cooperative wineries, international vineyards, spirits houses, and wine merchants. From 2017, as Director of Château Loudenne (AOC Médoc), he has overseen the transition to sustainable viticulture with High Environmental Value certification and conversion to organic farming. His international experience and extensive network – merchants, brokers, direct customers and the press – are major assets for enhancing the Grand Cercle’s influence both in France and abroad.
An ambitious roadmap.
Under Philippe de Poyferré’s leadership, the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux is embarking on a new phase of growth, guided by key strategic priorities:
- Establishing a personalized dialogue with critics: Strengthening relationships with wine journalists and critics to further enhance the reputation of its member Châteaux’s wines.
- Energizing event strategies: Designing tailored events for industry professionals to better meet the needs of its members.
- Promoting group synergy: Showcasing the diversity of the estates and their wines while fostering greater mutual support to tackle today’s economic and environmental challenges together.
A clear commitment to elevating the “Châteaux Talents.”
Philippe de Poyferré said : “My goal is not to spark a revolution but to ensure the evolution of the Grand Cercle to address the challenges the wine world faces today. The foundation built over more than 20 years by Alain Raynaud, together with all the member producers of the Grand Cercle, is remarkable thanks to their diversity and expertise. However, in these times of crisis, we must also know how to reinvent oursel ves.”
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 excellent value for money and enjoyment. Reflecting the diversity and complementarity of Bordeaux’s terroirs and winemakers, our association offers a comprehensive and representative showcase of the Bordeaux wine region. With 26 appellations, our “Châteaux Talents” form a vibrant collection of high-quality crus.