Our History
Generation after generation, the vineyard has been extended, remodelled and modernised by our family, ever true to this land that has borne witness to our growth.
Entre-Deux-Mers, where it all started
In 1858, Pierre Ducourt, our eldest ancestor, made his home in the hamlet of Hourc, in Ladaux, a small village in Entre-Deux-Mers, south-east of Bordeaux. He bought four hectares of land with a single, simple idea – to work diligently and humbly.
The arrival of our grandfather, Henri Ducourt, (Pierre’s great grandson) and his wife Simone, marked a major turning point in our family’s story. Backed by three of their children, Bernard, Marie-Christine and Philippe, they breathed new life into the vineyard and over the years transformed its current form into one of Bordeaux’s largest family estates.
The Crocodile, a symbol of courage and perseverance
In 1962, Henri Ducourt, a young, devoted winemaker, devoted his time to cultivating 20 ha of vines inherited from his father. Back then, being a vigneron was no easy ride and many parents would dream of a more stable future for their children.
Henri however stuck to his guns, believing in himself and the land.
Through sheer hard work and tenacity, he gradually extended the holding, buying up neighbouring parcels, and by the mid-eighties, had built an estate spanning almost 300ha.
One day, one of his neighbour’s sons, amused by his sheer tenacity, made a sign featuring a painted crocodile, and placed it in the middle of the vines as a symbol of Henri’s strength of character. Taken by this image, Henri decided to adopt the crocodile as the family emblem, which would soon feature extensively, from on the sides of tanks in the winery to on wine labels.
A living vineyard
Spanning 400ha, with 13 châteaux across 6 Bordeaux appellations, our land is a well-preserved haven thriving with life:
- 54ha of sustainably managed forest
- 9 streams and lakes
- 20ha of disease-resistant grape varieties
- 35ha of organic-certified vines
- 130ha of fields and meadows
- A constantly evolving tradition
An evolving legacy
We constantly experiment with new grape varieties, adopting the most sustainable practices, preserving the landscape and developing our wines stylistically. We have chosen to continue along this path so that every generation that follows can retain a living connection with the land.
1858
4ha of land purchased in Ladaux
Pierre Ducourt, a farmer, acquires 4ha of vines for the sum of 7,000 livres (an ancient French currency equivalent to a pound of silver) and makes his home in the small village of Ladaux.
1919
From farmer to winemaker
The estate now extends over 9ha and winemaking has become the family’s main business. The first winery and cellars are constructed in Ladaux.
1973
The launch of exports
With the arrival of their son Bernard, the family launch a bottling unit to facilitate shipping the first wines, notably to Belgium and the USA.
1994
Inaugural investment on Bordeaux’s Right Bank.
Acquisition of Château Plaisance, 17.5ha in AC Montagne Saint-Emilion.
2001
Family expansion continues
Acquisition of Château des Demoiselles, comprising 36ha in AC Castillon Côtes-de-Bordeaux, and Château Jacques Noir – 5.6ha in AC Saint-Emilion.
2023
The first vintage certified organic
After a 3-year period of conversion, 2023 sees the launch of our first organic-certified vintage.
Ours châteaux
Ours label
