Having visited and been impressed by the iconic Château Margaux in Bordeaux in November 2025, it was a pleasure to have a personal conversation with Aurélien Valance, its newly appointed Managing Director. From his office in Paris to mine in Paso Robles, California, we talked about his educational and professional journey, his “ah-ha!” moment that solidified a passion for wine, and his strong affinity for the people, place, and wines of Château Margaux. Aurélien shared his thoughts about the strengths he is bringing to this new position, the importance of continuity, and long term goals for the Château. Throughout our conversation, his warmth, passion, and knowledge were inspiring.
Aurelien Valance, Managing Director of Chateau Margaux – Photo Credit: Chateau Margaux
Born in Paris, Aurélien attended HEC Paris (École des hautes études commerciales de Paris), one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, as a finance major. While there, he joined the school’s wine club at which a winery owner or winemaker would attend monthly meetings and share his or her story… and wines. During one of the first tasting experiences at the club, Aurélien experienced a vertical tasting of wines from Cote de Brouilly and was hooked. Subsequently, he expanded his wine knowledge and became President of the club. Aurélien explained that “the first wine that evoked a strong emotion was a 1996 Château Margaux.” The trajectory was set… During business school, Aurélien participated in Internship programs at Château Margaux prior to graduation after which he “did a stint in the United States with a wine importing startup” which is now Vintus.
Photo Credit: Cellar Tracker
During his post-graduation career in the United States, he maintained contact with those at Château Margaux. Whenever he was in Paris to visit family and friends, he “stopped in or had lunch with friends in the Château Margaux office.” Clearly aware of Aurélien’s skills and business acumen, those at the Château created a position for him. He left the United States in 2006 years ago to assume the job of Commercial Director to “sell wines that go to wine merchants.” He used his finance and sales experience “to undertand distribution and how to improve it.” By 2016, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director, Sales, and Operations and the following year, Aurélien won the title of French Blind Tasting Champion.
Photo Credit: Chateau Margaux
Aurélien has known Château 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.” Owner, Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos
Clearly, the strengths of Aurélien Valance for his latest position is the vast knowledge of the Château Margaux property and how it operates. He “knows everyone, survived the COVID years, is involved in blending of the wines and harvest,” among other experiences. In his own words, he is “passionate about wine and has a deep love for Château Margaux.” But all of his hard work often leads to relaxing evenings; in the morning, he thinks about which wine he’ll open at dinner!
Working with his team members demands other qualities. “I must inspire others and be a good example,” he stated. Aurélien “relies on their expertise and their experiences. I want to be here to give others independence and to support their decisions, but question those decisions when appropriate.”
Continuity of this storied winery’s history is indeed a crucial aspect of Valance’s role. He plans to “focus on the quality of Château Margaux wines and its global image.” For guests who visit, he would like them to leave “feeling the magic of Château Margaux and to understand that the Château offers every detail that is important: quality, place, people, excellence.” Looking towards the future, Aurélien Valence knows that “we are very welcoming, but we need to find a way to be closer to those who enjoy the wines. We must travel more.” He also embraces knowledge of global warming data and realizes that “we will have to adapt more quickly than expected. But we have to be very scientific.”
Photo Credit: Chateau Margaux
Towards the end of our conversation, Aurélien Valance remarked about the major turning point in his career. “Twenty-five years ago I had my first glass of Château Margaux. Never did I imagine I would be the Château’s Managing Director. It was not a dream come true, but at the time, I never considered that it could be a dream!” This is the effect of a magnificent experience, in this instance a 1996 Château Margaux. Sometimes unexpected opportunities emerge when you truly find your passion. Congratulations, Aurélien.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
