In our corner of Bordeaux, the name Eleanor of Aquitaine is woven into the very fabric of history. A figure of legend, her life spanned royalty and revolution—married first to a King of France, then to a King of England. Queen Eleanor is widely regarded as one of the earliest ambassadors of Bordeaux wine to the English court, and our Château holds its own quiet connection to her legacy.
Set within our grounds stands a centuries-old stone wall—what remains of a once-thriving monastery. It was Queen Eleanor herself who granted the charter allowing this monastery to be founded here in 1154, a document still preserved today. These ancient stones now serve as a timeless backdrop for modern love stories, as couples exchange vows in their presence. It is a place where the past gently embraces the present—a setting both sacred and romantic.
Fast forward to the year 2000, when the Château began a new chapter under the stewardship of Irish owner Dr. Terence Cross. With great care and respect for its Renaissance heritage, he undertook an extensive restoration, blending history with modern comfort. He also revived the long-abandoned vineyard, restoring its vitality and renewing the tradition of exporting wines from our very own land.
Dr. Cross brought with him a warm Irish influence that lives on within the Château walls. Nowhere is this more evident than in our beloved Irish Bar, a guest favourite and a symbol of the welcoming spirit we hold dear.
As you stroll through the Château and its grounds, you’ll feel a peaceful harmony between the past and the present, inviting you to be part of the story.
OUR HISTORY
THE CELLARS
Step into the soul of Château de La Ligne—our historic cellars, where tradition and craftsmanship converge to bring each vintage to life.
The origins of winemaking on this site reach back to the Middle Ages, when, in the latter half of the 12th century, monks from the Order of the Knights Hospitallers first cultivated vines and produced wine here. Their legacy endures not only in our craft but also in stone—the remnants of their ancient monastery still stand gracefully along one edge of the estate.
It was from this very place that wine began its journey beyond our borders, exported to England centuries ago, establishing a heritage of excellence and connection that we are proud to continue today.
Here in our cellars, history breathes through every barrel, and each bottle carries the spirit of those who came before us.
THE VINEYARD
Nestled in the charming village of Lignan-de-Bordeaux, at the heart of the famed Entre-Deux-Mers region, the vineyard of Château de La Ligne is a place where nature, tradition, and expertise come together in harmony.
Covering 9.5 hectares, our vineyard enjoys a privileged south–southwesterly hilltop exposure, bathing the vines in generous sunlight throughout the growing season. The soil, a rich blend of clay and limestone, provides ideal conditions for viticulture, with pockets of gravel in the southeastern plots—perfect for nurturing our Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our vines, with an average age of 25 years, reflect the maturity and balance essential for producing wines of depth and character. We grow a variety of grape types, with a particular focus on three noble Bordeaux varieties:
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Merlot, known for its roundness and velvety texture
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Cabernet Sauvignon, offering structure, power, and longevity
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Cabernet Franc, prized for its elegance and aromatic finesse
Every parcel is tended with care and respect for the land, allowing us to craft wines that speak authentically of our terroir. From vine to bottle, each vintage tells the story of this special place.
HINCH
DISTILLERY Co.
Château de La Ligne proudly shares a connection with Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland, also owned by Dr. Terence Cross.
At our Irish Bar, guests can enjoy the distinctive taste of Hinch whiskey and gin, also available for purchase at the Château.
It’s a refined link between Bordeaux elegance and Irish spirit.
