Born into a family with centuries-old roots in viticulture, Count Stephan von Neipperg’s journey in Bordeaux is as much about honoring history as it is about propelling the region into the future.

From the legendary terroirs of Saint-Émilion to innovative ventures in emerging regions, von Neipperg has dedicated himself to creating wines that reflect the land, the climate, and the evolving tastes of wine lovers.

Hailing from an old German noble family with vineyards in Württemberg, Stephan von Neipperg’s connection to wine is practically ancestral. His family has been involved in viticulture for nearly eight centuries, and this lineage instilled in him a deep reverence for the craft. His early years were filled with exposure to all aspects of viticulture, which later inspired him to pursue studies in agronomy and economics to prepare for a life dedicated to winemaking.

In the 1970s, von Neipperg’s father purchased several vineyards in Bordeaux, seeing in the region both historical prestige and immense potential for growth. Upon completing his education, Stephan took over the family’s Bordeaux estates; experimenting with new techniques set him apart as a pioneering force in the industry.

Count Stephan von Neipperg’s name is most often associated with Saint-Émilion, where he oversees several prestigious estates.

The most prominent of these is Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, a Grand Cru Classé estate, and a jewel in his portfolio. Acquired by the Neipperg family in 1971, Château Canon-La-Gaffelière has gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines renowned for their aromatic complexity, balance, and age-worthiness. Von Neipperg’s vision for Canon-La-Gaffelière is one that embraces the biodiversity of the vineyard and respects the subtle interplay between soil, climate, and grape variety.

Another gem in his collection is La Mondotte, a micro-estate also acquired by the family in 1971, and classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. Sitting atop the limestone plateau, La Mondotte benefits from natural drainage and receives optimal sunlight. Under von Neipperg’s careful guidance, La Mondotte quickly gained recognition for its “garage wine” approach, a style characterized by low yields, manual harvesting, and meticulous sorting.

Von Neipperg also manages Clos de l’Oratoire and Château Peyreau in Saint-Émilion. Clos de l’Oratoire offers an approachable expression of Saint-Émilion’s terroir, while Château Peyreau focuses on traditional winemaking practices that highlight the authenticity and history of the region.

One of von Neipperg’s most notable contributions to winemaking has been his early advocacy for organic and biodynamic farming. He transitioned his estates to biodynamic practices long before they became widely adopted, seeking to work with nature rather than against it.

He is also known for his innovative winemaking techniques, often combining traditional methods with cutting-edge technology to enhance quality. At Canon-La-Gaffelière, he introduced gravity-fed systems to minimize the handling of grapes and avoid oxidation, thus preserving the freshness and integrity of the fruit and making wines with pronounced purity and elegance.

While Bordeaux remains his primary focus, von Neipperg’s passion for winemaking extends beyond its borders, like his venture in Bulgaria, where he established Bessa Valley Winery. Its premium blend Enira is a rich red wine that combines Bulgarian native varieties with classic Bordeaux grapes like Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. With Bessa Valley, von Neipperg has proven that, with the right approach, quality wine can emerge from lesser-known regions.

Count Stephan von Neipperg’s contributions to the world of wine are profound and far-reaching. With a portfolio that spans traditional Bordeaux appellations and emerging regions, he has redefined what it means to be a vigneron in the modern age. Today, his sons, who have inherited his passion for winemaking, are actively involved in the family’s estates, ensuring that the Neipperg legacy continues for generations.

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