Rolland Collection

Michel Rolland, the owner of Chаteau Fontenil and several other Chаteaus in the Bordeaux region, is a descendant of Bordeaux winemakers. He was born in Libourne in 1947. He spent his childhood in the family Chаteau Le Bon Pasteur, where his grandfather sold wine under the name Bon Pasteur. It can be said that winemaking is in Michel’s blood, and it is not surprising that, as an adult, he studied at the agricultural lycée Chateau La Tour Blanche, and then at the University of Bordeaux in the faculty of oenology. After completing his studies at the university, Michel went to work in a large oenological laboratory of Monsieur and Madame Chevrier in Libourne, and after a short period of time - just three months - he became their partner. Michel visited Bordeaux estates, sharing his knowledge, but the winemakers preferred to work in the old-fashioned way, and the wineries did not have the necessary modern equipment. In 1979, the family suffered a loss - Michel's father died, and he began to perform his duties in his native estate, but did not forget about his work in the laboratory. In 1985, a fateful visit to California took place, Michel was invited by Californian winemakers to study the possibilities of improving the potential of the region's wines. Michel Rolland himself recalls this as follows: "Like all young entrepreneurs, I wanted to travel to expand my circle of knowledge, but this trip was the beginning of my consulting practice, which will take me to four continents, to more than one hundred and fifty different estates. This path was strewn with wonderful events, visits to vineyards and encounters with grapes in different climates and cultures. This is an exceptional adventure, professional and human!" These days, Michel Rolland is a legendary figure, one of the outstanding oenologists who collaborates with 150 wineries in 17 countries. He is sometimes called the "flying winemaker" because he spends almost half his life flying. And how could it be otherwise, when his family owns land in France, Spain, Argentina, India and South Africa.