Château de L Orangerie - Famille Icard

Château de l’Orangerie – The Icard Family, over two centuries of Bordeaux history

Since 1790, Château de l’Orangerie has embodied a rare story in the Bordeaux vineyard: that of an estate passed down through the same family, the Icard family, generation after generation. Here, wine is not a simple product, but a living heritage shaped by time, people, and bold choices.

From the first lands owned by Jean Boutet at the end of the 18th century, to Jean-Christophe Icard today, via Anne Pauline Serizier, Léonard Guinard, André Icard and their descendants, each generation has helped build, expand, and transmit this unique winegrowing legacy.

A family saga deeply rooted in Bordeaux

Originally, the estate was located on the lands of Saint-Félix-de-Pommiers, in the area known as Bouchereau. As early as the 19th century, under the leadership of Jean Boutet, the property expanded and became more structured, notably through family alliances that extended the vineyard across several neighboring communes.

The 20th century marked a turning point. After the First World War, Henry Icard refocused the estate and laid the foundations for its modernization. His sons, Jacques and Pierre, then took over, continuing the work with the same rigor and a strong commitment to the local area.

Jean-Christophe Icard, between tradition and renewal

Since 1986, Jean-Christophe Icard, Pierre’s son, has managed the estate with a clear vision: preserving the family soul while bringing a modern and creative dynamic.

Like his ancestor Jean Boutet, he rebuilt a coherent and ambitious estate around Château de l’Orangerie, formerly known as “Palay”. The current name pays tribute to a singular family tradition: the château’s orangery, where orange trees were sheltered during the winter.

A new generation looking to the future

In 2019, Mathias Icard, Jean-Christophe’s son, joined the family adventure after spending two years in the United States.

He represents the link between heritage and modernity, bringing a fresh perspective on the wines, communication, and brand development of the estate.

With him, the Icard vineyards continue to evolve, without ever turning their backs on their roots.

Signature wines combining identity and creativity

The Icard family stands out in the Bordeaux landscape through an original approach: offering wines that are distinctive, approachable, and innovative, structured around several strong brands.

Among the estate’s signatures are:

• the Château de l’Orangerie cuvées,
• the wines of Château Lansade,
• the bold Smiley® Wines range,
• and the Éphémère cuvée, a free and expressive creation by Jean-Christophe Icard.

Each wine reflects a shared ambition: to express the Bordeaux terroir with sincerity, while allowing true freedom of style.

A modern vision of Bordeaux wines

At Château de l’Orangerie, tradition is never static. It serves as the foundation for a resolutely contemporary approach, where quality, consistency, and drinking pleasure come first.

These are wines designed both for everyday enjoyment and for special moments, capable of speaking to seasoned wine lovers as well as curious consumers seeking new discoveries.

What styles of wines does the Icard family produce at Château de l’Orangerie, and how do their cuvées stand out within the Bordeaux vineyard ?