Château Roquefort
“We are merely purveyors of Roquefort’s history, and in the face of the crucial issues confronting us, we must do far more than just make a statement. We must back our actions up with ambitious goals for managing this estate as well as possible and passing it on to others in turn. Our raison d’être is to create wines that will be the ambassadors of this unspoilt venue in an era of ecological and societal transition.”
Anne et Frédéric Bellanger
For over ten years now, Château Roquefort has been committed to reducing its impact on the environment as part of its sustainable development strategy. Since 2012, the SME (Environmental Management System) approach has led to the progressive and ongoing improvement of the estate’s environmental performance. The estate, already a forerunner in « Haute Valeur Environnementale » certifications, started its transition to organic winegrowing in 2020 and began preparing for the CSR assessment with its consultant Mérithalle.
In 2022, Château Roquefort’s owners, Anne and Frédéric Bellanger, have now set a new dynamic in motion, by committing the company to a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy in line with its stakeholders’ expectations, and naturally consistent with the Bordeaux Cultivons Demain collective approach.
Bordeaux Cultivons Demain is built on the foundations of the ISO 26000 standard, the international reference in terms of CSR strategy. Subsequent to the audit conducted by Bureau Veritas, Château Roquefort is now among the first 56 estates to be awarded the CSR label.
_ Sustaining our economic activities
_ Preserving the environment
_ Placing people at the heart of our concerns
_ Contributing to our region’s renown
The estate wanted to begin planting varietals recently authorised by the trade. Consequently, 2.2 hectares were planted with Castets and Arinarnoa – varietals that produce red wines and are better adapted to global warming. The teams are proud to be working together to revive the Bordeaux reputation nationally and internationally by supporting a large number of collective initiatives.
In addition to the Natura 2000 zones present on the property, 55% of the estate, or more than 140 hectares of woods, forests and pastures, are preserved and protected. The 100 hectares of vines are in conversion to organic farming since 2020.
On the circular economy side, a first pilot project for the re-use of wooden crates was carried out with the Caisserie Marie-Louise and the Bordeaux Design School “DN Made”.
The domain is committed to the well-being of our employees, of course, but also to the transmission of our professions, with students from different schools (Kedge, Lycée Magendie, etc.) who are integrated into all stages of the company’s life.
And also, a strong commitment to the causes that are dear to us : several associations are provided support via grants and mentoring initiatives, for example: ‘Quai Liberté’ helps former inmates reintegrate society through employment, and ‘French Heritage Society’ works on built heritage preservation projects in France.
And last but not least, in order to contribute to the renown of this region in which Château Roquefort is located and which is so dear to the Roquefort teams, major investment programmes are being carried out on the estate. With its ‘slow tourism’ and ‘cycling tourism’ labels, the estate welcome wine lovers all year long and boasts a new guest room as well as a range of activities showcasing the Entre-deux-Mers producers and farmers : Marché Gourmand, ‘Fête à Léo Drouyn’…
Side historical heritage, for each campaign of archaeological excavations realized by the CNRS on our Covered Way of the Neolithic, a day conference of restitution is offered to the general public. To discover on line the Covered Way in 3D, thanks to Meganeo Association.
