Philippe Raoux acquired the Arsac property in 1986 and made extensive renovations to the château and completely modernized the winery. Aside from the standing walls, he basically started the renovations from scratch. His other priority was to reconstruct the 112 hectares of vineyard and to revive the quality of wine. A unique experience occurred when he approached the INAO, France’s national wine institution and wine regulation board, to re-qualify Château d’Arsac’s vineyard into the Margaux appellation. A true expression of tenacity by a vineyard owner. Since 1995, 54 hectares of the vineyard are classified under the AOC Margaux appellation, the remainder are classified under the AOC Haut-Médoc appellation.

Phillipe Raoux’s visionary outlook sought him to create a solid alliance between wine, vines and living art. He endeavours continuously to make Château d’Arsac a permanent expression of linking modernity with tradition. He entrusted the Bordeaux architect Patrick Hernandez the careful task of rehabilitating the Château d’Arsac and to enter the property into audacious modernity. By combining stainless steel, wood, glass and painting the winery electric blue, Château d’Arsac stands out visibly and is now regarded as one of the most original châteaux of the Médoc.

Since 2005, on the same soil and “terroir” of Château d’Arsac, a guest winemaker is invited by Philippe Raoux to create a signature wine. Assisted by Château d’Arsac’s winemaking team, the guest winemaker is attributed full freedom to create their dream wine: from the choice of plots to selecting different vine-growing and wine-making techniques. Each year represents a different vintage signed by a different wine-maker. Michel Rolland was the first to create the first signature wine of the Winemakers’ Collection in 2005. Denis Dubourdieu, Andrea Franchetti and Stéphane Derenoncourt have subsequently been invited for other signature vintages. (www.winemakerscollection.com). Eric Boissenot has been recently invited by Mr. Raoux to create the Winemakers’ Collection Cuvée #5- 2010 vintage.

Furthermore, Château d’Arsac produces 3 kinds of Crémants de Bordeaux, Brut, Demi-Sec and a house Crémant called Frappé. The Semillon grapes are harvested by hand then the juices are assembled at the Château d’Arsac.