In the heart of Saint-Émilion, a historic wine region on Bordeaux’s right bank, a new chapter is unfolding at the renowned Château Angelus. At the helm of this storied estate is Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal the first woman in eight generations to lead the family business. Born in 1982, a vintage year for Bordeaux wines, de Boüard-Rivoal brings a fresh perspective to the 200-year-old estate while honoring its rich heritage.
De Boüard-Rivoal’s journey to leadership began in the vineyards where she grew up. After earning degrees from Bordeaux University and ESCP-EAP business school, she joined the family business in 2012. Her father, Hubert de Boüard handed over control while retaining a technical supervisory role, allowing her to implement her vision while benefiting from his expertise.
Innovation and Expansion Under New Leadership
Since taking the reins, de Boüard-Rivoal has made significant strides in both winemaking and hospitality. She has overseen the acquisition of new vineyards and dedicated special attention to the Carillon d’Angelus line. Her expansion of the family’s hospitality portfolio includes the acquisition of Logis de la Cadène followed by the boutique guest house Maison de la Cadène in 2016, and the Auberge de la Commanderie hotel in 2017. In 2019, she ventured into Bordeaux city with the acquisition of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Observatoire Le Gabriel.
De Boüard-Rivoal’s leadership style is characterized by her sensitivity to the estate’s wines and her commitment to preserving their complexity. She has also championed sustainability, implementing practices that preserve biodiversity and optimize resources. In the cellar, she has transitioned to a fresher, more vibrant style of wine, reflecting her innovative approach.
The Legacy of Château Angelus
The story of Château Angelus is deeply intertwined with the Boüard de Laforest family. At the turn of the 20th century, Maurice de Boüard de Laforest inherited the estate and expanded it, adding a three-hectare enclosure named Angelus in 1920. His sons, Jacques and Christian de Boüard de Laforest continued the family’s work until 1985, when Hubert de Boüard took over. The estate gained prominence in 1954 when it was awarded Grand Cru Classé status in the first classification of Saint-Émilion wines.
Today, Château Angelus produces eight cuvées, including the flagship Château AngelusCarillon d’Angelus and No. 3 d’Angelus. The wines are distinctive for their high percentage of Cabernet Franc (up to 55 percent) and their long aging potential, with some vintages lasting 15 to 50 years or more. The estate’s soils are principally clay-limestone, while the Carillon plots vary between clay, sand, and limestone.
A Vision for the Future
De Boüard-Rivoal’s achievements have been guided by mentors such as Maggie Henriquez former CEO of Krug Champagne. Her leadership extends beyond the vineyards, as she oversees a team of 170 people and manages all aspects of the business. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time for her passions, including horse riding, traveling, and cooking.
As the wine industry continues to evolve, de Boüard-Rivoal’s innovative approach and commitment to sustainability are setting a new standard for Château Angelus. Her vision for the future promises to preserve the estate’s legacy while embracing the opportunities of the 21st century.
To learn more about visionary leaders like Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, attend The Golden Vines® 2026 in London from November 6 to 8, 2026. Register your interest in tickets at .
