The passing of Daniel Cathiard, in the early hours of 29th January 2026, at the age of 81, marks the end of one of the most unique and inspiring stories in the today’s wine world and in the story of modern Bordeaux. A former ski champion, life-long entrepreneur and later a passionate winemaker, he leaves an enduring legacy in the vines of Pessac-Léognan and much further afield.
Born in 1944 in Grenoble, Daniel Cathiard first made a name for himself on the ski slopes as a member of the French national alpine ski team before turning to business. Together with his wife Florence, he expanded the family distribution business before founding and scaling a retail group (including the well-known Go Sport chain) to great success. The entrepreneurial couple sold the business in the late 1980s. It marked Daniel Cathiard’s first great commercial success story but certainly not his last.
In 1990, Daniel Cathiard found his calling in the world of wine. The couple saw something special in the oft overlooked Château Smith Haut Lafitte and they acquired the Grand Cru Classé de Graves property that year. Slowly and with great patience, the husband-and-wife team transformed it, always with their pioneering, long-term vision. Their approach combined a deep understanding of terroir with a commitment to sustainability, oenological innovation and a strong focus on wine tourism. Today, the estate is world-renowned both for its red and white wine, and for its visitor experience. Daniel Cathiard oversaw every detail with characteristic discretion, while Florence worked tirelessly alongside him to build the estate’s international reputation and image. She is behind the artwork on display at the property, most notably the famous hare by sculptor Barry Flanagan, which has become the emblem of Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
Under the couple’s leadership, Smith Haut Lafitte not only grew a global reputation; the estate also became a leader in ‘new’ Bordeaux viticulture, combining organic farming, innovative architectural developments and luxury hospitality. In 2023, the estate even welcomed King Charles III of England, a powerful symbol of international recognition for the Cathiards’ vision.
This transformation extended beyond Bordeaux. In 2020, the couple acquired a property in Napa Valley, California, which they named Cathiard Vineyard. In stunning surroundings, this is where Daniel Cathiard enjoyed his downtime. Father to Mathilde and Alice; Daniel Cathiard’s entrepreneurial spirit was certainly inherited by his daughters, both highly accomplished businesspeople. Skincare brand Caudalie and hotel group Les Sources de Caudalie extend the spirit of innovation and prestige intrinsic to Château Smith Haut Lafitte. New developments in the governance of the estate were recently announced, with Mathilde and Alice promoted to the Executive Board, while their parents joined the Supervisory Board.
“Openness and entrepreneurial spirit personified, Daniel Cathiard, together with his wife Florence, welcomed a fledgling iDealwine project with curiosity and interest the during an initial visit to the estate in 2001. Since then, relations between our two companies have flourished, and we remain grateful to the Cathiards for their support. We would like to extend our thoughts and most heartfelt condolences to Florence, their daughters, extended family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.” – Angélique de Lencquesaing
From the entire iDealwine team, we would like to express our condolences to Daniel Cathiard’s family, loved ones and everyone at Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
To learn more about Château Smith Haut Lafitte and its wines, read our article: Château Smith Haut Lafitte: a success story in Pessac-Léognan
