Founded in the 17th century by the Lazarist order of priests and brothers (also known as the Congregation of the Mission), La Mission Haut Brion was confiscated by the French government a century later, during the French Revolution. In 1982, the Dillon family, owners of Château Haut Brion, a First growth in the 1855 classification located just the other side of the Arcachon road, purchased the estate from the Woltner family.
Now virtually an island of vines in an urban setting, the 20 hectare vineyard has a remarkable subsoil of large-sized gravel on a deep layer of clay and sand.
La Mission Haut-Brion produces elegant, very aromatic wines with a refined, somewhat smoky bouquet typical of the appellation. With age, La Mission Haut-Brion often takes on hints of old leather and black truffles.
Since 2006, Château La Tour Haut-Brion, belonging to the same owners, is incorporated into La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, the second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion.
