Two couples will experience an immersion into the world of Florence and Daniel Cathiard. Former champion downhill skiers who competed on the French Olympic team, the Cathiards first came to the U.S. in 1969 to attend Woodstock and developed a lifelong passion for nature and the arts. In 1990 they purchased Château Smith Haut Lafitte in the Pessac-Léognan appellation and embarked on an ambitious restoration. Three decades later, they fell in love with Napa’s wildlife and biodiversity and purchased a venerable vineyard there.

The first vines were planted at Château Smith Haut Lafitte in the 14th century, and the estate was ranked among the Crus Classés for red wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1953 and 1959. The red grand vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, while the white consists of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris. One of the Cathiards’ greatest innovations was the founding of Les Sources de Caudalie, the world’s first vinotherapy spa, on the grounds of the château. The winning bidders will experience their renowned hospitality, including lunch with the Cathiards in their home and a private tasting with the winemaker.

You’ll enjoy a half-day Signature Ritual treatment tailored to your skin’s needs and participate in the unique “Caviar from Sea to Soil” workshop which includes a guided tour of the property and sampling of the wines of Smith Haut Lafitte paired with caviar. The culinary high point of your visit will occur at La Grand’Vigne, holder of Two Michelin Stars, where Chef Nicolas Masse crafts cuisine that reflects the rhythm of the seasons and the treasures of the Aquitaine terroir.

As a rare highlight, the winning bidders will also enjoy curated visits to other local wineries in Bordeaux, including a private visit to a renowned French First Growth estate. Recognized in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, a First Growth—Premier Cru—represents the highest tier of quality and prestige in French winemaking.

From Bordeaux, you’ll make the short trip to Cap Ferret on the Atlantic coast for a stay at the beachfront private home of the Cathiards in Canon Village. The lodge offers every possible amenity for your comfort, including stunning views of Arcachon Bay. A highlight of your visit will be a day on a pinasse boat, a traditional wooden vessel originally used for oyster fishing, which will reveal the scenic and hidden aspects of the peninsula.

The Napa portion of your adventure will be just as enchanting as your experience in Bordeaux. The property now known as Cathiard Vineyard has a rich history. Two brothers, James and William Rennie, immigrated from Scotland to Napa Valley and purchased the property in 1885. They planted 60 acres of vines and built the beautiful stone winery on the premises. The estate was purchased in 2020 and produces three wines: The flagship, Cathiard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the oldest and finest hillside vines of the estate; Founding Brothers, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc showcasing the singularity, depth and concentration of the rich Rutherford soil; and Hora, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, characterized by the brightness, aromatic finesse and energy of the younger vines.

Your party will stay in Treeline Suites at the luxurious Meadowood Napa Valley, featuring relaxed, cottage-style interiors with separate sitting rooms, fireplaces and French doors opening to furnished decks that overlook wooded hillsides. You’ll have a private tour and tasting at Cathiard Vineyard, along with an exclusive dinner hosted by the winemaker. During your stay, you’ll have access to a concierge to assist you with your itinerary.

Each couple will receive a Magnum of 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, along with a Magnum of the 2020 inaugural release of Cathiard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Red plans on being perched on your shoulder to photograph the beauty of the French countryside, along with the Cathiard Vineyard nestled at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. Bid high and often, and don’t let this lot slip away!

Insider’s Info

These trips are for two (2) couples. Visits to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates, based on availability, and trip to France must be redeemed by December 31, 2026. Blackout dates in Napa include, but are not limited to, Memorial Day weekend, the week of Christmas and the week of New Year’s. Airfare is not included to France or Napa. Airport transfers are not included in France. In France, ground transportation to winery visits and a one-way transfer from Bordeaux to Cap Ferret is included. In Napa, one (1) private car and driver is included for airport transfers, winery visits and to local restaurants if needed. Any additional transportation is not included. The Signature Caudalie Ritual spa treatment includes a choice of a 50-minute facial treatment, Vinotherapist™ massage or any other 50-minute massage and a bath or wrap of your choice. The availability for the visit to a First Growth estate is based on when they are open. If a visit to a First Growth estate is not available during the winners’ travel dates, another highly renowned property will be substituted. The meal at La Grand’Vigne is a pre-set menu. Meals are only included as stated above and served with non-alcoholic beverages and select wines. Any additional meals, alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages are not included. Gratuities are not included for any portion of the lot and are the responsibility of the winning bidders.