February 20, 2026
At Château d’Issan, Grand Cru Classé of 1855 in Margaux, wine tourism is an invitation to discover a place steeped in four centuries of history, at the heart of one of the Médoc’s most emblematic vineyards.
At the crossroads of hospitality and transmission, Marion Malaurie welcomes visitors from all over the world each year. She shares with us her vision of a deeply human profession, where emotion and high standards meet.
1. In your opinion, what is the key moment of a visit to Issan — the one visitors never forget?
« The key moment is when the visit turns into a sense of wonder, when emotion naturally takes over.
That emotion arises from the vibrations of the place. Some visitors are particularly sensitive to the history of the château; others to the family character of the estate, to the work carried out in the vineyard and the cellar, or to the architectural beauty of the buildings.
Discovering the main façade remains one of the most striking moments: standing before a four-century-old building, the spark always happens. The historic cellar, for its part, often leaves visitors in awe, as it truly embodies Issan’s tradition and ancestral heritage.
The racking periods also generate great enthusiasm: watching the technical team at work, understanding the precision of their movements and the technical expertise involved makes the visit especially dynamic and engaging.
Then comes the tasting — a suspended moment when everything falls into place. Visitors allow themselves to be carried away by the world of the estate and by the story each vintage tells. It is often at that precise moment that the experience becomes truly memorable.»
2. What touches you most about the work of the teams, and how do you share this with visitors ?
« Behind every bottle of Château d’Issan lies a part of the men and women who, with passion and dedication, shape each vintage.
Wine reflects its terroir, but it reaches its full expression thanks to the teams who nurture it day after day. We are fortunate to work with winegrowers who have been on the estate for many years — there is a genuine family spirit here.
In wine tourism, it is essential to remain grounded in the real, daily life of the estate. We are ambassadors. Our tour narrative can only be authentic if it is nourished by the estate’s current activity, by ongoing exchanges with the technical team, and by an in-depth understanding of every aspect of the work.
Visitors can feel this. Their questions speak for themselves: Is the château inhabited? How many rooms does it have? How many people work on the estate? These questions reveal a genuine interest in the place and in those who bring it to life. »
3. What do you enjoy most about your profession ?
« It is a profession deeply rooted in human connection. Meeting visitors from all over the world, year after year, is a true privilege.
The tasting is often the moment when exchanges become the most meaningful. Wine is, by its very nature, a vehicle for sharing: it brings people together, sparks conversation, and opens the door to personal stories and experiences.
Some visits remain especially memorable. I am thinking in particular of a marriage proposal organized within the authentic setting of the château — an emotionally charged moment where every detail had been perfectly orchestrated. I was deeply moved by that scene.
In a completely different vein, a group once entered the historic cellar and began singing a gospel song. The acoustics of the space made every note resonate. It was a magical, timeless moment — one that perfectly illustrates what a visit to Issan can become: a unique, unexpected, and unforgettable experience. »
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