Between the vine rows and the tall trees of the park, a soft rustling reminds you that life is everywhere at Château Fourcas Hosten. It’s often at that moment that Xavier Piquer pauses. Quality Manager and sustainability lead for the estate, he likes to quietly observe the château’s newest residents: the birds settling on branches, the bees gathering nectar, the bats keeping watch at dusk.
To him, this scene is anything but anecdotal. It speaks of a simple, concrete, almost self‑evident resolution: giving biodiversity the place it deserves.
A Médoc native deeply tied to his terroir
Xavier grew up here, in this patchwork of vines, forests and ocean that shapes the beauty of the Médoc. Châteaux surrounded him, landscapes shaped him — and the desire to be part of it all came naturally.
“I’ve always loved this land of nature and authenticity. Today, I try to contribute to it, with common sense.”
His role at the estate? Linking every step of production, of course — but above all, nurturing the sustainability approach that has become a cornerstone of the property.
The resolution: creating shelters for biodiversity
It all began with a simple moment: a craft workshop with the employees’ children during the Christmas snack.
The idea? Build birdhouses together. A gesture to learn, share… and act.
The experience left its mark. The children took their birdhouses home, and the château carried the momentum forward: birdhouses, beehives, bat boxes, insect shelters… A small living architecture designed to welcome all those who share the land.
“Many habitats already existed; others were restored, and some we built ourselves.”
The first to take shape? A bat shelter in the park — for a valuable ally, a natural regulator of mosquitoes and vineyard pests.
Restoring balance, respecting the land
For Xavier, protecting biodiversity isn’t activism. It’s simply the obvious thing to do — an act of coexistence.
“We all share the same land: the vines, the forests, the villages… We have to think about that balance.”
Since the beehives were installed, the park has changed: more flowers, more colour, more life. Birds nest, insects return, nature breathes again.
And when some birds choose to settle… right next to the birdhouse rather than inside it, Xavier smiles:
“Nature always keeps its independence.”
Concrete actions at the heart of Cultivons Demain
These shelters, these recreated spaces, the return of species — they embody the philosophy of Cultivons Demain: acting with common sense, sharing knowledge, progressing together.
“These habitats are tangible, meaningful. They show that biodiversity is an integral part of our wines.”
Beyond ecological impact, Xavier sees them as powerful educational tools. Visitors discover the small structures, watch the bees, and often find themselves surprised by their first observations. Biodiversity becomes tangible. Alive.
And now? Keep going. Always.
Maintaining existing spaces, creating new ones, moving forward step by step… The château intends to continue this momentum — without grand speeches, but with consistency.
“Preserving biodiversity means preserving the identity of the Bordeaux vineyard.”
In ten years, Xavier hopes Fourcas Hosten will be recognised both for the quality of its wines and its commitment to sustainable development.
And for Bordeaux wines as a whole? He believes in their diversity, in their many stories, in a new generation that is curious and open‑minded.
“We have everything we need. It’s up to us to shape the future — with passion.”