A family business for over 85 years
Rabotvins through the years...
Relocation to Nazareth
A major new milestone was the relocation from Ghent to ‘De Prijkels’ in Nazareth. A newly built 8,000 m² facility, combined with a brand-new bottling line, paved the way for further growth.
Purveyor to the Royal Household
In 2005, the professionalism of Rabotvins – De Mour was once again recognised with a title of which it is particularly proud: as an officially appointed ‘Purveyor to the Royal Household’, Rabotvins may supply exclusive wines to the King and the Royal Family.
Third generation
Year after year, the company continued to expand under the leadership of the third generation. Olivier, Isabelle, and later Laurent joined the team in Ghent, while Hélène started working at De Mour in France.
Château La Croizille
Acquisition of a second estate in Saint-Émilion, located close to Château Tour Baladoz on an exceptional terroir: Château La Croizille, Appellation Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Contrôlée, featuring vineyards with partly very old vines.
Château Tayet
Château Tayet, Appellation Bordeaux Supérieur Contrôlée, a 7-hectare estate in Macau, was added to the portfolio of owned châteaux. The day-to-day management of the estates is entrusted to Jean-Michel Garcion, who is responsible for the continuously improving quality of the wines.
Adversity
Firmin De Schepper loses his life in a tragic plane crash near Bordeaux. His brother Jacques, who until then had mainly overseen the company’s financial management, suddenly finds himself compelled to assume full responsibility for the business. Surrounded by a strong team, he succeeds in modernising Rabotvins.
Forte d'Oro
A second fortified wine, FORTE D’ORO, is launched onto the market and, particularly from the 1990s onwards, becomes a key driver of the company’s rapid continued growth.
Godelieve
Firmin and Jacques De Schepper, Emile’s two sons, gradually take over the reins of the company. Under their leadership, Rabotvins specialises in wines and aperitifs. The aperitif GODELIEVE, launched in 1958, enjoys strong expansion.
Château Haut Breton Larigaudière
Acquisition of a second estate in Margaux: Château Haut Breton Larigaudière, Appellation Margaux Contrôlée, where the Margaux wines can mature into truly exceptional vintages.
A successful company
Relocation from Brusselsesteenweg to Vogelenzang 1-4 in Ghent. The company name is changed to NV RABOTVINS.
Château Tour Baladoz
Acquisition of a first wine estate in France: Château Tour Baladoz, with the aim of producing its own wines, in particular Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
The beginning
Foundation of the company by Emile De Schepper and his wife Ghislaine De Moor under the name “Het Rabot”, located at Brusselsesteenweg 39 in Ghent. The company initially specialised in the production of gin and liqueurs. Around a decade later, the import and distribution of a limited range of wines followed.
