The property was first purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith, who gave the estate its present name. He also built the manor house and exported his – by now famous – wine to England on his own ships. The estate passed hands a few times until it was bought by Daniel Cathiard, a former ski champion on the French Olympic team. In 1990, Daniel and his wife Florence sold all their business interests to buy Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Over a two year period, they invested massively in renovating both the winery buildings and the 18th century manor house built by George Smith, where they decided to live and to devote their energy to their newfound passion; making outstanding white and red wines.