Irish trader Thomas Barton arrived in Bordeaux in 1725. He became an important figure in the wine trade during his lifetime but didn't buy any vineyards. His son, Hugh, purchased Château Langoa in Saint-Julien in 1821 and later acquired a part of the Leoville estate, which would become Léoville Barton. The estate remains in the family today under the stewardship of Lilian Barton. Her children Melanie and Damien have both joined the family business.