Philippine de Rothschild, ex-actress who became Grande Dame of Bordeaux wine, dies at 80

Philippine de Rothschild, an energetic and self-certain grande dame of Bordeaux wine who halted an acting career to run vineyards owned by the family dynasty, has died, her company said Sunday. She was 80.

Winemaker Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA said in a statement she died Friday in Paris "from the effects of a serious operation." It didn't elaborate.

De Rothchild took control of the family business, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, when her father Baron Philippe de Rothschild, died in 1988. She later renamed it after him.

Twice married, she is survived by two sons, a daughter and grandchildren.

The company's CEO Hugues Lechanoine said a funeral is planned Sept. 1 in southwestern Pauillac.