Stay in some of the region’s finest wine chateaux
There are about 10,000 chateaux in Bordeaux, occupying 1,000 square km and producing 800 million bottles a year.
The rules of wine tasting
Outside , the heat of summer or early fall is descending on the vines. You finally venture inside after paying your entrance fee, and the cool of the caves are a very welcome benediction. All is required is to observe a few simple rules of wine tasting: Do not wear white, as we all know ( reds can leave an awful stain), practise spitting and finally be punctual if your degustation is by appointment, as it will be important for Chateau Latour. The French are fanatical about time-keeping. Final advice, be aware of wine speak. Phrases such as : dense, chewy and complex or classic fruit on the nose are left to experts.Exploring the wine regions is the most sophisticated of pleasures, a modern Grand Tour for would-be connoisseurs and ladies & gentlemen of any age. This is especially so if you can spend the night at a chateau.
The Bordelais have been snooty about letting in the public, but things have drastically change from the credit crunch to Nicolas Sarkozy’s new laws to curb teenage binge-drinking and have threatened the most sacrosanct ritual of wine-tasting. Now some chateaux have some new tariffs but since they are not legally hotels, staying in a chateau is usually done by arrangement and often in parties, with wine-tastings and dinner cooked by a private chef. Chateau, Ormes de Pez offers good prices ( with wine that is highly regarded) and is near Saint Estephe.
Wine Tourism
Wine Tourism begins right in Bordeaux ’s airport at Merignac, where wines are planted just outside the terminal. A lot of vineyards are close to Bordeaux itself. One great vineyard, the Graves Estate of Chateau Haut-Brion, is in the suburb of Pessac. It was celebrated as an exclusive grand cru by Napoleon lll. Apart from Haut-Brion, all the reds are from the Medoc, one of the three main wine regions to explore. Medoc is Northwest of Bordeaux, Saint Emilion to the East, and Graves- Sauternes to the south.The Bordeaux Tourist Office has designed several wine routes. When I take a group of guests with me , the local drivers set off with their own Itinerary and include some of the greatest wine estates .
For more information regarding the wine roads of Bordeaux, contact Anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com
The best places to sleep and eat in Bordeaux
Chateau Pichon-longueville-Baron, this fairytale castle was purchased and restored in the 1980 ’s by insurance group AXA which has spent a load of money on this ultra winery and visitors center. Its Grand Vin is the powerful , masculine Baron de Pichon-Longueville. ( Rooms and daily tastings by arrangement). Pauillac – www.pichonlongueville.com
Chateau Lagune, impeccably restored 16th century chateau. The distinguished troisiemes crus have been revitalized by the young owner Caroline Frey. Elegant meals are served in a beautiful and magnificent vaulted kitchen- www.chateaulalagune.com
GRAVES
Chateau Pape Clement. This famous chateau has produced wine for seven centuries. Robert Parker calls it “the star of the Pessac-Leognian region”. www.papeclement.com
Chateau Smith Haut- Lafitte. The 14th century estate is increasingly celebrated for its Caudalie skincare products. www.sources-caudalie.com
SAINT EMILION
Chateau De Sours. Englishman Martin Krajevski and wife Nicolette have modernised this 14th century Estate without sacrifying its historic grandeur. Be advised that” Staying in the chateau is limited to 4 weeks a year.” www.chateaudesours.com
Chateau Fombrauge originally part of a carthusian monastery is owned by Bernard Magrez and has seven rooms that can be booked through Magrez Company , Luxury Wine Tourism – Saint Emilion. www.fombrauge.com
WHERE TO EAT.
L’envers du decor in Saint Emilion. Combination of wine maker and restaurateur. He disdains the snobbery attached to Grand Vins & Celebrities who frequent his unpretentious Bistro. Highly recommended by friends of mine. ( 11 rue du Clocher, Saint Emilion)
Le Saint- Julien on the route des Chateaux in the village of Saint Julien. Good- value set menus for 25 to 40 Euros contrast with several eye-watering bottle prices.( Medoc Region)
Graves – La Table du Lavoir, serves authentic and satisfying meals. This is a simpler companion restaurant to La Grand Vigne at Chateau Smith Haut-Laffite – www.sourcescaudalie.com
Wine Tours
Luxury Travel Consultant2
Luxury Travel Consultant2 offers wine tours to Bordeaux a few times a year. For more information contact, Anne Suire, the owner.(anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com)www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com
Wine Roads of Bordeaux include chateau or villa Accommodations
Private chef
Wine-tasting and guided tours of the region.
TGV train ride ( round trip included)
Biodynamic Farming is based on the agricultural philosophies of Rudolf Steiner. While biodynamic farming includes organic farm management practises, it also uses specially prepared , natural treatments, incorporating natural rhythms and cycles of the moon and sun, light and warmth.
Read an article from The Guardianweekly about organic wines in Provence, France. Wine Growers in Provence are turning to chemical-free garpe Farming.