There was a time when properties weren’t keen to open up their doors to visitors during harvest time. There’s a lot going on, pipes and pumps all over the cellar floor, busy cellar rats checking on fermentation temperatures, grapes arriving and general activity. More and more properties now realise just how much wine enthusiasts love this time. They love to the see the cellars in action rather than as hushed dark and cavernous halls of silent barrels of ageing wine or gleaming tanks waiting for the next weeks of activity.
A bigger picture – Making Bordeaux inclusive
It’s understandable that vineyards look to their natural environment when thinking about sustainability, it’s a tangible and sometimes urgent challenge, but a broader definition of sustainability includes people.
Château Bellefont-Belcier : A stay in an 18th century property in Bordeaux
The Kwok family have had a lot to celebrate recently. 2022 was the 25th Bordeaux vintage for owner Peter Kwok, their Chateau Tour Saint Christophe entered the famous Saint Emilion Classification, Emmanuelle Fulchi d’Aligny joined the team as technical director after 25 years at prestigious neighbour Château Angélus and, of course, they won the regional Best of Wine Tourism for accommodation at Château Bellefont-Belcier.
The unique chic of chateau entertaining in Bordeaux
From private tables to restaurants or picnics in the park to food trucks, food and wine pairing has never been so much fun in Bordeaux.
Chateau Réaut, the incredible story of the 700-owners’ winery
Château Reaut, won a Best Of Award for their unique restaurant, the property also has a unique story and a unique approach to ownership.
Families come in Bordeaux too.
With the summer holidays on the horizon, families have never been more welcome in the vineyards in and around Bordeaux. Although children will not be tasting the wines (but there’s always grape juice), there are plenty of activities designed just for them and others they can share with their parents.
Bordeaux Fête le Vin 2023 : Enjoy, share, savour and be amazed !
The leading wine-tourism festival – Bordeaux Fête le Vin – is back from 22 to 25 June on the quays of the Garonne, with a preview in restaurants and cultural venues across the Bordeaux metropolitan area from 15 June. Hosted every year, this popular event focuses on promoting the Bordeaux destination through its wines, including organic and responsible productions, its local and artisanal products and its heritage. On the programme: wine, music, culture and sailboats!
Climate Change in Bordeaux, the good, the bad and the hopeful
The hot, dry 2022 summer with its dangerously close forest fires brought climate change into sharp focus for Bordeaux. However, in the recent primeur tastings, the majority of 2022 wines showed extremely well, with even some wine makers expressing surprise (and definitely relief) over quality.
Chateau La Tour Blanche sharing a passion
Sauternes is a wine that requires passion, it’s a challenging wine to make and to sell. Luckily for Sauternes lovers, there are passionate producers across the appellation working together to produce and promote these golden wines. Many have already been championed by Best of Wine Tourism awards. Châteaux La Tour Blanche, Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sigalas-Rabaud, Rabaud-Promis and Rayne Vigneau have all come together to create a circuit for electric scooters through their vines.
BORDEAUX EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF SMART CITY
The European Capital of Smart Tourism award recognises cities for their exemplary achievements in tourism in 4 categories: accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation and cultural heritage.
Château Fleur de Lisse: Organic and Biodynamic Winemaking at the Heart of Bordeaux
The importance of sustainability in Bordeaux’s wine industry has become increasingly evident. The area has faced several environmental issues, such as climate change, soil degradation, and water shortages, prompting winemakers to reassess their approaches and embrace more eco-friendly practices.
Bordeaux Flagship grape varieties
You can find a ‘Bordeaux blend’ all over the world, where ever wine makers harvest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and perhaps Petit Verdot and Malbec. Blending is the Bordeaux signature, there are single varietal wines here, but they are the exception. Bordeaux blends its whites too, mainly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with a touch of Muscadelle.