bordeaux harvest

Sep 15

BORDEAUX IS QUICKLY BECOMING ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES ON EARTH.

AND WHY NOT?

There’s so much to love about this incredible region; the inspiring vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, the beautiful chateaux with such rich history, gorgeous old villages like Saint-Émilion, and of course… we can’t forget the wine!

In summer 2019, I signed up for a Bordeaux Master Level program through the Wine Scholar Guild which culminated in my very first trip to the region. I fell in love, instantly, and quickly booked a return trip for the fall harvest to stay with a lovely couple in their restored Chateau just outside the city of Bordeaux. The hospitality of my hosts, and that of each place they shared with me and my fellow guests, was truly special. When it was time to leave, I cried… seriously, I actually cried! With the city of Bordeaux just a 2 hour, high speed train ride from Paris, it’s easier than ever to get there. Sadly 2020 international travel has been put on pause, but I already have my 2021 trip booked!

*for full photo description, click the image and hover

Cathedral in Bordeaux city center

Chateau Coulon Laurensac, my home for the harvest tour with Bordeaux Wine Experience

Pretty pathway to my room for the week

Being here at harvest has it's perks! Watching a pump-over of juice destined for the 2019 Mouton Rothschild Grand Vin.

If only I had just 1 barrel!

Up close and personal with vines @ Château Lafite Rothschild in Pauillac

“Stairway to Heaven” in the cellars of Château Lafite Rothschild

Cellar tasting of the 2004 Lafite Grand Vin

The tasting room at Château Léoville Barton in Saint-Julien with a beautiful view of the "winemaking" in the background

Prepping for a mid-week cooking lesson with Margaret @ Chateau Coulon Laurensac

First growth wines with lunch… yes please!

A gorgeous table setting for lunch in the Château Haut-Bailly dining room, prepared by their in-house Michelin chef

Breathtaking Château d'Yquem

Grapes for the 2019 vintage waiting to be hand-harvested

Bringing the grapes in to begin the winemaking process

Inspiring staircase down to the barrel room of Château d'Yquem

EVERYTHING here is gold... including the wine

Bordeaux city walls lit up at night

A view from the top of the Monolithic Church in Saint-Émilion

Eglise Collégiale, a beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 12th century

Favorite wine shop in Saint-Émilion

Château Angélus and its musical bells

Beautiful interior architecture at Château Angélus

Château Margaux

New French oak barrels stacked up and ready for use at Château Margaux, one of the few remaining properties with its own full-time cooper. An incredible (and smokey!) process to observe.