Bordeaux Fete Le Vin - 2016 - Celebrating the 10th Edition!

 Bordeaux Fete Le Vin - The Bordeaux Wine Festival

Happening this weekend - June 23-26, 2016

 Hello everyone - it's been a busy day and a beautiful one at that!  Yes, the blog is back and this post will share with you the first glimpses of the 10th edition of Bordeaux Fete le Vin - Bordeaux's historic wine festival.  It opened today along the Quais and there is so much to see and do, I know I won't be able to share it all - but it's going to be a great weekend!!

For those of you who live close by - it's a wonderful way to taste some of the regional wines, and learn about wine, and also enjoy what this region has to offer.   

 The festival itself is free and open to the public - It's beautiful to stroll along the key side of Bordeaux and check out all the different stands.  In order to taste some of the wines, one needs to buy the festival pass.  The pass this year is a key card and includes:  10 different regional tastings plus 2 extra as your favorites, a zen tasting experience, a wine school workshop and other experiences.  This pass is either purchased ahead or presently is available at the festival.  

As it was hot today, I did my first tasting at the Sweet Bordeaux stand where I was introduced to a lovely fresh tasting wine from Loupiac.  This right-bank sweet white was light and fresh, still having that wonderful sweeten light syrup taste but not too strong.  

What I loved about this tasting was that it was a great opportunity to enjoy a different sweet white - than the traditional Sauternes whites.  I'm looking forward to exploring and learning more about the appellations of Cadillac, Loupiac et Saint Croix du Mont - all right bank wines but still of the sweet variety and a great value for their cost.

 Each region surrounding Bordeaux has their stands and it's a wonderful opportunity to gain more knowledge about each region and also more specifically how the appellations (geographic designations) within each region differ.

 As this is the 10th anniversary of the Bordeaux Wine Festival - they have  several special pavilions for other cities connected to the wine festival.  This year there are pavilions for Hong Kong, Quebec and a stand for the network of the Great Wine Capitals of the world.  All have a wealth of information to share.

 Of course the Office of Tourism has their own stand with special merchandise for the festival.  

 The Belem is also in Bordeaux for the festival and can be toured for 5 euros/person.  This beautiful 3 masked tall sailing ship serves as a training yacht for sailors.  It's' been wonderfully restored and is a jewel sitting along the quais.  

The Festival is laid out along the Quais of Bordeaux in 3 villages.  Village 1 - sits between the Pont de Pierre & the Place de la Bourse and includes a few wine regions along with the stands of the quest cities and the Office of Tourism - just to name a few.

As one heads down the quais toward Village 2 - there is this colorful display of Bordeaux Wine posters each pairing wine with an activity.  Some very clever combinations - Music & wine, Beach & Wine - Seeing the Stars and wine...Well done!  (My middle daughter - decided to photo bomb my photos - so she proudly shares her favorites!)

On to Village 2 - where Bordeaux Wine school has set up a beautiful display and holds workshops educating people of tasting, smelling and understanding more about wine.  The pass includes one of these workshops which are provided each day during the festival.

Village 2 - of course houses more stands for different wine regions, but also introduces us to surrounding regions like - Limousin & Poitou-Charentes.  These departments are now part of the Nouvelle Aquitaine or - The New Aquitaine Region. These departments offer some wonderful products including delicious beef and Cognac.

By afternoon, the Medoc & Graves stand was starting to get busy.  Again one can find some delicious wines from Medoc, Haut Medoc and Pessac Leognan appellations & not just the wine properties from the 1855 Classification - There is so much to discover!!

Moving further along the quais are artist blocks commissioned by the Cultural Institute of Bernard Magrez.  This is a festival tradition where artists are invited from all over the world to paint or design a panel that is themed for the Wine Festival.  Each day different artists will come and work on their block.  On Sunday afternoon there will be a full display of all the completed works.

As you head further North on the Quais toward the Chartrons section of Bordeaux - you enter the final village - Village 3.  Again here one finds more wine stands plus a wonderful assortment of regional specialties including bread, Oysters, beef, and cheeses just to name a few.

 I love the following photo as the festival is dwarfed by the gigantic cruise ship Europa 2 which is in port for a few days.  

After our hot but breezy walk along the Key side, my daughter and I were hungry for lunch and chose to eat at La Ferrere - along the Quai des Chartron next to the Bourse Maritime.  This adorable little bistro/brassiere serves a fresh menu which changes daily depending on the chef.  I enjoyed a lovely buttina (frais mozzarella cheese) served with peppers and citrus.

My entree was then followed by a deliciously fresh and hearty salad of arugula, avocados, watermelon, strawberries served with a delicious piece of toast with coppa & cheese drizzled with a delicious pesto sauce.  A fresh and satisfying lunch.

 So I hope you enjoy the Bordeaux Fete le Vin - Bordeaux Wine Festival - it's definitely a festival to experience and one that is not easily forgotten,  This is the 3rd festival that I have experienced and each time I learn more and marvel in what a beautiful and wonderful region we have!

If you are interested in visiting Bordeaux and you love wine - this is one festival not to be missed.  The next one will be in 2018.  If you are curious about the 2014 festival - you can read more about it here - Bordeaux Fete le Vin - 2014.

Come and enjoy the 2 Km of Wine events, tastings and good times here in Bordeaux and of course, the new Cite du Vin - The famed International Wine Interpretation Center has just opened it's doors this month -and it's amazing!!  Just another reason to come visit!  Bon weekend everyone!!!  Enjoy!!

Great Wine Capitals-2016 Best of - Awards in Wine Tourism-Bordeaux Region- The "must visit" list!

Another magical evening in Bordeaux celebrating Wine Tourism

Last Thursday evening, I was invited to attend the Best of  in Wine Tourism Awards for the Bordeaux region sponsored by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.  This yearly event honors chateaux properties (vineyards) in 6 wine tourism categories.  This is a prestigious international yearly event which honors properties who are distinguished by their quality and presentation in wine tourism.  There are 6 different categories in which properties can compete.  These are:  Landscape & Architecture, Discovery & Innovation, Accommodations, Restaurant Services, Wine Tourism Services,  & Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices.  These categories are world-wide and each wine region within the Great Wine Capitals Global Network has their regional competition and then the top winner of each category or "Best of Gold" will compete internationally for their category.

 

What I love about these awards each year is that they highlight those various chateaux properties that distinguish themselves in Wine Tourism.  From a tourist point of view, these properties get added to my list of "Must Sees" and "recommendations for guests".  After all, these awards are all about wine tourism and welcoming visitors.  I'm constantly amazed by how creative and unique each visit can be at different chateaux properties - ranging from a simple classic quintessential French chateaux visit where one can marvel at the age of the vines, the buildings and the old cellars to newer more modern facilities and tasting rooms where one can experience something different and unique. Some examples are creating art galleries on the property, restaurants, family activities, offering picnics and other recreational experiences.  The ideas are endless and unique.

I loved this evening, as it's truly magical and honors these proprieties for their hard work and innovative efforts made in wine tourism.  The following  4 minute video gives you a sense of how special this evening was to attend.  It has a feel like one is attending a Hollywood Awards Ceremony.  The large screen video presentations were put together by a wonderful video company - La Maison du Bonheur - enabling us to see each winner's property and services displayed in a short vignette.  

After the ceremony, including some musical entertainment in the middle, we all got to enjoy the wines of the winners and also feast of some of our local delicacies - a variety of meats, cheeses, Oysters, caneles and macaroons.

This year, there were 92 regional nominations presented for the 6 categories and 20 winners were chosen - for each category - one Best of Gold winner was chosen, for a total of 6 Best of Gold winners.

So without further ado, in the words of the presenter, here is this year's list of Winners. This is definitely a list to keep handy if you are coming to the Bordeaux area and want to tour some wonderful properties.  I have linked their websites to their names and added their appellation for further reference.

Landscape & Architecture

*Chateau Carbonnieux - Pessac/Leognan

Chateau Dauzac - Margaux

Chateau de Rolland - Barsac

Discovery and Innovation

*Chateau de Reignac - Bordeaux Superior

Chateau de Rayne Vigneau - Sauternes

Chateau Lamothe Bergeron - Haut Medoc

Les Vignerons de Tutiac - Bordeaux/Blayes-Cotes de Bordeaux/Cotes de Bourg

Accommodation

*Domaine de Grange Neuve - Monbazillac & Bergerac

Chateau Cortade Dubuc - Cadillac et Cotes de Bordeaux

Chateau de Bonhoste - Bordeaux/Bordeaux Superior

Chateau la Tour Carnet - Haut Medoc

Restaurant Services

*Chateau de la Dauphine - Fronsac

Chateau de Candale - Saint Emilion

Chateau Haut-Bailly - Pessac/Leognan

Tonnellerie Nadalie

Wine Tourism Services

*Lynch-Bages & Cie - Pauillac

Chateau Pape Clement - Pessac Leognan

Maison des Vins de Cadilllac - Cadillac

Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices

*Chateau Coutet - Saint Emilion

Les Vignerons de Buzet - Buzet

*Denotes Best of d'Or (Best of Gold) Award

The Best of Gold winners will compete globally against other regional winners within the Grand Wine Capitals Global Network at the International conference next week held in Bilbao, Spain.  The Great Wine Capitals of the World include the areas of Bilbao/Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Le Cap (South Africa), Mayence (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), San Francisco-Napa Valley (USA), & Valparaiso (Chili).  

So if you are a wine lover and love visiting wonderful wine producing areas - these areas work together to provide a wonderful wine tourism experience.  Additionally, for those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you may remember that I wrote about this same event last year.  So here is the link to that post, as it's gives even more wonderful wine properties to add to your visit to this area!

2015 - Best of Wine Tourism Awards - Bordeaux Region

Congratulations to all the  2016 winners!!  I look forward to visiting your properties!

Chateau Siaurac - An Enchanting Experience during "La Vendange"

A magical afternoon at Chateau Siaurac

If you are a regular reader, you know that I work part time as a regional tour guide for one of the River Cruises on the Garonne River.  This cruise takes it's passengers up and down the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers introducing them to our beautiful area, it's history, its culture and of course, it's wines.

One of the things I have come to appreciate about the Bordeaux area is the diversity of it's wines. Bordeaux is not just one kind of wine, there are many appellations or wine regions here and each one produces unique and different tasting blends.  Fall is a special time of year here. as we get ready for the harvest or "La Vendange".  Each region waits until just the right time to pick their grapes. "Les Vendanges", as it's referred to in plural for the region, is so much part of the culture here in the Bordeaux.  Everyone talks about the weather in September - hoping for more sun and little rain to help the grapes finish ripening. Everyone seems to know someone who is somehow involved in the harvest.  It's truly a way of life here.

Children even learn about it in school.  Last year, my daughter's CP (1st grade) class went to a local wine museum  in the Fall and they heard all about the process of picking grapes and making them into grape juice and wine.  They even got to stomp on some grapes, if they wished.  My youngest still refers to grape juice as the juice of wine! (le jus du vin)

As a guide, it's been a privilege this Fall to be able to share this special time with our clients. One of the properties that we visit is Chateau Siraurac, located in Néac, a small village near Saint Emilion. This beautiful family run property of 60 hectares is like taking a step back in time.  Since 1832 this family has been producing wine at this Chateau and has been constantly evolving itself and presently produces under 3 labels.  They are passionate about wine making and sharing their story and their wines with others.  This passion is evident as one walks around this property.  It's been a delight this Fall to visit and watch, as they waited for exactly the right time to harvest.

Chateau Siraurac gives a wonderful visit and lunch for our clients.  A member of the Chateau Sirauac team or sometimes even the owner himself, Paul Goldschmidt, walks our clients around their gardens, the vines, the wine production & cellar areas and even a tour of his home, the Chateau itself.    It's a stunningly beautiful property and one can not help but feel this family's love of wine making.  It's no wonder that they won the Best of Wine Tourism 2015- Gold Award for Architecture and landscape just a few weeks ago.

These photos were taken on two occasions about 2 weeks apart.  The first few are the grapes just about ready to pick in mid-September.

Before they harvest, they have to keep the leaves of the vines trimmed back, so the grapes can be easily picked.  The picking at this chateau is done by hand.

We were very lucky one week in early October, the owner asked our buses to drop the clients off next to the vineyard, so we could watch some of the harvesting happening, first hand.  It's was definitely a very special experience for all of us.  (Including myself - this was the first time I got to see La Vendange, first hand and up close)

It's a bit hard to see in the following photos but the tractor holds a flat trailer for all the workers to dump the grapes into after picking.

Picked grapes are carried down the aisles to the flatbeds with these plastic backpack baskets.  The carrier will then lean over to allow all the grapes to dump in.  He then walks back between the vines to allow the individual pickers to dump their smaller buckets into the backpack basket.  It's very precise as they know exactly where each truckload of grapes come from.  They grow different kinds of grapes - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, & Malbec.  Each variety is picked and processed separately in addition to knowing which parcel of the property it came from - as geologically the ground can vary from being limestone, sand &/or gravel.  Very scientific process from start to finish!

 It's very systematic to watch and it was a treat to see it up close.  Look at all those delicious (and yes, we got to taste them!) grapes!

At the production area for sorting, pressing and eventually the fermentation of the grapes.  That particular day, our clients were lucky enough to taste the juice of freshly picked grapes, juice that had been fermenting only a couple of days and then week-old fermented grape juice.  Very interesting to see the differences - first hand.  

After our tour of the vineyard, production area and cellar, the clients walked through the gardens which date back to the 19th Century.  Seeing the inside of the chateau, tasting their 3 different wine labels and a lovely lunch all finished off this magical experience! It was a beautiful day and such a treat!!! Thank you Chateau Sirauac for your gracious hospitality and wonderful tour!

Even though, this tour and day was specially designed for our clients.  Chateau Siaurac welcomes everyone. This chateau is high on my list of places to visit when we have guests!  From June to September, the Chateau is open to the public everyday from 9am to 7pm with visits and tastings in both English and French at 11am & 4 pm without a reservation.  Additional visits can be arranged by appointment.  If you call ahead, gourmet platters are also available served in the garden each day.  

More information about Chateau Siaurac can be found on their website - HERE.