Vinexpo is coming to Bordeaux July 18 through the 21st of June. So what is it and what’s it about? Here’s a quick read with a fun video at the end. Vinexpo is: an international brand established in 1981 specializes in major event and exhibition development in the wine and spirits sector, organized by and for people in the trade… Read more »
Spring in Bordeaux means “En Primeur”. The city is buzzing with an influx of experts, journalists, merchants, enthusiasts…it’s about wine professionals converging to taste and purchase the latest vintage. “En Primeur” = (wine) futures En Primeur refers to a system where châteaux (the plural form of château) release a limited quantity of their wine- known as the first tranche– for… Read more »
This is my submission to the Monthly Wine Writing Challenge (#MWWC29). For more information about the challenge, scroll to the bottom. I don’t think there is enough honesty in wine. People don’t usually give their frank assessment and I like to…as much as possible. For example, I was tasting at a winery years ago and was asked how I liked… Read more »
October brought friends to Bordeaux, one of them an emeritus geology professor from San Francisco. We met Karen and Jay in Ashland, Oregon a few months before heading across the Atlantic. Wine and food, cycling and hiking, and most of all, they are two individuals who desire to explore the world, immersing themselves in all to be had including the… Read more »
As part of his masters degree program, Mark finished a four-month vineyard and winery internship (known as a stage here in France). He worked for Denis Dubourdieu Domaines, the umbrella of five chateaux owned by the family: Château Doisy Daene, Château Cantegril, Clos Floridene, Château Haura and Château Reynon. All are located in the southern area of Bordeaux: Barsac in… Read more »
On Saturday morning I took the regional train from Bordeaux Gare St. Jean to Libourne, (a quick 25 minute, 8 euro ride) where I met up with my new friends. From there it was a mere 10-minute drive to Saint Émilion (and their secret parking spot). I met Laetitia at a recent wine class where we immediately connected. She lives… Read more »
Jeanne d’Arc, declared a national symbol of France in 1803 by Napoleon Bonaparte, and one of the nine patron saints of France, greets us daily as we come an go from our new apartment. We recently moved to this location: it’s cuts down Mark’s school commute by 10 minutes, and puts us closer to the main down town area of… Read more »
Lights and tinsel, spirited gatherings and regional specialties– the Bordeaux holiday market comes alive in December and lasts up to the new year. Strolling through the isles marked with brilliant decorations whose intentions are to lure you in, it’s tempting to stop and mingle with every vendor, to learn the history and story behind his or her door. … Read more »
My classmate Nea (from Finland) wanted to host and experience an American-style Thanksgiving dinner. So with the help of Cat (my Canadian classmate) and Lynn she planned a feast for about 30 of our classmates, teachers and their families this weekend. To make things really fun it was hosted at her family’s estate Chateau Carsin near the town of Cadillac… Read more »
Hold this thought: Sauternes is Not Just For Dessert! Bordeaux has what’s called Portes Ouvertes (Open Door) weekends in most appellations once per month. Many of the wineries within the specific “open” appellation are available for degustation (tasting) without a prior reservation. Because châteaux require reservations, taking advantage of these weekends is a must for those interested in tasting. We… Read more »