Guest columnist Brinda Bourhis looks into the boom in wine tourism and hospitality in Bordeaux’s beautiful land of ‘noble rot’
Having lived in Bordeaux for over twenty years, I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in the wonderful vineyards from the Left Bank and Right Bank. I’m always amazed by the contrasts, from the vast lands and majestic chateaux in the Medoc to the smaller family-owned estates in St Emilion.
Over the years, with the growing boom in wine tourism in Bordeaux, it has been great to see chateaux in Sauternes and Barsac working to better educate consumers on the wonders of this sweet wine that is not just drunk with dessert!
Hospitality and Wine Tourism in Bordeaux’s Golden Nectar
The appellation of Sauternes & Barsac, 50 km south of Bordeaux city, is home to exquisite sweet wines including 27 chateaux listed in the renowned 1855 classification of Grands Crus Classés drawn up upon the request of the French Emperor Napoleon III.
Today, it is a wine region tha is actively developing wine tourism to attract visitors from around the world who dream of
Here are some not-to-miss tourism attractions in Sauternes:
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey Hotel & Restaurant Lalique
Sauternes made the news just recently on 21st January 2019, when the newly-opened restaurant Lalique of Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey was awarded its first Michelin star. Chef Jérôme Schilling is obviously thrilled.. “The basis of my culinary philosophy is simple: I use seasonal products that are ideally local and environmentally friendly.” He has developed an entirely vegetarian menu (quite rare to find in Bordeaux’s finest establishments) with dishes that pair perfectly with the wines from the estate.
The man behind this venture is Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique, France’s luxury crystal designer. After purchasing the wine estate in 2014, Denz undertook major renovation work to build a hotel and restaurant that opened to the public in June 2018. When I visited this 5-star hotel, I was impressed not only by the sparkling crystal that embellishes the 13 bedrooms but also by the spectacular views overlooking the vineyards practically wherever you are in the hotel. Rooms can be booked on the website and start from around €295 per night for a double room including breakfast.
However, if you just want to book a wine tour then that’s also possible. A private visit for €25 per person includes a tasting of three wines and you will get a chance to see the cellars, the Chapel and the Vinothèque (wine and accessory shop) all decorated by Lalique.
www.lafauriepeyragueylalique.com
Chateau Rayne Vigneau
For more adventurous visitors, Chateau Rayne Vigneau is the place to be with a tasting on a treetop! Instead of tasting the wines in a traditional cellar, here you make your way up a 200-year old cedar tree… rest assured you’ll be supervised by a professional tree climber. Once at the top, you can taste the 1st Grand Cru Classé Sauternes 1855 of the estate with a fabulous view of the Ciron river. If you are scared of heights, but still seeking an original experience, Chateau Rayne Vigneau has options. You can opt to discover their vineyards on horseback, followed by a tasting of three wines in the cellar.
Details and prices on all activities can be found on www.raynevigneau.fr
La Chapelle de Guiraud Restaurant
The first restaurant to have opened in a Grand Cru Classé is in Sauternes at Chateau Guiraud.
Called La Chapelle de Guiraud, it sits in the heart of this organically-farmed wine estate run by Xavier Planty. He joined forces with Nicolas Lascombes, owner of 10 restaurants in Bordeaux including Le 7 at the top of the Cité du Vin. The food at La Chapelle is brasserie-style with local produce such as oysters and grilled meats. Before or after your meal, you can also visit Chateau Guiraud that has been involved in wine tourism for many years and is open to the public 7 days a week.
www.lachapelledeguiraud.com
Château d’Yquem
Ranked right at the top of the 1855 classification of Sauternes, the Premier Cru Chateau d’Yquem is open for visits. This is a perfect illustration of how the Sauternes area is opening its doors to the public. As to be expected from this exceptional wine, the guided tour is a magical experience. Visits are possible by appointment only through their website or through Bordeaux Wine Trip developed by the Bordeaux tourist office, with three options:
“Discovery” includes a tasting of 2017 Y, their dry white and 2016 Château d’Yquem. The cost is €75 per person.
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