A Bordeaux Wine and Love story

A few years ago, I had the chance to organize and guide a 4-day wine tour for a wonderful couple of wine connoisseurs and industry insiders.

We started on a Sunday, which is tricky in Bordeaux as few Chateaux are open but my guests were happy exploring the range of Bordeaux’s wines, including lesser known but great value wine areas. I arranged this first day of visits in Bourg & Blaye. We also enjoyed a family Sunday lunch at a friend’s Chateau in Bourg (she is the 13th generation of her family there), prepared by her Mum in the fireplace, as there was no electricity in Bourg that day after a storm, and a lively cat circled around the fire hoping for some lunch. We went into the chai with flashlights to examine the barrels of wine ageing - such fun!  

The following days covered more famous areas: the Medoc, St Emilion (plus a visit around the lovely town) & Pomerol and lastly Pessac-Léognan & Sauternes. At one top chateau, we were fortunate to be there on a day they were fining; always an amazing sight to see.

During the tour development phase, I’d had requests for two top chateaux in particular. One as the gentleman loved it and the other because it turned out to be a love story! Years before my lady guest had been staying at this Chateau on a business trip. Whilst sitting on the sofa in the salon, she called her good friend and little by little the conversation turned that friendship into love and, later on, marriage. So naturally I asked the Chateau to exceptionally let us inside the normally private areas, so our couple could enjoy a moment together in the salon where their love had blossomed on the phone. They told me later that “It truly was a special unforgettable moment for us”.