Here is some information on the best places to visit in St Emilion. ST EMILION; For your day in St Emilion, Château Canon la Gaffelière is a wonderful comprehensive visit, you can book here http://www.neipperg.com/fr/visiter.html (or email Emily Emilie Remond <emilie@neipperg.com>, it is a premier grand cru classé and the family have different properties with … Continue reading The Best of St Emilon’s Restaurants and which Château to go winetasting visits
Corporate Wine Trip Experiences in Bordeaux
# Team building & incentive Every successful manager is trying to motivate his team with new and creative ideas. What best way to help a team come together or congratulate them, than a wine trip. Bordeaux offers an exceptional range of opportunities to discover or deepen peoples knowledge about wine. In one of the most … Continue reading Corporate Wine Trip Experiences in Bordeaux
Spring Food & Wine Retreat with Yann Florio Private chef in Bordeaux’s countryside
The ideal retreat for all lovers of fine food and wine this Spring in the beautiful countryside of Duras (not far from St Emilion). Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in your own château, lost in the rolling vineyard-clad hills of Bordeaux? And with your own private chef to cater to your every culinary whim? Well … Continue reading Spring Food & Wine Retreat with Yann Florio Private chef in Bordeaux’s countryside
2022 vintage – its in the barrels!
The 1982 was legendary but since the vintages ending with a two have been classical - 2002 actually currently drinking well (not as classy as the beautiful 2001) and 2012 gorgeous harmony and silkiness but light bodied fresh and classy (perfect christmas drinking by the way if you come across any). Smaller Cabernet berry and … Continue reading 2022 vintage – its in the barrels!
Record breaking 2022 Bordeaux Vintage
We have had frost, we have had hail and now we are having record hot temperatures for all of the summer - et ç'est n'est pas fini! Not had a super vintage ending with a 2 since 1982! Acidity is low but there are plenty of grapes and so far the hot dry conditions have … Continue reading Record breaking 2022 Bordeaux Vintage
Autumn Food & Wine Retreat with Private chef in Bordeaux’s countryside
The ideal retreat for all lovers of fine food and wine this autumn in the beautiful countryside of Duras (not far from St Emilion). Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in your own château, lost in the rolling vineyard-clad hills of Bordeaux? And with your own private chef to cater to your every culinary whim? … Continue reading Autumn Food & Wine Retreat with Private chef in Bordeaux’s countryside
Bordeaux’s Best Wine Bars
As a local and obviously into wine, here are my list of the best five wine bars in Bordeaux. Win e Bars have only become part of the french culture some 15 years ago. Before then wine always accompanied meals but was rarely drunk on its own. Things have changed and now Bordeaux like any … Continue reading Bordeaux’s Best Wine Bars
The Best of Bordeaux Restaurants from a local
Bordeaux is bursting with restaurants but which ones are the best? These are my favorites and Veronica who is an expert wine guide who works with me at Sip Wine Tours. She lives in Bordeaux and is as much a foodie as a winey! The scene is changing as Bordeaux is being infused with Parisians … Continue reading The Best of Bordeaux Restaurants from a local
12 Top Tips when planning a Wine Tour in Bordeaux
I have spent over 30 years here in Bordeaux helping people put together their own wine tours that tick off the key things to see here or guiding wine lovers by the hand around the region as a wine specialised private wine guide (www.wineguidebordeaux). I have summarised the best of my advice in recently published … Continue reading 12 Top Tips when planning a Wine Tour in Bordeaux
St Emilion – not so ‘classé’ anymore!
Tastings have begun for the new St Emilion classification system - results normally to be announced in September. But what is to become to the ill-fated Classification system that merits buildings more than wine? 2022 marks the 10 year mark for a new list of the 'best' châteaux in St Emilion today be compiled, bringing … Continue reading St Emilion – not so ‘classé’ anymore!
Bordeaux calls itself Wine Tourism Capital (but not at Christmas)
Running a private wine tour business in Bordeaux (www.wineguidebordeaux.com), the period between Christmas and New Year has become a more important wine tourism season over the last few years despite the complications of Covid. Chateau Guadet St Emilion always open for visits and hosted by the family The whole world is on holiday, and as … Continue reading Bordeaux calls itself Wine Tourism Capital (but not at Christmas)
A Limited Edition Case of Wine for Christmas
Lost in Bordeaux & SIP (Small Independent Producers) Christmas Case Limited Edition individually signed bottles by the winemakers 6 bottles of red wine from both the right and left banks of Bordeaux made by passionate small independent producers in Bordeaux (2 bottles of each from 3 different producers). Each have been selected by wine expert … Continue reading A Limited Edition Case of Wine for Christmas
The Lucky Grapes of 2021 Bordeaux Harvest
Wine producers are at least happy to have some grapes (the small quantity they had) in the vats after a disappointing harvest. The strong jammy aromas of blackcurrant and cherry waft around the wineries and we could almost be convinced it is a normal time of year. The crimson colour is being extracted from the … Continue reading The Lucky Grapes of 2021 Bordeaux Harvest
Tour de France 2021 Open House at St Emilion – portes ouvertes
Venez nous voir cette semaine tous les jours du 14 au 18 juillet (de 10 à 19 heures chaque jour) pour célébrer le Tour de France à St Emilion. Franck Moureau, vigneron et propriétaire de la 9ème génération du Château Béard la Chapelle sera présent avec Nicolle Croft auteur et dégustateur professionnel, pour répondre à … Continue reading Tour de France 2021 Open House at St Emilion – portes ouvertes
Bordeaux Wine 2020 in nutshell
Currently in Bordeaux we are tasting the baby vintage of 2020 from the barrel. The best are very good and these are not only from the classified growths. Some unfortunately fell into the old trap of extracting too much in a dry hot summer with thick skins and not much juice. What style is 2020? … Continue reading Bordeaux Wine 2020 in nutshell
Hooray – France opens its doors!
From June 9th France reopens its doors to all travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid. Restaurants will also be fully open - you just have to be home for 11pm! (curfew ends 19 June) This fun-loving, pleasure addict country will be back on its feet! We have missed you all! - link to French … Continue reading Hooray – France opens its doors!
How to find exceptional wines in Bordeaux – without breaking the bank
As we know Bordeaux is the home of some of the world's most expensive wines. Yet there are only 200 of these classified wines in Bordeaux out of 6000 other châteaux. They are in high demand and their prices have quadrupled in the past 10 years. We seem to have lost sense of reality. If … Continue reading How to find exceptional wines in Bordeaux – without breaking the bank
La Tour of St Emilion – Balestard la Tonnelle, ready and waiting…
We all know a wine property named after its famous tower (Latour) in Pauillac on the Left bank way up in the Haut Médoc wine country. Well here is another one but on the Right Bank, in fact in walking distance of the famous medieval village of St Emilion. The famous tower or Tonnelle of … Continue reading La Tour of St Emilion – Balestard la Tonnelle, ready and waiting…
The Cost of Frost
It seems that the risk of frost has increased in recent years due to global warming, which does not just warm but makes the climate more erratic and temperatures more extreme (as we saw with temperatures the week before last at 28°C in Bordeaux and everyone at the beach followed by temperatures of down to … Continue reading The Cost of Frost
Soak up St Emilion on the saddle of an Electric Bike
ELECTRIC BIKE RIDE With the gentle hills and beautiful scenery, electric bikes are the perfect way to see the sights around St Emilion for all ages (from 10 years age). It is possible to rent a tow trailer for young ones. We have put together some ideal circuits that take you in front of some of … Continue reading Soak up St Emilion on the saddle of an Electric Bike
When Vines cry…
It is always an emotional moment at this time of year when we see in the vineyards the glistening tears of the vines ('les pleurs') that tell us that the new vintage is underway. As the temperatures rise so does the sap in the vines and where the pruners have trimmed the end of the … Continue reading When Vines cry…
Whispering Wines – “What makes Bordeaux wine so special?”
In a world where it seems who talks loudest is most heard, I wanted to explore "What makes Bordeaux wine so special?" It was my old boss Peter Sichel's father, Allan, a few years ago, who I think best summed up for me what is remarkable about the region's wines (in a charming if somewhat … Continue reading Whispering Wines – “What makes Bordeaux wine so special?”
Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft
a personal story over 30 years, wine guide to visiting what is important in the region and finding good value in this exceptional wine terroir. Gail Barnett Copyright Its been 30 years since I arrived on the quayside in Bordeaux city, weary from my travels in this funny tin can of a car (a 2CV) … Continue reading Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft
Wine Tour with Kids…Wine not?
As a parent to a three year old, wine is an important part of my daily survival kit. I cannot say I always savour every nuance of taste (as a professional winetaster I do know the difference) but it is an important milestone to celebrate at the end of another frenetic day and serves as … Continue reading Wine Tour with Kids…Wine not?
My First ever Podcast: Standing up for Bordeaux’s Small Producers
Ever since arriving here in Bordeaux the SIPs (Small Independent Producers) of Bordeaux have been my life and my love. But time is not on their side. My goal is to promote these passionate people with their authentic wines that are such good value and taste fresh and thatI believe makeup the fabric of Bordeaux … Continue reading My First ever Podcast: Standing up for Bordeaux’s Small Producers
Whats new in Bordeaux – look to the dynamic Small Châteaux
Despite its crusty past image, Bordeaux today is full of fresh ideas as a younger generation are holding the reins and directing the wines made in Bordeaux in a different direction. It is the small independent producers (who I call the SIPs - see my book Bordeaux Sip by Sip Editions Sud Ouest) who are … Continue reading Whats new in Bordeaux – look to the dynamic Small Châteaux
Moulis, neighbour of Margaux – great go-to for value
Just take a right turn off the Route des Châteaux (the D2) once you have passed through the famous wine village of Margaux. With its undulating vineyard clad hills and forests this little enclave of 600 hectares (one of Bordeaux's smallest) with only 35 producers is worth the small detour. There's a cute little maison … Continue reading Moulis, neighbour of Margaux – great go-to for value
Harvest Recap Bordeaux 2020
Many celebrated the 'gerbaude' end of harvest (in a restrained covid-aware way) the last week of September, so relieved that in this challenging year of adversity at least something has gone well - a full two weeks before the usual celebrations. Of course it is too early to say but the wines of 2020 are … Continue reading Harvest Recap Bordeaux 2020
A Sea of Wine Guides? launch of a new network to find the best
100% experts, 100% wine, 100% local I am pleased to announce the creation of new network of specialist wine guides which I am proud to be a part of: My Local Wine Guide! Passionate wine experts trained in wine or coming from a family of winemakers, local (or adopted) who know their 'territory' better than anyone … Continue reading A Sea of Wine Guides? launch of a new network to find the best
2020 Bordeaux – promises well
August holidays have been cut short as wine producers return to start the harvest of whites, rosé and cremants. Early Reds to start next week (start September - 2 weeks early). Curiously as with all vintages that end with a zero in Bordeaux - this vintage 2020 promises good things. It has been hot for … Continue reading 2020 Bordeaux – promises well
Launch ‘Oeno-Apero!’ Bordeaux
For friends and family - an hour's fun aperitif to practice the language of winetasting in French and English! 6.30 to 7.30pm (any evening) - 1 hour of fun and tasting 3 classic wines from Bordeaux from great undiscovered smaller producers. Other timings possible 😉 Where? In your own home (St Emilion area) or a … Continue reading Launch ‘Oeno-Apero!’ Bordeaux
Class in a glass – Leoville Barton St Julien
When most of the châteaux in Bordeaux are following the latest trend of using an army of amphoras in their new chai under construction, Leoville Barton stays with its historic recipe of wooden vats for making and ageing the wine. Tasting their vintage, they manage to achieve as always perfect balance. The château at Barton … Continue reading Class in a glass – Leoville Barton St Julien
My Top Five Restaurants in St Emilion for foodies (and wineys)
The pretty village of Saint-Emilion is known around the world for its medieval monuments and cobble-stoned streets - and of course its famous red wines (it is called the 'hill of a 1000 châteaux'). It receives around 1 million visitors per year. The medieval village at nightfall nestled into its valley As in any 'touristy' … Continue reading My Top Five Restaurants in St Emilion for foodies (and wineys)
Branaire Ducru, St Julien – a wine that has marked my life
There are some wines that seem to accompany our lives, even if it arrives a bit by chance. Branaire-Ducru is one of those wines that seems to have just been there during those important moments of my life. And it is exactly the type of wine I love. Its classy (one can taste its wonderful … Continue reading Branaire Ducru, St Julien – a wine that has marked my life
What makes a Great wine in 2020
When I first came to Bordeaux in the 1980s, the sign of a good well-made wine had always been one that would last for 20 or 30 years. Ripeness was not understood. It was about waiting for a minimum alcohol level and harvesting as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of losing the crop. … Continue reading What makes a Great wine in 2020
Futures Bordeaux 2019, time for a change?
With the cancellation of the usual primeur tastings first week of April this year wine buyers and journalists have received their barrel samples of the new vintage by the post. And it seems to have worked, as tasting notes have been written and communicated all over the world - despite the fragile nature of these … Continue reading Futures Bordeaux 2019, time for a change?
If I could choose anywhere I could make wine….
"From generation to generation for over 200 years, in what is the very centre of St Emilion, my family has cultivated these soils and tended our vines. Today it is my turn and I try to make a wine that comes from my heart. Having now my own young son, who represents the 10th generation, … Continue reading If I could choose anywhere I could make wine….
Bordeaux 2019 – yes she gets to go to the ball – virtually
Following the cancellation of the annual futures tastings in the first week of April, the Union de Grand Cru have organised a series of tastings around the world for trade where the wine can be tasted but the producers will not be present. So here are their UGC info and châteaux 2019 presentations (good synopsis … Continue reading Bordeaux 2019 – yes she gets to go to the ball – virtually
Ready to make plans again…
Bordeaux is waiting for you. “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp … Continue reading Ready to make plans again…
Relax after a hard day’s wine touring
Set in the rolling vineyards around St Emilion, Château Latour Segur is an historical château and boutique hotel with its own professional intimate spa. Wine touring can be tiring so it is wonderful at the end of the day to be able to unwind in a spa built into the very limestone that the area … Continue reading Relax after a hard day’s wine touring
#Bordeaux2020 please give us a break
You think it sounds like fun to have your own vineyard and make your own wine! It seems that the weather conditons are getting more extreme (is this down to global warming?) here in Bordeaux at least and it is providing a continual headache for the winemakers here. Cabernet Franc If the problems caused by … Continue reading #Bordeaux2020 please give us a break
Châteaux in Bordeaux open their doors again for visits
Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, is open again for visitors after two months of shutdown. It is possible again to visit some of the most famous and smaller châteaux in the Bordeaux wine region on the Right and Left bank - in private tours (even some at the weekends). The first to communicate … Continue reading Châteaux in Bordeaux open their doors again for visits
Visiting Bordeaux Wine region – what you don’t know!
With so many years of experience of hosting private wine tours, here are a few things about the Bordeaux wine region (we think of Châteaux, wine aged in barrels and high prices!) that surprises our visitors when they come to Bordeaux; Bordeaux's wine district where the wine merchants were historically based and some still are … Continue reading Visiting Bordeaux Wine region – what you don’t know!
Fire and Ice in Bordeaux Vineyards – vintage 2020
Following scares of frost damage the week before last (start april) now unlucky wine producers have had to face losses due to a freak hail storm on Friday afternoon 17th April. (Hail is normally a problem later in the year during electrical storms due to Bordeaux's oceanic climate). (addition to text on 5 may - … Continue reading Fire and Ice in Bordeaux Vineyards – vintage 2020
Bordeaux 2019 -Yves Raymond, Château Saransot Dupré, Listrac, Haut Médoc
What was your biggest challenge in the vineyard? The challenge is each year the same : we must harvest late enough to pick perfectly ripe fruits (the decision can be difficult in years with a lot of rain before the harvest. We fear that it will rot the fruit and so we might … Continue reading Bordeaux 2019 -Yves Raymond, Château Saransot Dupré, Listrac, Haut Médoc
Coming to Bordeaux? What to expect on a SIP Private Wine Tour
I would love to show you around this wonderful wine region that has been my home and play field for over 30 years now. Never has there been such a dynamic and exciting time to visit this classic but progressive region. Each itinerary is unique and I love to liaise with you to discover what … Continue reading Coming to Bordeaux? What to expect on a SIP Private Wine Tour
My Favorite Places when Wine Touring in Bordeaux
Wine Tours with Nicolle Croft, Bordeaux Food & Wine Guide http://www.wineguidebordeaux.com Thirty years touring this wine region has given me lots of warm memories of people and places. Here are a few of my favorite wine people and some alternative things to do and places to go which will hopefully give you an idea of … Continue reading My Favorite Places when Wine Touring in Bordeaux
Changing Scene of Bordeaux Restaurants
Bordeaux is bursting with restaurants but you must book in advance to get into the popular ones. The scene is changing as Bordeaux is being infused with Parisians (only 2 hours from paris on the TGV train). Here are a mix of some of the traditional and newer ones from a local. Updated since Covid. … Continue reading Changing Scene of Bordeaux Restaurants
New list of the Best St Emilion – dawn of a new era
Its out!! the new list that has already caused so much controversy!! Everyone wins with 6 more properties included and no-one coming out. For my background article Congratulations to my favorite Figeac new A only 1 of 2 As with Pavie (the two orginal As never applied Ausone and Cheval Blanc). Angelus pulled out recently … Continue reading New list of the Best St Emilion – dawn of a new era