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) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

History and Science at Château Grand Corbin Despagne

Historically it was the robust oxen that  worked the dense blue clay soils in the vineyards here in the north western corner of St Emilion and over the border into Pomerol. Horses were too fragile for the job, explained François Despagne, who has run the family estate of Château Grand Corbin Despagne, St Emilion Grand …

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 …