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 …

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 …

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 …

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' …

Bordeaux Book Sip by Sip by Nicolle Croft

aussi disponible en Français 'Bordeaux Pas à Pas' (Mollat, Fnac, Amazon)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 Bordeaux Sip by Sip – a book to savour This new book recounts the story of a …