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? …

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 …

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? …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …