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 …

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, …

2013 Bordeaux Harvest – Nature enforced earlier than hoped

Everyone had their ideal date this year to harvest. For most it was 14th October. Nature had another idea in mind! Most started at least one week to ten days before their optimum. The actual start was Monday 30th September enforced by nature (some even the weekend before) to get as much of the Merlots in before the …

Restaurant in the heart of the vines; Château Candale, St Emilion

The beautiful mini château of Candale situated in the rolling hills of St Laurent des Combes opened a restaurant in the midst of its vineyards this summer. At last an opportunity to enjoy lunch (and dinner) amongst the vines in St Emilion. Daily menus are around 16€ and well prepared and presented by chef Cyrille. The wines …

Bordeaux 2012 Vintage: Record Rainfall and not much sun for the holiday-makers

The school holidays have started in France and those that holiday in July known as the  'juilletistes' are on the roads heading for their holiday destinations. Temperatures soared on Saturday one of the busiest on the roads in the French calender, but the day ended in torrential downpours for most. For the past few weeks …

News from the vats: Bordeaux 2008

The rains have arrived in Bordeaux and luckily all the grapes have been picked, squashed, fermented and now the wine is undergoing its post fermentation maceration period. The fermentation lasts around a week on average and then the wine is left on its skins for approximately another two weeks. For each vat the density of …