Bordeaux Wine Trip 2022

Another Unforgettable Wine Trip to Bordeaux Post-COVID

Bordeaux has always held a special place in the heart of wine lovers, and for us, it’s become a cherished tradition. This third journey to the wine capital of the world felt different—our first post-COVID wine adventure. While the framework of our previous trips remained, this time we experienced Bordeaux with fresh eyes and a few exciting twists.

Our tour began, as always, at Domaine Denis Dubourdieu in Cadillac. It’s become the natural starting point for every Bordeaux trip. Once again, Patrice and Florence warmly welcomed us and guided us through a tasting of their elegant wines. A light lunch paired with their first-tier labels made for the perfect beginning.

Next, we headed to Château Smith Haut Lafitte, where we had the honor of meeting Florence Cathiard, a former Olympic skier turned successful entrepreneur. Besides producing acclaimed wines, she co-founded Caudalie, a renowned cosmetics brand inspired by grape seeds and skins. We ended our day with a relaxing evening walk through the illuminated streets of Bordeaux.

The second day was devoted to the legendary Médoc wine region. We began at Château Cos d’Estournel, whose architecture reflects its historic ties to India. Our journey continued to Pauillac for a local lunch before arriving at Château Margaux—a true icon of Bordeaux winemaking and an ambassador of excellence.

Later that afternoon, we wandered through Bordeaux’s bustling old town, enjoying the lively atmosphere of its cafés, boutiques, and cobbled streets.

On our third morning in Bordeaux, we embarked on a wine adventure to Saint-Émilion, one of the region’s most captivating wine destinations. We began at Château La Rose Perrière, owned by the Sylvain family, where renowned cooper Jean-Luc Sylvain personally led us through the estate. The highlight was an exclusive tasting of the same vintage aged in oak barrels with different toasting levels—an unforgettable way to discover the artistry behind their cooperage, La Tonellerie. We even learned about biodynamic cultivation of trees used to craft premium barriques, a fascinating first for me.

Our next stop was the elegant Château Soutard, where we sampled exceptional wines surrounded by Saint-Émilion’s rolling vineyards. Between tastings, we wandered the cobbled lanes and soaked in the medieval charm of this UNESCO-listed village.

Sunday was reserved for culture and education. We revisited La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s world-class wine museum, just as we had in 2017. Once again, its interactive exhibits offered an inspiring glimpse into the global history of wine. A memorable lunch at the Restaurant Le 7, located on the museum’s panoramic 7th floor, provided breathtaking views of the Garonne River and city skyline.

On our final day, we crossed to Bordeaux’s right bank to explore Pomerol. Our visit to La Fleur-Pétrus included a brief yet enlightening tasting that highlighted the region’s finesse. Lunch at a local restaurant opposite the iconic Château Cheval Blanc was the perfect conclusion to our trip.

Having explored wine regions worldwide, Bordeaux stands out for its professionalism, heritage, and dedication to quality.