CHOOSE YOUR BORDEAUX WINE ADVENTURE!
CHOOSE YOUR BORDEAUX WINE ADVENTURE! Bordeaux is known for an outstanding diversity of wines that encompass 5,500 winegrowers, 65 appellations and over 272,000 acres, reflecting the tremendous range of châteaux, growers, and communities hard at work in the region. Bordeaux offers an equally expansive range of wine experiences, including yoga and wine in a yurt; surfing with the winemakers; Bordeaux by hot air balloon or private charter; the Médoc “Masquerade” Marathon; escape rooms to find the treasure of Charlemagne; and treetop wine tasting
REACH OUT FOR SUMMER SAMPLES! Please email Emma Mrkonic (emma@gregoryvine.com) for samples and confirm your current shipping address.
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WINE TASTING WITH A TREETOP TWIST
Ready for wine tasting from a treetop? Château de Rayne Vigneau, 2018 Best of Wine Tourism winner, offers a unique “perched tasting” of its Grand Cru Classé wines from the top of a 200-year-old cedar tree. A professional tree climber guides up to eight visitors via tightrope to a suspended table, overlooking lush Sauternes vineyards and the Ciron Valley.
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A MARATHON IN MASQUERADE
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A marathon like no other, the Marathon du Médoc is all about wine, food and good times. And yes, running too! This unconventional race includes musical breaks with 50 orchestras scattered around the course, 23 wine tasting stops, oyster tasting at the 38th kilometer, and many unforgettable vineyard vistas before you cross the finish line. Runners cruise through the vineyards and châteaux of Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Médoc and Haut-Médoc. Costumes are encouraged for the masquerade Marathon du Médoc, and each year has a unique theme. Save the date for September 2022 — the theme is “cinema,” and you’ll have plenty of time to train and organize your outfit.
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SURFING THE MASCARET
Did you know that you can surf the waves of the Dordogne River? Surfers (including many winemakers) can ride the Mascaret tributary with unmatched views of the châteaux and vineyards along the riverbanks. France’s Atlantic coast also boasts great surfing opportunities, especially for summer visitors. The Dordogne and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean both play important roles in creating the ideal terroir for Bordeaux’s famed red and white wines. Imagine surfing through wine country while enjoying local oysters and refreshing Bordeaux white wines — the opportunity awaits!
Photo credit: © Pierre Dupouy
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A TIMELESS DUET
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Wine and music are a timeless duo. Château d’Arsac, an historic vineyard in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, merges the two into an unforgettable experience for visitors. The vineyard’s spoken-sung presentation, “Si Arsac m’être chanté,”(or, “If Arsac were sung to me”) beautifully conveys the vineyard’s rich history via music, art and visual images. Visitors view priceless artworks that decorate the halls of the Château, and complete the visit with an artful wine tasting of Château d’Arsac classified Cru Bourgeois.
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BICYCLE THROUGH SAINT-ÉMILION
Sightseeing by bicycle is a charming way for visitors to experience the medieval village of Saint-Émilion and its renowned vines. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Saint-Émilion offers 15 biking loops suitable for all ages. This environmentally friendly means of transport allows visitors to leisurely cycle by vineyards and castles. Children’s bikes and infant seats are also available, making it possible for the whole family to share in the experience.
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BORDEAUX’S ONE-OF-A-KIND WINE MUSEUM
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Welcome to the Cité du Vin, which invites visitors to experience wines from all over the world, through time and history. The museum’s viticulture exhibition allows guests to virtually “prune” vines via touchscreens to analyze how the vine would respond in real time. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine (or grape juice for those under 18) at The Belvedere, a rooftop wine bar offering 360° views of the city.
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WINE ON THE WATER
Imagine cruising past lush vineyards and châteaux on a private boat tour. For a unique vantage point, sail through wine history on the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde rivers. “Drink in” the scenery and learn about Bordeaux wine from a professional guide from the Cité du Vin Tasting Cruise or the Bord’O apéritif providers. The river cruises offer lively music and a complete tasting selection of Bordeaux wines.
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BORDEAUX BY HOT AIR BALLOON
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Ready for a truly aerial vineyard view? Look no further than Xavier Milhade wines, which recently launched hot air Eco Balloon rides from their Saint-Émilion vineyards. Visitors will float in style with a hot air balloon pilot, navigating the way as they sip and learn about wine, all while drifting miles above the magnificent scenery below.
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BE A VINTNER FOR A DAY
Oenophiles will rejoice with this hands-on blending session! Wine lovers can make their own wine at the exclusive B-Winemaker workshops. Three Bordeaux wine estates offer this unique program: Château La Tour Carnet, Château Fombrauge, and Château Pape Clément. The workshop celebrates the art of assemblage that shapes these classified Grand Crus, including guided tasting of Cabernet and Merlot grapes. Visitors will enjoy an estate tour before creating their very own blends, complete with a personalized bottle.
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YOGA & WINE IN A YURT
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Wine and Warrior One merge seamlessly at Château Boutinet’s Yoga Experience. From novice to advanced, yoga practitioners will enjoy an hour of yoga and guided meditation, followed by a wine tasting. Yoga opens the senses for a truly mindful wine experience, and yes, this may be your only chance to taste Bordeaux wines in a yurt!
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ESCAPE ROOM IN A CHÂTEAU
Escape to Bordeaux with Château Monconseil Gazin! Adventure enthusiasts can combine their love of wine with an escape room challenge. The goal: to escape an ancient wine cellar in one hour by decoding a variety of clues, including codes, riddles, and puzzles inspired by the history of the region. The prize is the Treasure of Charlemagne — and a celebratory wine tasting for all participants.
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TAKE FLIGHT FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE WINE TRIP
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Château Vénus AIR takes flight with an all-aerial Bordeaux wine experience. Piloted by a local winemaker, your 2-seater, ultralight plane boards from a runway located right in the heart of the Graves region. The flight path includes the prestigious Château d’Yquem; Château Guiraud and its organic farm; the 17th century Château d’Arche; Château La Tour Blanche and more. Enjoy soaring views of the Garonne River and historic châteaux before tasting a selection of Graves wines upon landing.
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ABOUT
BORDEAUX WINE COUNCIL (C.I.V.B) Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created by the French Law dated August 18, 1948. It unites representatives from the three families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers, merchants and traders. The CIVB’s 4 missions: • Marketing mission: stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships. • Technical mission: build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations. • Economic mission: provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment and sale of Bordeaux wines around the world. • The industry’s general interests: protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.
To request samples or more information, please contact our press relations team. MEDIA CONTACT – US Helen Gregory (helen@gregoryvine.com) Emma Mrkonic (emma@gregoryvine.com) MEDIA CONTACT CIVB – INTERNATIONAL Cécile Ha (cecile.ha@vins-bordeaux.fr)