BORDEAUX FAMILIES

The Bee GIEE’s honey farm and many other efforts at Bordeaux Families honey farm project stems from the desire of wine growers to implement environmental practices at every level.

Bordeaux Families is a leading cooperative of growers comprised of 300 members and spanning 12,355 acres in Sauveterre-BlasimonEspiet. More than 10% of the group holdings are planted organically, and the goal is to increase to 20% organic production within 5 years. Since 2019, Bordeaux Families has been overseeing a collective of 13 farms as a Group of Economic and Environmental Interest (GIEE). The participating winegrowers affectionately refer to themselves as “Les Bee GIEE’s,” and aspire to complete integration between farming and their natural environment. As the name implies, the honeybee is a central protagonist in their ambitious “Bee Plan.”

PHILIPPE CAZAUX, Directeur Général

A Honey Harvest

Bordeaux Families encourages biodiversity by deploying the very resources nature provides. The Bee planners have planted more than 1,150 feet of hedgerows and 7 acres of flowering plants to support a variety of local bees that share the same ecosystem as the vines. Pollen measurements are taken regularly to determine which plants perform best in attracting natural pollinators. This summer marks the first honey harvest for local winegrowers who have trained as beekeepers. Their first honey cuvée aims to educate consumers about 21 agro-ecological best practices in place to promote biodiversity by seeking harmony between viticulture, beekeeping and the natural landscape of Bordeaux.

Château du Bois Chantant 2018 Bordeaux Brut

Conservation Starts with Observation

Bordeaux Families believes that conservation starts with observation. The cooperative is working to classify local flora and fauna over a diverse landscape in Bordeaux that ranges from the edge of the Dordogne hills to woodlands and plains, with the goal of preserving natural surroundings and bird habitats. In the vineyard, biodynamic practices are in place to reduce the use of copper, and a network of weather stations monitor conditions to minimize treatments. Green composting (the practice of tilling greens such as field beans, mustards and cereals between rows) further stimulates the microbial life of the soil.

Training and Development

Conscious of the need for more viticulture respectful of the environment, Bordeaux Families supports training and development workshops on all aspects of biodiversity. The Eco-responsible Organic Winegrowers workshops involve full-day immersion with expert speakers; visits to farms support direct observation of biodiversity in action, such as green composting, mechanical weeding and organic treatments. Bordeaux Families also manages experimental “teaching plots” during the growing season to showcase organic farming methods; monitor for vine diseases; and to promote productive networking between members.

Environmental Stewardship

The Bee GIEE’s honey farm and many other efforts at Bordeaux Families honey farm project stems from the desire of wine growers to implement environmental practices at every level. Bordeaux Families is in the midst of a profound ecological transition. A cooperative cellar, Bordeaux Families take the word cooperation to heart in their united stand on environmental stewardship. Their efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to offer organic practices to a growing consumer market.