Going Global: Bordeaux France

Jamie Ye, Global Content Editor

How this trip was planned

Last year for Christmas, my husband asked me where I would like to go for Memorial Day, 2024. I told him, “Bordeaux, France, please!” It was a good thing we planned this trip in January to be prepared. Now, the time has arrived and here we go! I am in Bordeaux, drinking wine and enjoying my 4-day extended weekend.

Day One

We had a family reunion in Ireland scheduled for the week before our getaway. So we flew from Dublin to Toulouse due to the limited non-stop flight options from Ireland to the South of France. Toulouse is a very old city and home to the Airbus company’s headquarters. We chose a four - star hotel, a Marty Tapestry Collection by Hilton, to stay in Bordeaux. It was a great choice with good rates, super clean rooms and very convenient to downtown Bordeaux.

Our first tour stop was Le Cite De Vin. Le Cite de Vin is managed by the Foundation for wine culture and Civilizations, named an accredited charitable foundation. Its missions are to protect, celebrate and transmit the heritage of wine.

Day Two

We arrived at Château Cos d’Estournel. The name “Cos” means “hill” in the local dialect, and “d’Estournel” refers to the founder’s surname. The winery is celebrated for its distinct architecture and high-quality wines that have earned a prestigious place in the Bordeaux wine world.

Standing before the estate’s gates, I felt as though I had stepped into a world where history and exotic elegance intertwine. Each bottle of wine embodies the wisdom and dedication of generations of winemakers, offering a complex bouquet and profound taste.

Strolling through the vineyards, appreciating nature’s bounty, and exploring the ancient cellars while hearing tales of the founder’s adventurous exploits made me develop a deeper appreciation and love for Bordeaux’s wine The history of Château Cos d’Estournel is steeped in legend.

Story of the Founder

Founder Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, often called the “Maharaja of Saint-Estèphe,” was not only a visionary winemaker but also an avid traveler. His journeys to the Far East deeply influenced the estate’s architectural design and cultural ambiance. It’s said that he once shipped his wines to India, and upon their return, he incorporated many exotic elements into the château, adding to its unique charm.You can easily order a case of wine delivered to your door in the USA.

Chateau Margaux

Château Margaux is one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Bordeaux region of France. It is located in the Margaux appellation in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. It is classified as a Premier Cru (First Growth) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, a designation that marks it as one of the top estates in Bordeaux. With a rich history dating back to the 16th century. In 1977, it was purchased by the Greekborn André Mentzelopoulos, whose family still owns and manages the estate today.

Château Margaux produces several wines, with its flagship being the Château Margaux Grand Vin, a red wine known for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential. They also produce Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, the estate’s second wine, and Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, a white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc. Château Margaux wines are highly sought after and often command high prices at auction and in the retail market.

The estate is open to visitors by appointment, offering tours and tastings that provide insight into the winemaking process and the history of the chateau. For more information, visit https://www.chateau-margaux.com/en

Morning walking in downtown of the city, where the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux is located. Enjoy our Lunch in La Brasserie par Excellence since 1925. Both food and service are excellent.

Dinner we did Food tasting / wine pairing fine dining experience in Le Bouchon Bordelais. Courses 40 Euro per person plus wine paring 24 Euro per person. It was a wonderful experience, fresh Ingredient. highly recommended to give a try.

Day Four

Basilica of Saint Michael (Basilique Saint-Michel)

This Gothic-style basilica, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, is known for its striking architecture and the separate bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Final stop: Monument aux Girondins.

We took the High speed train to Paris TGV (SNCF) It is 93Euro per person. make sure to book your train tickets as early as possible. The ticket can be very expensive if you book at last minute.

A special thank to our wonderful Tour Guide. Mr Patrick Galeron is a business owner who travels between Florida and Bordeaux frequently. He enjoys touring the guests from all over the world as a hobby. He can be reached via email:patrickgaleron64@gmail.com

The best season to visit Bordeaux is between April through June.

It was a wonderful experience with fresh ingredients highly recommended to give it a try.

Top Left: This Gothic-style basilica, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, is known for its striking architecture and the separate bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Center Left: The Monument aux Girondins is a fountain in Bordeaux commemorating the Girondists fo the French Revolution.

Bottom: Enjoy an evening view of the Mirror d’Eau , in Downtown Bordeaux. .