Bordeaux Wine-Tasting Vacation: Luxury Wine Snobbery-Free
July 17th, 2007 by Helen Sarkanova
I decided to visit Bordeaux because I love wine. While I don’t think it would be impossible to appreciate the superb quality of French wine without the approval of a wine specialist, paying for an organized trip with a knowledgeable host is most definitely worth your money. Also, some of the exclusive estates where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the world’s most famous chateaux, like Chateaux Margaux, Latour or Lafite Rotschild, are not always open to the general public.
My personal problem with the wine world is that it tends to be pretentious and elitist at times. And – as the locals admit themselves – Bordeaux is no exception. So if you are like me, you are probably planning your wine tasting vacation with one question in mind: how do I truly enjoy luxury wine snobbery-free? The good news is that there are some companies, such as Wine Lovers Tour Bordeaux that offer passionate yet relaxed and informal tours run. Having a host who is a wine professional and a Bordeaux local is something I recommend. Locals’ understanding of the complexities of this world’s most celebrated wine region is usually unparalleled by those who are mere Bordeaux visitors.
Good food is an obvious part of a wine tasting experience and Bordeaux is known for its excellent Michelin starred restaurants. But while the dining is sure to be superb, eating in some of these impressive restaurants can sometimes turn into an exam. That’s why I was relieved when our guide made it clear that our wine tour is meant to be truly gourmet but without the formal stuffiness. My absolutely favorite was the Relais & Chateaux Restaurant Hautrive Saint James – a great restaurant surrounded by its own vineyard, offering a fabulous view on Bordeaux.
My Bordeaux wine tasting trip was exactly what I had hoped for. I was amazed by the depth of our host’s knowledge. Not only do I know the taste of the best Bordeaux wine but I also learned to see how to choose a really good wine from those more affordable ones. No more panic when I’m handed the wine list or the cork.
I call myself a wine beginner, but some of the people in our group were advanced wine enthusiasts. Regardless of the level differences, we all loved the tour, for we have one thing in common: we love wine and hate snobbery.
