BORDEAUX, June 17 — Every two years, the wine capital hosts an event that draws worshippers of Bacchus from all over the globe. Taking place this year from June 26 to 28, the Bordeaux Wine Festival provides an ideal opportunity to taste some of the region's famous beverages.
In the French wine capital, industry professionals have their trade show, Vinexpo, while amateur wine lovers have the Bordeaux Wine Festival. The two events are held in alternating years, and while the first is a serious affair for industry insiders, the second is a jovial celebration open to newcomers and wine experts alike. In the heart of downtown Bordeaux, along the banks of the Garonne, wine enthusiasts will find a two-kilometre “wine road” lined with tasting pavilions, exhibits and other attractions.
Each pavilion is named for one of the region's different appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOCs): Saint-Émilion, Fronsac, Pomerol, Médoc, Graves... All 80 of the Aquitaine region's appellations are represented, meaning that festivalgoers can explore the entire range of tasting qualities found in the wines of Southwest France. There is also a series of “Millésime” pavilions spotlighting the most prestigious labels of the region, such as Baron de Lestac and Mouton Cadet.
A perfect introduction to wine tasting
For inexperienced tasters, the Bordeaux Wine Festival offers an ideal opportunity to hone one's nose. During the festival, the famous Bordeaux Wine School (École du Vin de Bordeaux) will host tasting workshops, each lasting around 30 minutes. Newcomers and seasoned wine experts alike can attend classes at all levels, whether to learn how to distinguish between the different aromas found in Bordeaux wines or how to pull off optimal food and wine pairings.
Outside of these workshops, festivalgoers can enjoy the different wines at their own pace with a tasting pass (€20/RM87 on site, €15/RM65.50 when purchased early). The pass comes with a souvenir glass and its case, along with 14 tasting tickets, to be used at the main tasting pavilions.
More serious wine lovers might also spring for the 1855 Passport (€65), which includes access to an exclusive tasting of eight 1855 Grands Crus Classés. The 1855 Passport can also be purchased along with an even more exclusive master class tasting session (€150).
For those who want to get out of the city and see where the wines are made, there is also a selection of day trips outside of Bordeaux. For €99, for example, visitors can reserve a day-long tour of several châteaux within the Margaux appellation. There are day excursions available on several themes: Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, Sauternes 1855, Médoc 1855 Grands Crus Classés d'Exception, etc.
More than just wine
Between tastings and vineyard tours, visitors should stop to admire the centrepiece of the festival: a giant barrel made entirely of corks gathered around the world. Revue du Vin de France, the famous French wine review magazine, will hold the finals of its national wine tasting championship, while the Club de Lussac Saint-Émilion will honour its longstanding tradition of hosting a barrel rolling race. In the evenings, festivalgoers can stay out late to enjoy live music, light shows and fireworks.
The 2014 edition of the Bordeaux Wine Festival will be held with Los Angeles as the guest of honour, celebrating the 50-year anniversary of a cultural twinning agreement between the two cities. — AFP-Relaxnews
