September 2025

In May  1787, then–U.S. Minister to France, Thomas Jefferson ventured to Bordeaux, and in just five days he not only tasted the region’s finest vintages but also helped cement its reputation across the Atlantic. Jefferson Arrives in Bordeaux (May 24–26, 1787) On Thursday, May 24, Jefferson arrived to Bordeaux’s wine country. Staying at the Hôtel de Richelieu near the Grand Théâtre, a landmark that had opened only seven years earlier. The next morning, he traveled to Château d’Yquem (Sauternes) and Château Carbonnieux. Followed by a visit to Château Haut‑Brion, the first Graves estate he sampled, logging its soil and style in his notes. Quality Over Quantity : Jefferson’s Viticultural Journal Jefferson meticulously recorded vineyard details, like Haut‑Brion’s sandy, gravel-rich terroir,

Discover Bordeaux’s culinary charm, from a 2-star Michelin lunch at La Table de Pavie to crispy cannelés, airy dunes blanches, Saint-Émilion's rustic macarons. Perfect for travelers craving French flair. La Table de Pavie : A Taste of Luxury in Saint‑Émilion A two‑star Michelin restaurant led by Chef Yannick Alléno, set within the prestigious Hotel de Pavie. An atmospheric former convent perched above the vineyards. Why you’ll love it: Seasonal, terroir‑driven cuisine : think garbure, oysters, eel, and rich reductions, with artful sauces that tell a vineyard-to-plate story. At lunch, enjoy a terrace aperitif overlooking St‑Émilion. Followed by a creative set‑menu designed to pair perfectly with estate wines . Exceptional hospitality: seamless service, expert wine pairings, and

Morning at a Harvest Vineyard Wake before sunrise to immerse yourself in the heart of Bordeaux’s vendanges season. Estates across Médoc, Saint‑Émilion, Graves, and Pessac-Léognan open their gates for guests to join the actual grape picking. You might find yourself sorting Merlot under or with vintners about micro-terroir decisions. Afternoon Tastings at Iconic Châteaux (Médoc, Saint‑Émilion, Graves) After a light countryside lunch, the tour heads to emblematic châteaux filled with history, architecture, and ripe reds. Médoc: Visit grand Cru Bourgeois estates like Château Cantemerle or Cantenac-Brown—where centuries-old architecture meets Cabernet dominance. Saint‑Émilion: Stroll through the medieval hilltop village before heading to family-run domaines for Merlot-rich expressions; It is the perfect fall escape, complete with

The magic of the grape harvest season September in Bordeaux brings the famed vendanges, the grape harvest, when vineyards burst with activity. From late August through mid-September, estates across Médoc, Saint‑Émilion, Pomerol, Graves, and Sauternes welcome visitors to witness and even join in the harvest. This is also when the historic Ban des Vendange of the Jurade of Saint‑Émilion rites signal the official start of picking, finding their roots in centuries‑old traditions. The air hums with tractor clatter and laughter in the vines, an authentic French moment in terroir and timing. What makes September unique in Bordeaux? Vine variety and timing In Bordeaux, white grapes begin in late August. Red varietals like Merlot and Cabernet