EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BORDEAUX WINE CLASSIFICATIONS BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

HomeEVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BORDEAUX WINE CLASSIFICATIONS BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

Discover the history behind the 1855 Classified Growths, a symbol of the prestige of Bordeaux wines, from Médoc to Sauternes. The history of this classification During the universal exposition of Paris in 1855, Napoléon III requested wine regions to create a classification. It is based on the wineries reputation and the middle sale price of the wine at the time.  This classification only regroups the red wines of the Medoc, the sweet white wines of Sauterne and Barsac, but also a red cru of the Graves. The differents wineries of the 1855 Classified Growths There is 60 differents Grands Crus Classés of the Médoc and 1 Cru of Pessac-Léognan -  Red wines :  - The

Curious about how Halloween came to France? Let’s journey from ancient Celtic rituals to today’s lantern-lit vineyard strolls, revealing how this spooky festival took root in Bordeaux. Halloween’s Origins, Celtic Samhain & Roman Influences Going back over 2,000 years, Halloween began with Samhain. A major Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the onset of winter. Celebrated in what’s now Ireland, Britain, and Northern France. Samhain was believed to thin the boundary between our world and the spirit realm. To protect themselves, Celts lit bonfires, wore animal skins, and carried lanterns made from hollowed turnips carved with faces. When the Romans conquered Celtic lands, they merged Samhain with festivals like Feralia. A

Bonjour wine lovers! Did you know World Champagne Day lands on the fourth Friday of October this year, October 24, 2025? It’s the perfect opportunity to toast excellence, celebrate sparkle, and discover Bordeaux’s own fizzy gem: Crémant de Bordeaux. What is Champagne Day (Oct 24 this year)? Celebrated annually since 2009, Champagne Day is a worldwide celebration of France’s signature bubbly. Founded by American blogger Chris Oggenfuss, it has grown into a global toast to joy, togetherness, and, of course, champagne. Officially in 2025 on Friday, October 24. No better day to raise a flute, host a tasting, or simply celebrate the elegance of effervescence. Champagne vs. Crémant de Bordeaux: Production, Style & Sipping Tips Production & Terroir Champagne is exclusively made in

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to stand together in solidarity and hope. Here in Bordeaux, Bordeaux with Elodie is proud to support women, raise awareness, and celebrate strong female voices across our vineyards. Why October = Pink Ribbon Month Every October, the world shines pink in a powerful global show of support for breast cancer awareness, research, and survivors. In Bordeaux, this energy takes shape through fundraising events, educational campaigns, and community-driven initiatives. One highlight? The Pink Ribbon Challenge on October 25–26, a 7 km charity walk around the Miroir d’eau that raises vital funds for screening programs and early detection in our region. Inspiring Women Vintners in Bordeaux Bordeaux has been shaped by visionary

Ready for some cozy, pre-trip fun? Today I’m pairing popular Netflix shows with our beloved Bordeaux wines ! perfect for an evening on the sofa or planning your future wine escape. Let’s dive into delicious combinations and why they work! Stranger Things → Bold Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon–Style Red Why it fits ? Just like Stranger Things, a Left Bank Bordeaux Cabernet blend delivers full-bodied suspense, rich, layered, and deeply intense. With its dark fruit profile and gripping tannins, this wine mirrors every upside-down twist and eerie moment. Think “All drama. All thriller.” Suggested Pairing Tips 1. Choose a standout Left Bank château • Château Latour (Pauillac) : A First Growth powerhouse. Packed with cassis, tobacco, and graphite,

Today, we celebrate International Hamburger Day, October 13th, with a luxurious twist. Let’s combine an all‑American classic with Bordeaux elegance, because burgers + Bordeaux = pure joy. Quick Bordeaux :Friendly Burger Recipes Duck Sliders with Blackberry Sauce Rich duck patties married to tart blackberry sauce create bold, gamey flavors that harmonize perfectly with Merlot-dominant wines. Duck’s fatty richness meets velvety fruit, bridging American indulgence with Bordeaux finesse. Lamb Burgers with Mint & Feta Elevate your burger with ground lamb, crumbled feta, and mint. That herby lift brightens up Merlot‑based Bordelais wines, creating a balanced, savory, and stylish pairing ideal for fall evenings. Wine Pairings: Light Reds and Rosé for Grilling Vibes Step 1: Choose the Right

October 11 marks International Girl Day. a meaningful global celebration, and what better place to honour it than here in Bordeaux? Join us for a day of pampering, empowerment, and wine designed especially for you and the incredible girls in your life. What Is International Girls’ Day (Oct 11)? Did you know this day began in 2012, established by the U.N. to spotlight girls’ rights and voices around the world? It celebrates achievements, raises awareness about challenges, like access to education, health, and safety, and empowers girls to drive change. In Bordeaux, it’s an inspiring chance to treat the girls. Whether family, friends, or colleagues, to luxury experiences that celebrate strength, beauty, and

Welcome to October in Saint‑Émilion. That luminous moment when the village’s medieval lanes glow, the vines are heavy, and the atmosphere feels both intimate and celebratory. It’s truly the perfect time for a fall travel. Village Tours at Harvest Time : Tasting Cuvées with Local Winemakers Picture this: crisp morning air, soft limestone lanes, and vines dressed in autumn gold. As harvest begins, local vignerons welcome small groups deep into their vineyards. On these village tours, you’ll explore classified estates and family domaines, like Château Guadet and Château des  Cordeliers, where you’ll taste freshly pressed cuvées directly from barrel, led by the people who poured their souls into the 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