Wine tourism in Aquitaine vineyards

20 Pages·2015·0.85 MB·English

Wine tourism in
Aquitaine vineyards

AQUITAINE REGIONAL TOURIST BOARD
4 place Jean Jaurès
CS 75139
33074 Bordeaux cedex
www.tourism-aquitaine.com
AQUITAINE REGIONAL TOURIST BOARD - PRESS OFFICE – EMAIL: [email protected] PAGE 1
Press contact: Perrine ARMANDARY, press relations
Tel: + 33 (0)5 56 01 70 00
email: [email protected]
Copyright-free photos: http://photodoc.tourisme-aquitaine.fr/
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 PRESS RELEASE SUMMARY ............................................................................... 4
 BORDEAUX AQUITAINE WINE TRIP .................................................................. 5
 THE CENTRE FOR WINE AND CIVILISATION .................................................... 6
 OTHER VINE AND WINE MUSEUMS IN AQUITAINE .................................................... 7
 CHATEAUX AND “CHIC WINE CELLARS” ......................................................... 8
 OTHER CHATEAUX HAVE ALSO RENOVATED THEIR FACILITIES ................................... 9
 CONTEMPORARY ART IS WELCOMED IN THE CHATEAU ................................ 9
 LEARN TO MAKE YOUR WINE IN AQUITAINE ................................................. 10
 OTHER WINE WORKSHOPS IN AQUITAINE ............................................................... 11
 THE WINERY IN ARSAC, BACK ON TRACK (MÉDOC) ................................................. 11
 GRAPE HARVESTING IN AQUITAINE ................................................................ 11
 IN BORDEAUX ..................................................................................................... 11
 IN ENTRE-DEUX-MERS ......................................................................................... 11
 GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL .................................................................................... 11
 UNUSUAL WAYS TO DISCOVER THE VINEYARDS ............................................ 12
 ON DONKEYS ...................................................................................................... 12
 IN THE DUNES ..................................................................................................... 12
 BY BIKE .............................................................................................................. 12
 IN A HOT AIR BALLOON ........................................................................................ 13
 WINE CRUISE ...................................................................................................... 13
 BIKE TOUR IN COTES DE BOURG – VELOVINO ......................................................... 13
 STAYING IN THE VINEYARDS ............................................................................ 14
 IN THE WOODEN RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CHÂTEAU DE MONBAZILLAC ................. 14
 FOR WINE LOVERS: IN A BARREL ............................................................................ 14
 THE HOTEL THAT TURNS LIKE A BARREL: CASKS ....................................................... 14
 IN A FERMENTING ROOM, “LA CUVE A MON LOUP” ................................................. 14
 IN THE NESTS OF BÉARN IN LOUBIENG: A BALL FOR A NIGHT IN THE STARS ................ 14
 WOMEN IN THE WINE INDUSTRY ..................................................................... 15
 ALSO, ELSEWHERE IN AQUITAINE: ......................................................................... 16
 12TH SEPTEMBER 2015: TOP STARTING POINT FOR THE 31ST MÉDOC MARATHON 17
 YET ALSO: ........................................................................................................... 18
 MASTERPIECES ON THE LABELS ....................................................................... 18
 FACT SHEET........................................................................................................ 19
 VINEYARDS OF AQUITAINE ................................................................................... 19
 WINE TOURISM IN AQUITAINE............................................................................... 19

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PRESS RELEASE SUMMARY
Wine tourism: how Aquitaine stands out

Roughly 800 owners of Aquitaine expressed on the labels. Since activities from among the large
vineyards welcome visitors to their 1946, the chateau has been range of offers from the vast
chateaux. Although the wine entrusting their illustration to vineyards of Bordeaux.
tasting visit is a “great classic”, the renowned artists. From Dali to
A starting point for vineyard visits,
chateaux nevertheless offer a large Jean Cocteau, Francis Bacon to
from 2016 Bordeaux will welcome
range of activities for visitors. Wine Andy Warhol or Anish Kapoor, the
the “Cité des Civilisations du vin”
growers have no shortage of greatest names in contemporary
(Centre for wine and civilisation), a
imagination. Behind the doors of art have let their imagination run
museum of an international scope,
the wine cellars, ideas are coming wild to create unique works for the
with bold architecture, all about
together. chateau.
the theme of wine. A strong
Since 2010, contemporary wine In the vineyard, imagination and architectural message, the building
cellars have seen the light of day in the desire to stand out have often will symbolise the spiral shaped
vineyards. Created by belonged to women. They have flow of wine swirling in a glass. The
internationally renowned architects greatly encouraged opening up “Cité des Civilisations du vin”
(Norman Foster, Jean Nouvel, the chateaux to the public. Many (Centre for wine and civilisation)
Leoh Ming Pei…), these futuristic have been the creators of new will allow people to discover wine
constructions attract clientele the initiatives to do with wine, through the course of time, history
world over. Moreover, this new particularly participatory activities. and the cultures of the world.
generation of wine cellars is
Thus, owners give visitors the This site should attest to
designed and equipped to
option of taking part in a complete Bordeaux’s reputation as the wine
welcome the public in the best
experience all about wine and world capital.
possible conditions.
becoming a “wine grower for the
Among the numerous activities
Visitors can extend their day”. The “be a winemaker”
offered in the vineyard, you can
enjoyment of this wonderful workshop allows amateurs to
choose to discover the vineyard on
combination of art and wine by create their own wine and leave
foot, in the air while following the
discovering the Winery. Made with their own bottle.
different wine routes, or with your
entirely of glass and steel, the
Amongst the vineyard’s other fun family on donkeys.
Winery is exclusively dedicated to
activities there is the Médoc
art and wine. On site, after a You can also go and see the
marathon. Each year, 8000
playful tasting session, the visitor winegrowers and discover their
marathon runners, amateur runners
can discover their oenological sign work during the grape harvesting
and wine lovers, run through the
(their wine tasting preferences). season and join in with the work on
vines, parks and gardens of 53
Works of art (paintings, sculptures, the vineyard.
chateaux.
photographs) make up the
Aquitaine also offers you the
unexpected décor of this new The smartphone app “Bordeaux
quirkiest accommodation in the
approach to wine. Wine Trip” was created with
best vineyards for an unforgettable
practicality in mind. Simple and
Although the Winery shows off stay.
fun, it guides visitors by helping
monumental works of art, in the
them to spot and choose their
Mouton Rothschild chateau, art is

AQUITAINE REGIONAL TOURIST BOARD - PRESS OFFICE – EMAIL: [email protected] PAGE 4
BORDEAUX AQUITAINE WINE TRIP
The practical “app” for vineyards
From December 2013, an  restaurants and wine bars The results of the searches are
Aquitaine "Bordeaux Aquitaine whose menus consist mainly displayed on a menu which can be
Wine Trip" app will be available. of wines from the region; saved in the “trip planner”
This app will cover all the Aquitaine  accommodation; The advantages of this app: It also
vineyards, notably including
 information points (tourist locates the freely accessible WiFi
Bergerac, Duras, Jurançon and
offices and wine houses); terminals offered by service
Irouléguy.
 monuments, museums and providers.
Due to the diversity and scale of sites dedicated to wine; For each offer, the user has access
the Bordeaux vineyards, tourism
 events: open door events, to a detailed fact sheet: a
and wine professionals have come
festivals and parties; description of the site or activity,
together to help facilitate tourism
in the region. They collectively  experiences based on wine practical information (opening
(notably wine schools). hours, prices…) but also customer
created the Aquitaine Wine Trip
reviews.
(B.A.W.T.) app, which works on The B.A.W.T app can be used
smartphones, tablets and online so ahead of the trip to help make B.A.W.T. is a collaborative tool:
as to guide visitors around the plans and while you’re there. users can leave feedback and
Bordeaux vineyard. opinions. In keeping with the wine
The “trip planner” allows you to
theme, services are rated in “wine
Visitors can identify and select plan an itinerary adapted to your
glasses” (from 1 to 5 glasses).
services and activities to customise tastes and needs.
their stay. To respond to the demands of a
The geo-positioning option is
largely international clientele,
Visitors can find, not only all the useful once you are there to
B.A.W.T is available in 10 different
places of interest in the vineyard, quickly identify services and offers
languages. The offer is available in
but also the essential services for nearby.
the major European languages but
their stay (notably accommodation
After having answered a few very also those of emergent countries
and restaurants).
simple questions about their trip, from which an increasing number
B.A .W.T has a very comprehensive users are then offered a suitable of visitors are coming to the
offer (2000 items) organised route. Bordeaux vineyards (China, Russia
around 7 areas: and Brazil).
The choices can be refined thanks
 the castles, wine warehouses to personalised criteria (notably www.bordeaux-aquitaine-wine-
and cellars where the visit budget and language). trip.fr
includes at least one tasting
session with an expert guide;

AQUITAINE REGIONAL TOURIST BOARD - PRESS OFFICE – EMAIL: [email protected] PAGE 5
THE CENTRE FOR WINE AND CIVILISATION WILL OPEN
IN BORDEAUX IN 2016
Center for civilisation and Wine © C. C. V
The Centre for Wine and iridescent aluminium panels. This Ancient Civilisations (Notably
Civilisation, the first large cultural structure will mirror the changing Greece, Egypt and the Roman
centre based on the theme of wine reflections from the Garonne. Empire) will also be evoked.
in Bordeaux, will open its doors in
The site of The Centre for “The changes of wine” (from grape
2016. Halfway between a museum
Civilisation and Wine plays with seed to wine) will help visitors
and a theme park, The Centre for
symbols. Located in Chartrons, a understand the process of wine
Wine and Civilisation will allow the
historical quarter for wine in production.
visitor to discover wine growing
Bordeaux, the Centre for
civilisations the world over. “The buffet of the 5 senses” will
Civilisation and Wine will dominate
allow you to try different wines
The creation of The Centre for the Garonne river. Bordeaux and
from around the world (red, rosé,
Wine and Civilisation is based on its wines owe their rise to this
sparkling…).
two proposals: river, an ancient maritime route.
Wine and art will be a subject that
 a building with remarkable Inside, over 7 levels, the temporary
is looked at from several angles,
architecture; and permanent exhibitions will
notably:
 discovering wine throughout allow the visitor to travel through
the course of time, history time (from 6,500 BC to modern  wine and tableware (golden
and the cultures of the world. times) discovering wine growing cups, Greek vases, crystal
cultures of 5 continents. glasses…);
First of all The Centre for
 wine and Fine Arts (numerous
Civilisation and Wine has a bold 23 exhibition modules will each
painters, writers and poets
architecture. Aim: to stand out present an aspect of wine. They
who have been inspired by
amongst the crowd of great have been designed and checked
wine);
international museums (reference by experts from various disciplines
 wine, love and eroticism;
to the Guggenheim of Bilbao (oenologists, historians,
 labels;
notably) geographers, sociologists…).
 remarkable architecture in
The shape of the building will “The vineyards world tour” will vineyards.
symbolise the spiral shaped flow of take the visitor through the
Health, excess and religions will
wine swirling in a glass. 55m high, countryside of the main wine
also be explored.
the building will be decorated with producing countries: Argentina,
3000 glass and lacquered South Africa, Australia and France.
Center for civilisation and Wine The vineyard world tour © C. C. V The changes of wine © C. C. V
© C. C. V.
AQUITAINE REGIONAL TOURIST BOARD - PRESS OFFICE – EMAIL: [email protected] PAGE 6
The Centre for Civilisation and On the ground floor, a wine From 2016, a 5 star hotel with 150
Wine wants to offer the public tourism platform (information rooms, a shopping centre and a
knowledge, but also a playful and point) will allow visitors to get boat shuttle service will expand
sensory experience around wine. information and buy tickets for the site.
The latest technological visits and activities in the
425,000 visitors will be expected in
innovations will be used in the surrounding vineyards or further
the first year that The Centre for
scenography to amaze the senses: afield (international purpose of The
Civilisation and Wine is open. The
3D images, holograms, smell Centre for Civilisation and Wine).
local economic revenue is
diffusors, music, interactive tools…
The entry fee will be between €15 evaluated at 40 million euros per
On site, the visitor will also be able and €18 for adults. year.
to make the most of shops,
Information and audio-guides will
restaurants (with a panoramic view)
be available in 8 languages.
and an unobstructed view from the
55m tall belvedere.

Source: Regional Council of Aquitaine – Inter-professional Council of Bordeaux wines – The figures on wine tourism in
Aquitaine / CRTA-BVA / 2010

Grape harvest © C. C. V Bottles © C. C. V

OTHER VINE AND WINE MUSEUMS IN AQUITAINE

In the Bordeaux vineyard: Planet Bordeaux www.planete-bordeaux.fr
In the Bergerac vineyard: Town Museum in Bergerac www.bergerac-tourisme.com/musee-de-la-ville
In the Lot-et-Garonne vineyard: The Cork and Stopper Museum http://ville-mezin.fr/
In Armagnac: Armagnac eco-museum www.chateau-garreau.fr

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CHATEAUX AND “CHIC WINE CELLARS”
Since 2010, big names in Steel strips inspired by the reverse contemporary architecture
international architecture (notably mirrors of A. Kapoor combine.
© Château La Dominique
Jean Nouvel, Norman Foster and
On the left bank of the Gironde, in
Leoh Ming Pei) have designed the
Médoc, wide ranging projects
cellars of winegrowing Bordeaux
abound too.
chateaux.
In the Chateau Margaux, the first
These new contemporary wine
grand cru to be listed, the British
cellars have a complete break with
architect Norman Foster, the
local architecture in common. The
renowned creator of the Millau
contrast is even more striking as
viaduct and the Hong Kong HSBC
they rise up in the middle of wine In addition to a new warehouse
tower, is coordinating this vast
growing countryside and small opening on the vineyard, the
project. On top of that, the
traditional villages. project also includes a restaurant
creation of a new wine cellar and
serving 250 covers. In the
Built for quality wine, these fermenting room, a research
extension of this restaurant, a
contemporary wine cellars centre on wine, an underground
panoramic terrace will offer an
incorporate the latest wine bar and attractive tasting
unobstructed view over the
technological innovations, in rooms.
neighbouring grands cru (great
particular wine growing by gravity
vintage) vineyards: Cheval-Blanc, The most recent project in Médoc
feeding. They are also
La Conseillante and Figeac. is in Pauillac. The Chateau Lynch-
communication tools for the
Bages asked Leoh Ming Pei, the
owners faced with competition. A neighbour of La Dominique, the
architect of the Louvre Pyramid in
They allow them to outline and Cheval Blanc chateau
Paris, to renovate their facilities.
assert their brand image on the commissioned Christian de
The first visitors are expected in
international scene. Portzamparc, architect of the
2016.
L.V.M.H. tower in New York and
These projects also respond to the
the Grande-Duchesse Joséphine- In the Bordeaux suburbs, Philippe
need to better welcoming visitors.
Charlotte Concert Hall. He Stark, in conjunction with the
This new wine tourism dimension
designed a wine cellar in the shape Bordeaux architect Luc Arsene-
has been incorporated from the
of a wave’s crest covered in a Henry, dedicated himself to the
project’s design stage. These
vegetal roof nestled in vines. Chateau Les Carmes-Haut-Brion
futuristic constructions house
(Pessac-Léognan). The two men
designer tasting rooms, scenic Roughly ten kilometres away, the
have designed a new wine cellar, a
tours among the casks and even Swiss architect Mario Botta
new fermenting room and designer
shops and restaurants. (notably the creator of the San
reception areas. The chateau will
Francisco Modern Art Museum)
In Saint-Emilion, a listed UNESCO open its doors in Spring 2015.
created the “wine cellar-cathedral”
national heritage wine producing
of Chateau Faugères Signing an illustrious architect
countryside, Jean Nouvel designed
offers these chateaux added value.
the new wine cellar of the Chateau This imposing modern building is
They strengthen their position in
la Dominique. It is freely inspired positioned on top of a hill. It
the luxury sector and give
by the reverse mirrors of Anish overlooks vineyards that are still
Bordeaux vineyards an updated
Kapoor. The wine cellar is dressed worked by horses. A place where
image.
in sombre red steel strips, evoking secular traditions and
the colour of wine.

Wine cellar of Château
Château La Dominique The panoramic terrace Château Faugères Faugères
© Château La Dominique © Château La Dominique © Ph Caumes © Ph Caumes

AQUITAINE REGIONAL TOURIST BOARD - PRESS OFFICE – EMAIL: [email protected] PAGE 8
Château la Dominique www.chateau-ladominique.com
Château Faugères www.chateau-faugeres.com
Château Les Carmes Haut Brion www.les-carmes-haut-brion.com
Château Margaux www.chateau-margaux.com
Château Lynch Bages www.lynchbages.com
OTHER CHATEAUX HAVE ALSO RENOVATED THEIR FACILITIES, NOTABLY:

in Saint Emilion Château La Croizille www.de-mour.com
in the Médoc Château Pichon Longueville www.pichonlongueville.com
Château Cos d’Estournel www.estournel.com

CONTEMPORARY ART IS WELCOMED IN THE CHATEAU

Château d’Arsac ©Richard Nourry Château d’Arsac ©Richard Nourry

Fans of contemporary art will be One final artistic touch for the The 2013 exhibition is
able to have even more fun Chateau d’Arsac: the wine cellar. It dedicated to Paul Rebeyrolle.
discovering Chateau d’Arsac 5km is painted in Klein blue (bright
 The “Spirit of Pauillac”
away www.chateau-arsac.com. consistent blue), a completely
exhibition in the wine and
original colour in the vineyard.
This property houses the “garden tourism office of Pauillac
of sculptures”. The works are to be Médoc offers other opportunities www.pauillac-medoc.com
found, here and there, in the park, for visits around the themes of art
The paintings of Philippe
the vineyards or even the chateau and wine, notably:
Gassies will be presented
wine cellar.
 the permanent collection and from the 1st May to 31st
To date, the collection includes exhibition of contemporary October 2013.
some twenty works by Niki de painting in the 19th century
The perfect blend of contemporary
Saint-Phalle, Bernard Pagès, Bernar wooden fermenting room of
art and wine, a distinctive sign of
Venet and Claude Viallat among the Chateau Lynch-Bages in
Médoc.
others. Pauillac www.lynchbages.com.

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LEARN TO MAKE YOUR WINE IN AQUITAINE
The demand for participatory their blending and the creation of Pierre and Rodolphe popularise
activities and the desire to the label. the vocabulary and techniques so
popularise knowledge around wine that everyone can get the most
After an initiation into the art of
have led to the creation of wine from this experience
wine tasting, Pierre and Rodolphe
making workshops.
show them the blending. The When the assembly is finished, the
The “Be a winemaker” workshop design of a wine requires you to bottle is corked and coated, a
allows amateurs to create their master the subtleties of each tablet allows the creation of a
own wine and to take their bottle grape variety and the harmonious label. So everyone let’s their
home with them. combinations. imagination run wild. Once
finished, the personalised label is
The assembly and blending of
attached to the bottle.
several grape varieties is one of
the unique features of Bordeaux The workshop finishes by a tasting
wine. This key stage of wine session with wines from the estate.
production, sometimes qualified as
“Be a winemaker” is taking place
art, was, up until then, the reserve
in 5 different Bordeaux chateaux,
of professionals. Now it is open to
notably château Pape-Clément in
amateurs.
Pessac-Léognan, Château
Each grape variety gives a unique
For half a day, in a wine growing Fombrauge (Saint Emilion grand
character to the wine. Certain
chateau, the participants benefit cru classé) and even Château La
grape varieties offer an aroma
from the wise advice of 2 wine Tour Carnet (haut Médoc grand
(fruit for example), others a
professionals: Pierre Dufourq and cru classé). Depending on the
potency or even a colour.
Rodolphe Desbois. chateau, the cost of participating
Throughout the workshop, the ranges between €65 and €149. The
The first hour of the workshop is
participants will manipulate the 3 workshops take place in French
dedicated to visiting the chateau.
main red Bordeaux grape varieties: and English.
It’s an opportunity to discover the
merlot, cabernet-franc and
history of the estate and to better To perfect their knowledge, the
cabernet sauvignon.
get to know the work behind wine, visitors will be able to return in
from the vine to the cellar. With the help of measuring September/October. Grape
cylinders and pipettes, the harvesting workshops will allow
After the visit, the participants go
oenologists for a day create their them, basket and secateurs in
into the oenological lab of the
“ideal wine”. They can have up to hand, to take part in one of the
chateau. They put on the
9 attempts. Each of them therefore great moments of the wine
traditional sommelier apron before
looks for the right amount of each growing year. A chance to taste
starting to create their wine.
of the 3 grape varieties. There are the grapes of different varieties
Several stages are necessary to
many possible combinations: a but also to share the festive
prepare a vial of nectar to your
light or powerful wine, a sustained atmosphere of the grape
taste. The main ones are
or light colour, fruity or more floral harvesting team.
discovering the grape varieties,
aromas.

For all photograhies of this page :

Be a Winemaker workshop
© Be a Winemaker
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