Exploring The Cote De Bordeaux

    Recently, I was a guest of the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux for an educational journey through this breathtaking wine region. I was overwhelmed with heavenly scenery, stunning wines and scrumptious farm to table foods, including of course, cheeses. But even more than that, I was overcome by the warmth and sense of community among the winemakers in the area. 
    Most wine drinkers are familiar with Bordeaux wines, but might wonder, what is the Côtes de Bordeaux? One way to think of the Côtes de Bordeaux is to first compare New York State to the larger region of Bordeaux. Long Island is a smaller region of New York State, and the Côtes de Bordeaux is a smaller region in Bordeaux. Within Long Island we have many towns; all with their own unique characteristics. And within the Côtes de Bordeaux there are five distinct regions: Blaye, Sainte-Foy, Castillon, Cadillac and Francs.

Getting there
    After flying to Paris France’s Charles de Gaulle airport, CDG, you can take a short flight, about an hour and a half, to the city of Bordeaux or, for approximately a third of the price, just over $100, you can take the train. 
       If you prefer to arrange for a tour rather than driving you can checkout this website: www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/offre/fiche/chateaux-et-terroirs-on-the-bordeaux-wine-road/OP031AQU033V500EFA 

Where to stay
     I stayed in Chateaux Pitray, which more than being just castle-like, is owned and hosted by Count and Countess de Boigne. Their warmth and kind-hearted hospitality radiates throughout the chateaux. The family has been on the land for 600 years. www.chateau-pitray.com/en/the-entrance-hall
    Two other intriguing options for lodging I visited while in the region are Château Carbonneau and Chateau Hostens-Picant. 
    Château Carbonneau is owned by a multinational family. Rates are per night, for two people and include breakfast. www.chateau-carbonneau.com/copie-de-chambre-du-telephone-1 

Chateau Hostens-Picant
     Owned by husband and wife Nadine and Yves Hostens-Picant the rooms here are modern and luxurious. You can reach Château Hostens-Picant at their phone number here: 0557463811 

Community
    The story that touched my heart most was told during a delicious lunch at Chateau Nardou, the home of winemaker Florent Dubard and his lovely wife Florence. Next door neighbor Sophie Holzberg, of Chateau Franc-Cardinal, had joined us. She told the heartbreaking story of losing her husband Philip in a tragic car accident in 2010, right before Christmas. Left alone to raise two young children and to care for the vineyard, she wasn’t sure what to do. But, she said, with the help of neighbors, like Florent and Florence, she carried on. And more than just surviving the life-changing tragedy, the vineyard persevered. And she proudly announced, thanks to those that rallied around her, that the vineyard is now in the process of receiving its organic certification.