Bike to Care Bordeaux

Jaime Dutton
May 31, 2023

As the festivities began on opening night of Bike to Care Bordeaux, we were welcomed by our hosts at La Ferme Suzanne, the courtyard of the winery of Château Giscours. Veronique Sanders of Château Haut-Bailly, Alexandre Van Beek of Château Giscours and Jean Charles Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages took the mic and opened a 3-night and 2-day charity bike ride in Bordeaux. They shared a few safety tips for the program, thanked all of us for coming and thanked all the other Bordeaux châteaux who were supporting the ride and the initiative. But really, we were there to thank them. 

I was overwhelmed and humbled to be amongst all the incredible people that had been brought together from Bordeaux and around the world. Steeped in history all these châteaux and the wines that were brought to the table - it was impressive. 

At the three dinners that we enjoyed together as a group, there were incredible wines shared - just check out the lists! What was also memorable were the winery visits that we enjoyed of Lynch-Bages, Haut-Bailly, Yquem and La Louvière.

The opportunity to meet the personalities behind the wines, see the joy and their pride when they open the doors to their cellars and share their passion, is memorable. Walking through the vineyards, the cellars and wineries while telling their story of how they started, or their family history or point out their favorite places, and views, to feel the elements around you while gaining a new perspective on wines and winemaking, to finish with a glass in hand and ask questions to engage them and keep them talking because you just want to keep listening, these are the stories that I enjoy sharing.

These moments allow us to be passionate wine professionals and that is what we want to create and aim to share through our non profit Sommelier Scholarship Fund. Thank you for your support and for helping us create opportunities and experiences for young wine professionals. 

I left Bordeaux with a new excitement to continue to enjoy and learn about the great wines from this region.