As we approach the annual celebration on 8 March, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women driving the flourishing wine tourism scene in Bordeaux.
These pioneers have transformed the region into a haven for vine-to-cellar experiences, luxury accommodations, and idyllic sunset apéritif spots.
Pioneers of Bordeaux Wine Tourism
Catherine Leparmentier, director of Great Wine Capitals (GWC), has championed wine tourism for two decades. GWC, initially comprising six cities, now spans a global network of 12, including Bordeaux, Adelaide, Rioja, Mendoza, Porto, and Napa Valley. Leparmentier highlights Bordeaux's evolution from small estates reliant on direct sales to embracing tourism, fostering loyal visitor bases.
Sylvie Cazes, co-owner of Pauillac fifth growth Château Lynch Bages, ventured into tourism with Bordeaux Saveurs in 2005. Her expertise extends to presiding over Bordeaux's La Cité du Vin and hosting visitors at Château Chauvin in St-Emilion.
Florence Cathiard, former Olympic skier, and her husband Daniel have grown Château Smith Haut Lafitte into a premier Pessac-Léognan estate, welcoming 25,000 annual visitors. Florence's leadership as president of the Superior Council of Wine Tourism underscores her commitment to promoting vineyard visits across France.
Mathilde Thomas innovated with Caudalie beauty products in 1995, while Alice Tourbier introduced the acclaimed wine spa Les Sources de Caudalie at their family's Pessac estate.
Severine Bonnie at Château Malartic la Gravière showcases sustainable initiatives and hosts elegant tastings and events, intertwining wine with cultural sponsorship.
Caroline Perromat, pivotal at Château Haut Bailly, pioneered vine-to-cellar circuits and introduced intimate dining experiences at La Table Privée, highlighting local gastronomy and sustainability.
Sweet Hospitality and Innovations
Laure de Lambert offers luxurious stays at Château Sigalas Rabaud in Sauternes, blending wine heritage with serene accommodations.
Sandrine Garbay transformed Château Guiraud into an organic paradise, adding a hotel and revitalizing the ‘Circle Guiraud’ restaurant.
The Médoc's Leading Women
Armelle Cruse and daughter Tatiana Falcy manage Château Le Taillan, renowned for its historic charm and popular for weddings and receptions.
Daisy Sichel, Lise Latrille, and Marie-Laure Lurton lead innovations at Château Angluet, Château Prieuré Lichine, and Château La Tour de Besan in Margaux, respectively, enriching visitor experiences with tours and tastings.
Aymone Fabre, Nathalie Perrado, and Marjolaine de Coninck at Château Marquis d’Alesme offer personalized tours and gourmet breaks at La Table de Nathalie, blending French and Chinese cultures through unique sensory experiences.
Céline Villars-Foubet's visionary design at Château Chasse Spleen in Moulis includes a water mirror, wine bar, and art gallery, enhancing the estate’s allure.
Veronique Dausse at Château Phélan Ségur in St-Estèphe invites guests to explore Médoc cuisine and enjoy interactive vineyard tours.
Christine Pinault at Château Beychevelle offers a glimpse into the estate’s rich history and new winery, celebrating three centuries of winemaking.
Bordeaux's wine tourism, once nascent, now thrives thanks to these dynamic women, making it a pivotal industry in the region.
Source: Decanter