Discovering Bordeaux

There are few better ambassadors for French wine than the grand châteaux, lush pastoral estates, and exclusive experiences of Bordeaux.

As India’s only Master of Wine, I’ve had the privilege of visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux every other year. My first visit to Bordeaux was as a student, pursuing rigorous studies to become a Master of Wine. I soaked in the history of the region, understanding the business of wine and discovering its wine making. My subsequent visits helped me establish the broader cultural context of wine in France, its association with haute gastronomy, its promise of a healthy lifestyle and its joie de vivre. Wine, indeed, is a way of life for the French. In the recent past, I have had the privilege to visit some of the grand châteaux of Bordeaux and partake in unparalleled wine experiences on lush pastoral estates amidst magical settings. One of my most memorable wine experiences took place in 2019. On an invitation of the Baron Eric de Rothschild and his daughter Saskia de Rothschild, I was part of an elite gathering of global wine connoisseurs from around the globe at Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Rothschild acquisition of Lafite. Visiting their iconic cellar, tasting historic vintages, and being seated for an intimate dinner in the august company of the godfather of films, auteur Francis Ford Coppola, and noted British actor Dominic West was a mystical experience. We sampled the 16 best vintages of Lafite going back to the 1868; a priceless opportunity. To an Indian consumer, French wines are synonymous with high quality, and Bordeaux wines are well positioned to tap into this. The conversation about French wines is not just restricted to the most expensive or the finest wines in the world, but explores an entire wine-making universe: a great diversity of styles, the use of multiple grape varieties, a deep wine-making history, the profound understanding of terroir and a wide range of wines across all price points. France has a wide repertoire to suit the palate and pocket of everyone. And once you master the art of tongue-twisting pronunciations, a beautiful world of French wine awaits!

Sonal Holland MW enjoying her stay at Château Soutard in Saint-Émilion.

A stellar line-up of different styles of Bordeaux wines, ready for tasting.

Tasting from double magnums at Château d’Yquem, a top Grand Cru Classé sweet wine from Bordeaux.

Sonal Holland MW with movie legend and wine producer Francis Ford Coppola at a celebratory dinner at Château Lafite Rothschild.