Bordeaux

This learning journey in Gironde, Bordeaux, and its surroundings, will offer an experience mixing modern and 18th-century architecture. As the gateway to the Bordeaux vineyards, this learning journey invites you to a memorable river escapade at the sunset, a discovery of one-of-a-kind vineyards, and exclusive sharing with local family businesses.

Dress Code: Casual chic & comfortable shoes during the day.

Sunday 5th November

The meeting point is at the hotel InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel where you will be staying

15 :00 - 15 :40 Travel to Smith Haut Lafitte

15 :40 - 19 :00 Visit and tasting with the Cathiard Family

19 :00 - 21:30 Dinner at La Table du Lavoir (Sources de Caudalie)

21 :30 - 22 :00 Transfer back to the Intercontinental hotel

Dress code for dinner: Smart casual

Monday 6th November

07:30 - 08:30 Breakfast in InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel

08:30 - 09:30 Transfer to Bernard Family

09:30 - 14:00 Visit, tasting and lunch

14:00 – 14:30 Transfer back to the Intercontinental hotel

14:30 - 16:30 Free time at InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel

16:30 - 17:00 Transfer to the boat

17:00 - 22:00 Cruise, cocktail and dinner, tasting of Cognac – Boinaud Family

22:00 - 22:30 Transfer back to the Intercontinental hotel

Dress code for dinner: Smart casual

Tuesday 7th November

07:30 - 08:30 Breakfast in InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel and check-out

8:30 – 9:30  Transfer to La Cité du Vin

09:30 - 12:30 La Cité du Vin – Visit and tasting

12:30 - 14:00 : Lunch at Le 7 Restaurant panoramique

14:00 - 14:30 Visit of the boutique and Cave Cité du vin

14:30 - 15:00 Transfer to station Bordeaux St Jean

15:46 - Departure of the train, arrival at 6:01

18:30 - 19:15 Transfer to Paris – Hôtel du Collectionneur

You will be hosted by the following French families:

Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Sources of Caudalie

Family Cathiard

In 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard fell in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte, which they acquired with the firm intention of perpetuating its tradition of excellence. 

 “Our philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: to do everything possible to make each vintage of red and white wine worthy of our magnificent terroir.” 

It is in the heart of the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves great growth, that Les Sources de Caudalie were born. 

Between vineyards and forests, at the gateway to Bordeaux, Alice and Jérôme Tourbier have designed a complex in total harmony with the surrounding environment. This contemporary design, enriched with materials and structures recovered from the region and recycled, makes this house a place dedicated to the art of living in the heart of the vineyards. 

During this visit, Daniel and Florence Cathiard will welcome FBN members for a memorable evening. 

Famille Bernard

Olivier Bernard, Jean Bernard, Fabrice Bernard

Groupe Bernard has been active in Wines and Spirits since 1928 in Bordeaux.

From a family company specialized in production and international trading of Eaux-de-vie de vin, the company LUCIEN BERNARD, it diversified from 1983 creating a business of Great Wines of Bordeaux, under the brand MILLESIMA, and the acquisition of a Pessac-Léognan Cru Classé, DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER.

In recent years, the Group has continued to develop its three businesses and today it brings together a range of prestigious activities and brands :

-  Brandy and Eaux-de-vie de vin : LUCIEN BERNARD, VALDRONNE

-  Wine Trading : MILLESIMA, SOBOVI

- Wine Estates : DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER, DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE, CHÂTEAU LESPAULT-MARTILLAC, CLOS DES LUNES.  

It generates a revenue of 164 million euros in 2022 of which 60% is realized on export. It is managed today by 3rd and 4th generations of the Family and is still 100% family owned.

Maison Boinaud

Charles and Rémi Boinaud.

Is a family-owned company, run by Charles and Rémi Boinaud. We have been producer and merchant of Cognac and spirits for generations. With a 600-hectare property, we are known as the largest vineyard in the Cognac region, and we control every step of the production : from distillation to ageing and blending. We collaborate with international leaders and distribute our own brands, Cognac DE LUZE and French Whisky HERIOSE, in France and worldwide.

As the first benefit corporation of the Cognac industry, we are very proud to offer sustainable products.