It’s been a busy and beautiful summer for Maud and me!

Between managing daily chateau chores, hosting a revolving door of wine-loving friends and scouting new and fresh ideas for our 2026 Bordeaux Wine Experiences, the season has flown by.

Fortunately, in Bordeaux, most adventures are paired with a memorable bottle (or two).

Just last week, a bottle of 2000 Smith Haut Lafitte stole the spotlight.

Wine notes: Robert Parker suggests uncorking the 2000 now, but there’s no need to rush.

I’m convinced this vintage still has a generous runway ahead of it.

The 2000 remains one of the chateau’s truly great showings, a benchmark year that I believe will continue to reward patience.

The wine was exceptional, paired with a perfect lunch at Les Sources de Caudalie.

The stunning countryside restaurant resides on the picturesque grounds of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.

Combining wellness, gastronomy, vineyard views, fine wine, and the birthplace of the beloved beauty line… the day was extraordinary.

And to our collective surprise, our lovely host happened to be connected to my family’s vineyard in St. Tropez.

Just another small-world moment in Bordeaux!

2025 Harvest
Meanwhile, the harvest has just begun here in Bordeaux, ushered in by a beautiful, but very hot and dry August that brought the grapes to an earlier than expected ripeness.

The vineyards are in full swing — and it’s pure joy.

Maud and I will be rolling up our sleeves, pulling up our boots, and joining the fun this upcoming weekend on the Left Bank!

All these moments—the laughter, discoveries, and shared wines under the Bordeaux’s summer sky—are exactly why we’re so excited about what’s coming in our 2026 Experiences.

The unexpected happened
But even in these quiet Bordeaux summers, sometimes the unexpected happens: Chateau Lafleur took a bold new direction

This renowned Pomerol property broke free from the region’s strict appellation system to embrace creativity.

Without rules on grapes, yields, or techniques, they can experiment with unusual varieties, organic methods, and bold blends.

Few high-end wineries dare to take this path.

Below, I’ll explore the Bordeaux system that famed Chateau Lafleur in Pomerol has recently chosen to leave behind.

2026 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour I
May 25 – 30, 2026 (sold out!)

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour II
June 1 – 6, 2026
(under option)

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour I
September 15-19, 2026
(Last rooms available)

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour II
September 21 – 26, 2026

The Rules that Make Bordeaux Shine
Bordeaux owes much of its prestige to a strict appellation system that guarantees authenticity and quality.

To carry the Bordeaux name, producers must use approved grapes— Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère for reds;

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle for whites. Yields are capped, minimum ripeness is required.

Even vineyard practices like planting density and harvest methods are regulated.

Winemaking rules govern chaptalization, acidity, and aging, with every wine reviewed by tasting panels before release.

These rigorous standards protect Bordeaux’s heritage, encouraging craftsmanship over shortcuts and offering wine lovers a dependable taste of one of France’s most celebrated regions.

Breaking Free: The Perks of Leaving Bordeaux Rules Behind
Bordeaux is famous for its strict appellation system, but some daring winemakers are choosing freedom over tradition.

By stepping outside the rules, they can plant unusual grapes, try organic or biodynamic methods, and create blends the AOC would never allow.

They harvest when the fruit tastes perfect, not when regulations say so.

Sure, giving up the Bordeaux name is a gamble—but it also means wines that are fresh, personal, and bursting with character. These bottles are where creativity truly shines.

Chateau Lafleur Exits both Pomerol and Bordeaux AOC’s
A couple of weeks ago, in a landmark decision, Chateau Lafleur announced that beginning with the 2025 vintage, all six of its wines will be released under the broader Vin de France designation.

This way they are formally stepping away from the historic appellations of Pomerol and Bordeaux.

Many of our guests (myself included) are surprised to learn that Pomerol, home to icons such as Petrus, Le Pin, Vieux Chateau Certan, and Gazin, is the smallest of Bordeaux’s appellations.

It measures less than three square miles.

Yet this tiny plateau has given rise to some of the world’s most coveted wines, with Lafleur long recognized as one of the top estates.

In a letter dated August 24th, the Guinaudeau family cited climate change and the constraints of AOC regulations as the driving forces behind their bold move. “2015, 2019, and above all, 2022 were evidence. 2025 goes a step further.

We must think, readapt, act,” the family explained.

Keen to gain insight, I visited our friend Ralitsa Todorieva, the talented Technical Assistant at Lafleur.

Ralitsa has worked alongside the Guinaudeaus at Lafleur for the past six years.

Buzzing with excitement, she shared how the freedom this step provides opens up new opportunities — placing Lafleur among a small but influential circle of domaines choosing flexibility over regulation.

Vin de France, the lowest denomination for one of the greatest wines
The family further explained in their letter that Vin de France will give them latitude to explore planting, irrigation, and grape variety choices in pursuit of their ultimate goal: ensuring the perennity, quality, and identity of their wines.

Landslide
This is nothing short of historic. Founded in 1872 and family-run since 1985, Lafleur remains one of Bordeaux’s most sought-after estates.

The 2025 harvest, now underway, is already being described as “extraordinary.”

So, let us raise a glass—because sometimes, breaking with tradition is the boldest way to honor it.

Together… let’s uncork the extraordinary.

This is definitely one of the most exclusive tours that we offer. Join the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, for an experience of pure opulence, featuring exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines.

Savor exclusive chateau-meals for a truly gorgeous, culinary experience.

The gastronomic delights are nothing short of extraordinary, featuring exclusive meals set in remarkable venues typically inaccessible to the public.

As if that weren’t enough, the tour presents a rare opportunity to taste all five First Growths of over 20 years old, plus the Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old!

This tour offers exclusive dining, exceptional wines, and aged vintages, creating an unforgettable journey into Bordeaux’s culinary and wine excellence.

What makes it even more special is the inclusion of older vintages, adding a unique dimension to the wine-tasting experience.

It’s no wonder that the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour has earned its status as a beloved favorite.

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour
Behold one of our most exclusive tours, a wine lover’s dream come true in the heart of Bordeaux.

This ultimate wine tour promises an unparalleled experience, setting the bar for perfection.

Harvest time in Bordeaux is a thrilling period, filled with anticipation and vibrant energy in the vineyards.

Prepare to be amazed as you savor the exquisite taste of all five First Growths of over 20 years old plus the distinguished Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old! 

The tour doesn’t stop there; it extends to include the best offerings from Saint Emilion and Pomerol, featuring many older vintages.

Elevating the experience further are the outstanding meals meticulously curated at exceptional venues rarely accessible to the public.

This blend of exceptional tastings and exclusive dining makes this tour highly sought-after, offering Bordeaux enthusiasts the ultimate wine, culinary, and harvest season experience. season.

It’s no surprise that the Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour has become a cherished favorite.