Harvest is here, Bordeaux is buzzing, and Maud and I are loving it!

Everywhere you go, you see tractors humming, pickers stacking crates, and winemakers with their contagious smiles.

Our guests on last week’s Harvest Tour couldn’t stop telling me about how thrilling it was to see the wineries in full swing.

From watching barrels being carefully rolled into place to the juices being pumped over, and witnessing the arrival of fresh-picked grapes, every moment was creating lasting memories.

The 2025 harvest is officially underway, and it feels like one big celebration.

Rolling up our sleeves
Maud and I jumped in last week, boots in the dirt, helping our friends harvest on both the Right and the Left Bank.

For me, there’s nothing like being out in the vineyards, up close with the grapes that will evolve into tomorrow’s great wines.

Have you ever wondered what harvest in Bordeaux feels like? It’s pure adrenaline. Pure joy. And yes, even a little sweat.

You can experience this unique harvest action and join us next year on the 2026 Bordeaux Harvest Tour.

And the excitement doesn’t end when the grapes are picked. It is only getting started.

A fun interview in Pessac-Léognan
In this edition, I’ll be telling you about my unique harvest experience in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

Last weekend, I was invited by my very good friend and acclaimed winemaker, Stephen Carrier of Chateau de Fieuzal.

We had a wonderful Harvest lunch, then jumped into the cellar for some action.

The tanks were already bubbling away with fermenting juice, and the cellar smelled incredible: the evolution and excitement were underway.

Yup, that incredible smell… intoxicating!

Watching the teamwork was like watching a well-oiled machine: pump-overs, tastings, and quick decisions on the fly.

All beautifully orchestrated by Stephen and his trusted Cellar Master.

Everyone was moving fast, but there was this grin on Stephen’s face that said it all: 2025 is going to be special.

I’ll explain more in this issue.

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

Chateau de Fieuzal
Unlike other Bordeaux classifications, chateaux in the Pessac-Léognan appellation can be classified for both reds and whites.

Fieuzal, tucked into Pessac-Léognan just outside Bordeaux, is a stylish spot where Bordeaux tradition gets a modern edge.

They are all about contrast: bold, smoky Cabernet blends, and vibrantly fresh Sauvignon-Sémillon whites.

Fieuzal is a classified growth for red, but not for white. Personally, I love their whites.

And not being classified, they tend to be more affordable. And are a bit of a local secret: zippy, citrusy, and built to age.

Coffee, Grapes & Sleep
When I visited Chateau de Fieuzal this weekend, winemaker Stephen Carrier was buzzing with energy.

We were in the cellar with his team, and you could feel the place humming: pumps running, tanks bubbling, and a crew that clearly loves what they do.

And gain, that incredible smell.

Stephen, ever the character, had one eye on the juice and one eye on us, joking that “he’s running on coffee, grapes, and very little sleep.”

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation — it perfectly captures the energy, passion, and charm that make Bordeaux…

…well, Bordeaux.

Michael: Stephen, the Fieuzal harvest just got underway. Late for Pessac-Léognan?

Stephen: “Patience, always patience. It’s tempting to rush when the fruit is beautiful, but you have to wait for the perfect moment. One more day, sometimes only hours, can make all the difference. The owners and I both believe the risk is worth it. Because when you get it right, the wine speaks louder than anything else.”

Michael: One more day, sometimes only hours… that must be stressful, right?

Stephen: “Stressful? Non, non, non! This is the fun part. Look around! When you have a team like this, you don’t feel stress. You feel energy. You feel joy. We’re crafting something that people will open in 10-, 20-plus years, that’s worth the effort. Quality over quantity, always. Besides, with good wine and good people, how can you not have fun?”

Michael: So for you, harvest isn’t pressure, it’s pure celebration?

Stephen: “Of course! Harvest is the best time of year. The chateau is alive, the people are smiling, the wines are being born. There’s no better time than right here, right now!”

A Reflection of Bordeaux
Stephen’s mix of humor, passion, and conviction is exactly what makes the harvest in Bordeaux so unforgettable.

Watching him and his team in action was a reminder that winemaking is as much about people as it is about grapes.

And who knows — when you join us in 2026, you might just find yourself laughing alongside Stephen.

He loves stopping in unannounced, glass in hand and cracking jokes, while the next great vintage takes shape.

I personally would love to share this experience with you.

Join us for the 2026 Harvest Tour
It can be easy to forget, but here’s the fun part: in just a couple of years, you’ll be able to taste these wines when they’ve had a little time to settle down in the bottle.

And if you’re with us on our 2026 Bordeaux Wine Experiences, you’ll be meeting the winemakers, walking the vineyards, and maybe even tasting early barrel samples of this very vintage.

That’s the dream. It’s the wine, the food, and the characters.

Sipping world-class Bordeaux where it’s made, with the people who make it.

And right now, that story is just beginning with the 2025 harvest, and it is shaping up to be beautiful.

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.